Kentucky toll tags make bridge toll payments easier for drivers using the RiverLink system in the Louisville and Southern Indiana area. RiverLink uses electronic tolling to record trips across participating bridges, with options such as a transponder and pay-by-plate billing. Knowing how Kentucky toll tags work, where RiverLink tolls apply, and how plate-based payments are handled can help drivers avoid missed payments and unexpected charges.
Kentucky toll tags are separate from license plates and vehicle registration services provided through county offices. RiverLink manages toll transactions for the participating bridges, while county treasurer offices handle certain local vehicle-related services. This page explains RiverLink transponders, pay-by-plate tolling, toll locations, payment methods, and the difference between toll services and Kentucky license plate services.
How to Get a RiverLink Toll Tag in Kentucky
A RiverLink toll tag, called a transponder, lets drivers pay Kentucky toll charges electronically through a prepaid toll account. Customers can create a RiverLink account online, add money, register their vehicle plate information, and obtain a transponder for toll payments. The vehicle plate must match the information listed on the toll account so charges can be assigned correctly. RiverLink handles toll billing and transponders; it does not issue Kentucky license plates. Vehicle registration and plate services are handled through the appropriate Kentucky county office, so a toll account does not replace your vehicle registration.
- RiverLink — How to Get a Transponder:
- https://riverlink.com/tolling-options-rates/transponder/get/
- RiverLink Toll Tag: A RiverLink toll tag is a transponder used for electronic toll payments.
- Open an Account: Customers can create a RiverLink prepaid toll account online, by phone, or through a customer service center.
- Add Funds: Money can be added to the prepaid account to cover future toll charges.
- Add Vehicle Information: Customers can register their vehicle and license plate number with the RiverLink account.
- Get the Transponder: After setting up the account, customers can request or obtain a RiverLink transponder.
- Install the Tag: The transponder is placed inside the vehicle according to RiverLink’s installation instructions.
- Toll Payment: When the vehicle uses a RiverLink toll facility, the toll charge is applied to the customer’s account.
- License Plate: RiverLink does not issue Kentucky license plates. License plates are provided through the appropriate Kentucky county vehicle-registration office.
How Kentucky Toll Tags and RiverLink Work
Kentucky toll tags are electronic devices that help drivers pay toll charges without stopping at a toll booth. The RiverLink system uses transponders to record toll transactions on participating bridges in the Louisville–Southern Indiana area. Drivers can connect a transponder with their vehicle and license plate information through a RiverLink account. This setup allows toll charges to be processed electronically based on the vehicle’s use of a tolled facility.
What Is a Toll Tag?
A Kentucky toll tag is commonly referred to as a RiverLink transponder, a small electronic device used for electronic toll collection. The device is typically mounted on the vehicle’s windshield and communicates with tolling equipment when the vehicle passes through a toll point. The system records the toll transaction and applies the applicable charge to the driver’s RiverLink account. Drivers can keep their vehicle and license plate details linked to the account so toll activity can be associated with the correct vehicle. A toll tag is separate from a Kentucky license plate and does not replace vehicle registration.
What Is RiverLink?
RiverLink is the electronic tolling system serving the Louisville, Kentucky, and Southern Indiana area. It supports electronic toll payment for vehicles using three tolled bridges connecting Kentucky and Indiana. Drivers can use a RiverLink transponder to have eligible toll charges processed electronically through their account. RiverLink also provides other payment options for drivers who receive a toll invoice. The system covers major crossings over the Ohio River and supports toll collection across the Louisville–Southern Indiana transportation network.
Where Are RiverLink Tolls Located?
Kentucky RiverLink tolls are associated with three bridges in the Louisville–Southern Indiana tolling system: the Abraham Lincoln Bridge, John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge, and Lewis and Clark Bridge. These crossings connect important routes between Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
The Abraham Lincoln Bridge carries I-65 traffic across the Ohio River, while the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge provides the opposite-direction I-65 crossing. The Lewis and Clark Bridge carries KY-841/SR 265 across the Ohio River and forms part of the regional connection between the two states. Toll charges are collected electronically through RiverLink when vehicles use these tolled crossings. Drivers should keep their vehicle and plate information current on their RiverLink account so toll transactions can be properly associated with the vehicle.
Toll Tag Options
Kentucky drivers using the RiverLink toll system can choose from different toll payment options based on how often they use the tolled bridges and whether they travel outside the local area. The main choices include a RiverLink Local Transponder, a RiverLink E-ZPass Transponder, and a prepaid RiverLink account linked to a registered license plate. Each option handles toll payments differently, so the right choice depends on travel patterns, account preferences, and the toll rates that apply to the vehicle.
RiverLink Local Transponder
The RiverLink Local Transponder is a toll tag intended for use on the local RiverLink toll facilities. Drivers can connect the transponder to a prepaid account and register their vehicle and license plate information. The device is installed on the vehicle’s windshield and communicates with toll equipment when the vehicle passes through a tolled location. For eligible local trips, using a transponder can provide the applicable RiverLink toll rate associated with that payment option. Drivers should keep their account funded and their vehicle information current to support accurate toll transactions. The local transponder is mainly suited to people who regularly use the RiverLink tolled bridges.
RiverLink E-ZPass Transponder
The RiverLink E-ZPass Transponder is useful for drivers who travel beyond the Louisville–Southern Indiana area. E-ZPass is an interoperable tolling network that allows one compatible transponder to work across participating toll facilities in multiple states. A RiverLink E-ZPass transponder can be associated with a RiverLink account and used for eligible toll roads and bridges within the E-ZPass network. This option can be convenient for people who make frequent interstate trips and want one transponder for toll payments in several states. Drivers should check the applicable toll rules and rates for each facility before traveling.
Prepaid RiverLink Account Without a Transponder
Drivers can use a prepaid RiverLink account without a physical transponder by registering their vehicle license plate with the toll account. Toll activity can then be associated with the registered plate, with charges deducted from the prepaid balance according to the applicable payment method. This option can work for drivers who prefer plate-based toll collection rather than installing a device inside the vehicle. Keeping the license plate information accurate and maintaining enough funds in the toll account helps prevent payment issues.
Which Toll Tag Option Is Best?
The best toll payment method depends on your driving habits. A frequent local traveler may prefer a RiverLink Local Transponder if it provides a lower toll rate for eligible trips. An occasional driver may prefer plate-based payment without a physical device. A multi-state traveler can benefit from an E-ZPass transponder that works across participating states. Compare the applicable toll rates, travel frequency, and account requirements before choosing an option.
How Much Does a Kentucky Toll Tag Cost?
The cost of a Kentucky toll tag depends on the RiverLink payment option you choose. A RiverLink transponder is a device used for electronic tolling, while the actual toll is a separate charge for using a tolled bridge. Drivers can connect a transponder to a prepaid toll account and use the account balance for toll payments. The toll transponder itself may have different costs or fees depending on the selected RiverLink option, while the vehicle’s bridge crossing generates the applicable toll charge. Check RiverLink’s current fee schedule before opening an account or selecting a transponder.
| RiverLink Toll Option | Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| RiverLink Local Transponder | Free | One local transponder per registered vehicle |
| RiverLink E-ZPass Transponder | $15 | Portable transponder usable across E-ZPass states |
| RiverLink Starter Kit | $3 activation fee | Local transponder + reload card; load $20–$500 at purchase |
| Prepaid Account | No transponder purchase fee for local transponder | Prepaid toll account with a local transponder |
| Toll Crossing | From $2.79 for passenger vehicles | Actual toll charge with prepaid account + transponder, effective July 1, 2026 |
Other RiverLink Payment Options
Drivers who receive a RiverLink invoice can choose from several payment methods instead of using a prepaid toll account with a transponder. RiverLink provides options for paying a toll bill online, by phone, by mail, or in person. The right payment method depends on the driver’s preference and the instructions listed on the invoice.
Pay a RiverLink Invoice Online
Online payment is a convenient way to pay a RiverLink invoice electronically. Drivers can use the information shown on their toll bill to locate the account or invoice and submit the required payment. This method can be useful for drivers who want to handle their toll payment without visiting a payment location.
Pay by Phone
RiverLink provides a phone payment option for customers who prefer to pay their toll bill over the telephone. Keep the RiverLink invoice available during the call, since the bill contains details needed to identify the toll charge and process the payment.
Pay by Mail
Drivers can send payment by mail using the instructions provided with their RiverLink invoice. Include the required payment information and send it to the address listed on the toll bill. Allow sufficient mailing time for the payment to reach RiverLink before the stated due date.
Pay in Person
In-person payment is another RiverLink payment method for eligible toll invoices. Customers can use the payment location and instructions provided by RiverLink to complete their toll payment. Check accepted payment types and location details before visiting.
RiverLink Toll Account vs Pay-by-Plate
RiverLink offers different ways to handle toll payments, and the best choice depends on how often you use the tolled bridges. A prepaid account with a transponder lets frequent drivers pay electronically from an account balance, while Pay-by-Plate uses the vehicle’s license plate to identify toll activity and send an invoice. Knowing the difference can help drivers select a payment method that fits their travel habits.
| Feature | RiverLink Prepaid Account | Pay-by-Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Method | Prepaid toll account | Toll invoice based on license plate |
| Transponder | Uses a RiverLink transponder | No physical transponder required |
| License Plate | Vehicle plate is registered with the account | Plate identifies the toll transaction |
| Account Balance | Driver maintains a prepaid balance | No prepaid balance required |
| Toll Payment | Toll is charged electronically to the account | Toll bill/invoice is issued for payment |
| Best For | Frequent RiverLink users | Occasional drivers |
| E-ZPass Option | E-ZPass-compatible transponder available | Not applicable |
| Potential Rate Benefit | May qualify for lower toll rates | Invoice rates may differ |
Vehicle Tags vs License Plates for Toll Payment
A Kentucky vehicle tag and a toll tag are two different things used for separate purposes. A Kentucky registration or license plate identifies a vehicle and shows that it is properly registered for road use. A toll transponder, such as a RiverLink transponder, is an electronic device used to process toll payments at participating toll facilities. The transponder is linked to a toll account, where vehicle and payment information can be stored. The license plate can be connected to the account so the toll system can identify the registered vehicle if needed. A toll transponder does not replace a Kentucky license plate or registration. In simple terms, the license plate provides vehicle identification, the transponder handles electronic toll collection, and the toll account manages payment information and account funds.
| Feature | Kentucky Vehicle Tag / License Plate | RiverLink Toll Tag / Transponder |
|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Identifies a registered vehicle | Processes electronic toll payments |
| Issued For | Vehicle registration and road use | RiverLink toll collection |
| Vehicle Identification | Displays the vehicle’s registration number | Links the vehicle to a RiverLink toll account |
| Physical Form | License plate attached to the vehicle | Electronic device mounted inside the windshield |
| Toll Account | Can be registered with a RiverLink account | Directly linked to the RiverLink toll account |
| Toll Transaction | Can be used for plate-based toll identification | Records toll transactions electronically |
| Invoice | May be used to identify the vehicle for an invoice | Toll is charged through the linked account |
| Kentucky Plate Required? | Kentucky plate is required only for Kentucky vehicle registration | No; RiverLink can serve vehicles with valid plates from other states |
| Primary Function | Legal vehicle identification | Electronic toll payment |
RiverLink for Rental Cars and Out-of-State Drivers
Rental car drivers can use RiverLink toll facilities, but toll billing may work differently from a personally owned vehicle. When a rental car passes through a RiverLink toll facility without a properly registered transponder, the toll invoice is sent to the rental car company because it is the registered owner of the vehicle. The rental company may then charge the renter for the tolls and may apply additional fees based on its own policy.
Drivers can ask the rental company about its toll policy before traveling. RiverLink states that renters may use their own compatible transponder if the rental company permits it. The rental vehicle should be added to the toll account with its license plate information, and the vehicle should be removed from the account after it is returned.
Out-of-State License Plates
RiverLink is not limited to Kentucky-registered vehicles. Drivers with out-of-state license plates can use the Louisville-Southern Indiana tolled bridges. If no prepaid account or transponder is used, cameras can capture the license plate, and RiverLink can send an invoice to the registered owner. This process allows toll collection from vehicles registered outside Kentucky.
Using E-ZPass With RiverLink
An E-ZPass transponder can be used on RiverLink’s Louisville-Southern Indiana tolled bridges. Drivers with an E-ZPass transponder can connect toll transactions to their applicable toll account instead of relying on a mailed invoice. RiverLink’s own E-ZPass transponder can be transferred between vehicles registered to the same RiverLink account. Drivers using a rental car should check the rental company’s policy before using a personal E-ZPass transponder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kentucky toll tags and RiverLink, including toll transponders, Pay-by-Plate payments, license plates, toll accounts, and RiverLink toll rates. These answers can help drivers understand how toll payments work, which payment options are available, and what to expect when using RiverLink toll facilities.
Does Kentucky have toll tags?
Kentucky has the RiverLink transponder, which works as a Kentucky toll tag for electronic tolling on Louisville-area tolled bridges. Drivers can choose a local RiverLink transponder for the three RiverLink bridges or an E-ZPass transponder for broader toll-road use. The transponder connects toll transactions with a prepaid RiverLink toll account.
How do I pay a toll in Kentucky without a toll tag?
You can use Kentucky Pay-by-Plate when you do not have a toll tag. RiverLink uses cameras to capture your vehicle’s license plate as it crosses a tolled bridge. The toll can then be paid through RiverLink’s Pay-by-Plate service or through an invoice sent to the registered vehicle owner.
How do I pay a RiverLink toll by plate?
To make a RiverLink Pay-by-Plate toll payment, use your vehicle plate information through the RiverLink payment service. The system uses the license plate number and registration state to identify the toll transaction. Drivers can pay an eligible toll online without installing a physical transponder in the vehicle.
Can I pay a Kentucky toll without an account?
RiverLink allows drivers to pay tolls without opening a prepaid toll account. Under the no-account option, cameras identify the vehicle through its license plate, and an invoice can be sent to the registered owner. The invoice can be paid through RiverLink’s available payment methods after the toll transaction is processed.
Is Pay-by-Plate more expensive than using a toll tag?
RiverLink’s toll rate is generally higher for drivers who do not use a prepaid account and transponder. A RiverLink transponder connected to a prepaid account qualifies for the lowest available toll rate on the local toll bridges. Pay-by-Plate remains an option for drivers who prefer plate-based toll payment without a physical tag.