A Kentucky E-ZPass dispute happens when a driver challenges a toll charge, fee, or violation notice from the RiverLink system. The RiverLink system manages tolls on three Ohio River bridges between Louisville, Kentucky, and Southern Indiana. These bridges include the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge, the Abraham Lincoln Bridge, and the Lewis and Clark Bridge. Drivers can file a dispute for wrong charges, transponder errors, or incorrect plate readings.
Most disputes resolve within 30 to 60 days if filed with proper evidence. Missing the dispute window can lead to extra fees, registration holds, and collection actions. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet oversees the dispute process and administrative hearings for Kentucky drivers.
What Is the Kentucky E-ZPass Dispute Process?
The Kentucky E-ZPass dispute process gives drivers a formal way to challenge toll charges they believe are wrong. RiverLink operates the toll system under agreements between Kentucky and Indiana. The process includes filing a written dispute, submitting evidence, and waiting for a written decision. If the first review fails, drivers can request an administrative hearing.
The dispute process applies to all toll scenarios. This includes missed transponder reads, duplicate charges, wrong vehicle class billing, and plate misreads. It also covers charges for vehicles that were sold, stolen, or rented.
Reasons for a Kentucky E-ZPass Dispute
Drivers file Kentucky E-ZPass disputes for several specific reasons. Each reason requires different evidence to support the claim.
Transponder Not Detected
A transponder may fail to read at the toll point even when mounted correctly. This triggers a Pay-by-Plate charge, which costs more than the E-ZPass rate. causes include windshield interference, dead batteries in battery-powered transponders, or incorrect mounting placement.
Duplicate Charges
Sometimes the system charges a driver twice for the same crossing. This happens when both the transponder and the license plate camera record the same vehicle. The driver should only pay one toll for one crossing.
Misread License Plate
Camera systems sometimes misread license plates. A 3 might look like an 8, or a B might look like an 8. The toll then gets billed to the wrong driver. Photo evidence of the correct plate clears this error.
Sold or Transferred Vehicle
If a driver sold the vehicle before the toll date, the new owner is responsible. A signed bill of sale or title transfer document proves the sale date.
Stolen Vehicle
When a vehicle is stolen, the owner is not responsible for tolls during the theft period. A police report with the theft date is required as evidence.
Rental Car Disputes
Rental agreements usually make the rental agency responsible for tolls. Learn about Delaware Locations The driver should not pay tolls charged to a rental car if the agency agreed to handle them.
Kentucky E-ZPass Dispute Timeline and Deadlines
Time limits are strict in the Kentucky E-ZPass dispute process. Missing a deadline can end the right to challenge a charge.
| Action | Deadline |
|---|---|
| File initial dispute | 60 days from notice date or toll posting |
| Request administrative hearing | 30 days from dispute denial |
| Pay original toll if dispute fails | 30 days from final decision |
The 60-day window starts on the notice date printed on the bill. Massachusetts Sign Up Account If a driver never received a first bill, the deadline starts when the charge posts to the E-ZPass account. Drivers should act fast to keep all options open.
How to File a Kentucky E-ZPass Dispute
Filing a Kentucky E-ZPass dispute requires a written form and supporting documents. RiverLink accepts disputes by mail, email, or through the online account portal.
Step 1: Get the Dispute Form
Download the Toll Dispute Form from the RiverLink website. The form asks for name, contact details, license plate number, notice number, and the reason for the dispute. Fill out every section completely. Missing fields delay processing.
Step 2: Write a Clear Explanation
The explanation section must state the problem in simple, factual terms. Include the toll date, time, location, and amount in dispute. Avoid emotional language. Stick to facts that prove the charge is wrong.
Example language: I dispute toll notice #12345 for the crossing on 10/15/2026 at 8:32 AM. My E-ZPass account #98765 was funded and linked to plate XYZ123. The transponder was mounted correctly but failed to read.
Step 3: Gather Evidence
Attach documents that support the claim. Each dispute type needs specific evidence. See the evidence table below for details.
Step 4: Submit the Dispute
Submit the form and evidence through the RiverLink account portal for fastest processing. Email or certified mail also work. Certified mail provides proof of delivery if the dispute is later disputed. The official website for filing is riverlink.com.
Evidence Needed for a Strong Dispute
Strong evidence separates successful disputes from denied ones. Ohio Benefits Help RiverLink reviews evidence before making a decision.
| Dispute Type | Required Evidence |
|---|---|
| Transponder not detected | Account screenshot showing balance, transponder number, and plate link; photo of transponder mounted on windshield |
| Misread plate | Vehicle registration showing correct plate; photo of plate |
| Sold vehicle | Signed bill of sale with date before toll |
| Stolen vehicle | Police report with theft date |
| Rental car | Rental agreement showing agency liability for tolls |
| Duplicate charge | Account history showing two charges for same crossing time and location |
Screenshots of the E-ZPass account should show the account status on the toll date. Print or save the transaction history showing the balance, transponder number, and vehicle details.
After You Submit Your Dispute
RiverLink sends a written acknowledgment within 7 to 10 business days. The review takes up to 30 days. During the review, fees and penalties do not increase on the disputed charge. This freeze stops the clock while RiverLink works the case.
Three outcomes are possible after the review:
- Dispute approved: The charge and any fees are removed. The account balance updates to reflect the removal.
- Dispute partially approved: Fees are removed, but the original toll stays. Payment is due by the new deadline.
- Dispute denied: The full charge remains. The driver can request an administrative hearing within 30 days.
Drivers should log in to the account portal to check the status. Updates post to the account before the written letter arrives.
Kentucky E-ZPass Dispute Appeals and Administrative Hearings
A denied dispute is not the final word. Massachusetts Sign Up Information Kentucky law allows drivers to request an administrative hearing through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The hearing gives a second review by a hearing officer who was not part of the first review.
Filing the Hearing Request
Download the Administrative Hearing Request Form from the RiverLink website. Submit the form within 30 days of the denial date. Attach a copy of the original dispute, the denial letter, and any new evidence. The hearing officer reviews the full packet before the hearing date.
Hearing Format
Most hearings happen by phone or video call. The driver presents the case and answers questions. The hearing officer reviews all evidence and issues a written decision within 30 days. This decision is final at the agency level.
Final Court Review
If the hearing decision goes against the driver, the next step is judicial review in Franklin Circuit Court or the appropriate county circuit court. This step requires an attorney and has strict filing deadlines. Most disputes end at the hearing stage.
Kentucky E-ZPass Dispute Phone Number and Contact
Drivers can contact RiverLink customer service for questions about the dispute process. Phone support helps with form questions, status checks, and account access issues.
RiverLink Customer Service: 1-855-748-5465
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern Time
Website: riverlink.com
Mailing Address: RiverLink, P.O. Box 7777, Louisville, KY 40257
For administrative hearing questions, contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at 502-564-4890. The cabinet oversees the hearing process for Kentucky residents.
For Indiana residents, contact the Indiana Department of Transportation at 317-232-5533.
Kentucky E-ZPass Dispute FAQ
Below are answers to common questions about the Kentucky E-ZPass dispute process. These cover deadlines, evidence, fees, and appeal options.
How long does RiverLink take to respond to a dispute?
RiverLink sends an acknowledgment within 7 to 10 business days of receiving a dispute. The full review takes up to 30 days. Complex cases with large evidence packets may take longer. Drivers can check status updates on the online account portal before the letter arrives.
Can I dispute a toll without an E-ZPass account?
Yes. Drivers without an E-ZPass account receive tolls by mail through Pay-by-Plate. The same dispute process applies. Use the notice number and plate details from the bill. Evidence like rental agreements or proof of sale still works for non-account holders.
What happens if I miss the 60-day dispute deadline?
Missing the 60-day window closes the standard dispute path. The charge becomes final, and penalties may apply. Drivers with special circumstances like military deployment or medical emergencies can request a late dispute with proof of the situation.
Will my registration be suspended during a dispute?
No. RiverLink freezes fees and penalties on disputed charges during the review. Registration holds only happen on unpaid final charges after all disputes and appeals end. Paying the original toll amount during a dispute also stops registration holds.
Do I need a lawyer for an administrative hearing?
No. Most drivers represent themselves in administrative hearings. The process is less formal than court. A lawyer helps with complex cases involving large amounts or legal technicalities, but simple disputes succeed with clear evidence and a factual presentation.
Can I dispute a toll from another state through RiverLink?
RiverLink only handles disputes for the three Ohio River bridges. Tolls from other states use their own dispute systems. E-ZPass accounts from other states work on RiverLink bridges, but the dispute process stays with the agency that issued the charge.
What toll rates apply during a dispute?
The original toll amount stays due during a dispute. Disputed fees and penalties are frozen. If the dispute fails, the driver pays the original toll plus any reinstated fees. Successful disputes remove all charges linked to the dispute.