NCDOT: Public Opposition Cannot Stop Knotts Island Ferry Toll

KNOTTS ISLAND, N.C. — Residents attending a September 3 state listening session can tell transportation officials how a new ferry toll should work — but they cannot persuade NCDOT to abandon the toll altogether.

The N.C. Department of Transportation confirmed that distinction Friday in written responses to questions from the Camden Tribune.

Asked whether the department has legal authority to keep the Currituck–Knotts Island route toll-free after January 1, 2027, without action from the General Assembly, NCDOT answered:

“No.”

The Tribune then asked whether the September listening sessions are intended to influence rates and implementation rather than whether tolling will occur.

“Yes, that is accurate.”

And when asked what authority NCDOT would have if residents overwhelmingly opposed tolling the Currituck–Knotts Island route, the department gave its shortest answer:

“None.”

Quick Take

• The Knotts Island ferry is scheduled to become tolled by January 1, 2027, unless state lawmakers change the law.
• Residents can still influence rates, passes, exemptions, payment methods, and implementation.
• NCDOT has not yet set the toll rate or completed several route-specific financial and traffic analyses.

What the public can still change

The toll mandate comes from Session Law 2026-41, which amended state law to require tolls on all ferry routes and directs the Ferry Division to begin collecting them no later than Jan. 1.

NCDOT says the public process now underway will help shape issues such as toll rates, payment methods, commuter passes, exemptions, eligibility requirements and terminal operations.

The September 3 Knotts Island meeting will be conducted as a drop-in session. NCDOT says comments gathered there and during the broader public-comment period will be included in the Ferry Division’s October presentation to the N.C. Board of Transportation.

But the department says it cannot independently exempt Knotts Island from the statewide mandate. Any such change would require action by the General Assembly.

What NCDOT still does not know

Although tolling is required, the amount Knotts Island passengers will pay has not been determined.

“No toll rates have been developed at this time.”

NCDOT also said its estimate of how much revenue the Currituck–Knotts Island route could generate is still being developed.

The department has not completed a route-specific analysis of whether motorists could avoid the ferry by traveling through Virginia, or how that diversion might affect ferry ridership.

Asked about impacts on residents who rely on the ferry for work, school, medical appointments, or government services, NCDOT pointed to the current public-input process, saying those concerns are being gathered as rates and implementation policies are developed.

The $150 resident pass

The law creates a $150 annual commuter pass for qualifying coastal residents and active-duty military personnel.

NCDOT confirmed the pass is tied to one vehicle for one year, meaning households using multiple vehicles would need multiple passes.

Residency is expected to be verified through state-issued identification. If a vehicle is sold, wrecked, or replaced, NCDOT says the pass can be transferred to a replacement vehicle while keeping the original expiration date.

When residents will be able to apply has not yet been determined.

The legislative question remains

NCDOT’s answers clarify what the agency can and cannot change. They do not answer how the statewide ferry-toll provision returned to the final state budget after it had disappeared from the House version.

As the Camden Tribune reported Thursday, Sen. Bobby Hanig attempted to remove the toll provision in the Senate before 25 senators voted to table his amendment.

The House later passed a budget without the statewide toll mandate, but the provision returned in the final agreement.

The Tribune has asked lawmakers involved in the process who requested or supported restoring it and will report those responses separately.

Sept. 3 listening session

Knotts Island Elementary School
413 Woodleigh Road, Knotts Island
Thursday, September 3
6–8 p.m.

The public-comment period remains open through Sept. 14. Additional information and public-input options are available through NCDOT’s ferry tolling page.

References

• N.C. Department of Transportation, written responses to Camden Tribune questions, August 21, 2026.
• North Carolina Session Law 2026-41.
• NCDOT Ferry Tolling Information.
• Camden Tribune: “N.C. Ferry Tolls: Hanig Tried to Remove Them. 25 Senators Voted to Stop the Effort.”