You're cruising down I-40 toward Nashville, music cranking, and suddenly the brake lights start a rhythmic, agonizing dance. It's the classic Tennessee standstill. If you’ve driven through Atlanta or Orlando lately, your first instinct is probably to look for the "Express" sign—the one that lets you buy your way out of the mess for a few bucks. But as you squint at the horizon, you realize something.
There isn't one.
Honestly, the short answer is no. As of early 2026, there are no toll roads in Tennessee. You won’t find a single toll booth, transponder reader, or "Pay by Plate" sign on any of the state's 1,200+ miles of interstate. Tennessee has long been one of the few "toll-free" holdouts in the South, a point of pride for locals who view taxes on tires and gas as the only fair way to pay for the asphalt.
But here’s the thing: that "no" is starting to have an asterisk attached to it. While you don't have to reach for your wallet today, the state is currently in the middle of a massive shift that will change how we drive through Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga over the next decade.
The Big Shift: What are Choice Lanes?
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has spent the last few years trying to figure out how to handle a population that is growing faster than the roads can keep up with. Their solution? The Transportation Modernization Act.
Basically, the state isn't building "toll roads" in the traditional sense. They aren't going to suddenly start charging you to use the I-65 or I-24 lanes you've been using for twenty years. Instead, they are introducing something called Choice Lanes.
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Think of it like the "FastPass" at Disney World, but for your commute.
These are brand-new, additional lanes that will be built alongside the existing ones. If you're in a hurry and willing to pay, you jump into the Choice Lane. If you don't want to pay, you stay in the general-purpose lanes for free, just like you do now. TDOT has been very clear that they won't take away current lanes to make this happen; they are adding capacity.
Where are the first Tennessee toll roads going to be?
If you live in Middle Tennessee, you're on the front lines. The state has already identified the most congested corridors, and the first project is already in the "commercial close" phase as we head through 2026.
I-24 Southeast (Nashville to Murfreesboro) This is the big one. This 26-mile stretch between downtown Nashville and Murfreesboro is legendary for its congestion. The plan is to add two priced Choice Lanes in each direction. TDOT expects to finalize the partnership with a private builder this year, with heavy construction slated to kick off in 2027.
I-65 (Nashville to Spring Hill) If you’ve ever tried to get from Franklin to Nashville at 8:00 AM, you know why this is next on the list. The growth in Williamson County is explosive, and the state is looking at this corridor as a prime candidate for the next set of Choice Lanes.
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Knoxville and Chattanooga East Tennessee isn't being left out. Studies are already looking at I-40 west of downtown Knoxville and the notorious bottleneck at Moccasin Bend on I-24 in Chattanooga. While these projects are further out on the timeline—think late 2020s or early 2030s—the legal groundwork is already laid.
Why now? The "Lexus Lane" Debate
You might wonder why Tennessee didn't just raise the gas tax or use some of that $3 billion surplus everyone talks about.
The reality is that road construction is incredibly expensive. We're talking hundreds of millions of dollars per mile in urban areas. By using a Public-Private Partnership (P3), the state gets a private company to pay for the construction and maintenance of these new lanes. In return, that company gets to keep a portion of the toll revenue for several decades.
It’s a polarizing topic. Some people call them "Lexus Lanes," arguing they only benefit those with deep pockets. Others argue that every car that pulls into a Choice Lane is one less car clogging up the free lanes, which helps everyone.
A few things to keep in mind about how these will work:
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- Variable Pricing: The cost won't be fixed. If the road is empty, it might be 50 cents. If it’s a Friday afternoon before a Titans game, it might be $8.00. The goal is to keep the Choice Lanes moving at 50 mph at all times.
- Transit Benefits: Public buses and emergency vehicles will likely get to use these lanes for free, which could actually make Nashville’s bus system much more reliable.
- Commercial Vehicles: There's ongoing debate about whether heavy trucks will be allowed. As of 2025, the board was looking at restrictions for certain multi-trailer trucks while allowing others for a higher fee.
Practical Advice for Drivers in 2026
If you are just passing through Tennessee today, relax. Your wallet is safe.
You do not need an E-ZPass or a SunPass to drive through Memphis, Nashville, or Knoxville right now. If you have one on your windshield from a trip to Florida or New York, it won't do anything here—and it won't be charged.
However, if you're a local, keep an eye on the orange barrels. The I-24 project between Nashville and Murfreesboro is going to be a construction zone for quite a while once it starts next year.
Next Steps for Tennessee Travelers:
- Check TDOT SmartWay: Before you head out, use the SmartWay app or website. Since we don't have toll lanes to bypass traffic yet, your best bet is real-time data to avoid accidents and construction.
- Monitor I-24 Construction Updates: If you commute between Rutherford and Davidson County, 2026 is the "calm before the storm" year. Use this time to look into carpooling or adjusted work hours before the major Choice Lane construction begins in 2027.
- Watch for New Transponders: Eventually, Tennessee will likely join a regional hub. You'll probably be able to use a common transponder that works in Georgia and North Carolina, but the state hasn't officially picked its vendor yet.
Ultimately, Tennessee is losing its "toll-free" status, but only if you choose to participate. For the budget-conscious traveler, the interstates remain wide open and free of charge—at least for as long as you're willing to sit in the traffic.