Google Maps will now let you avoid pricey toll roads

If you're willing to add half an hour to your trip to avoid paying a fee, Google Maps can help you out.
By Alex Perry  on 
California toll booth

Sick of toll booths? Google Maps has your back.

In a blog post on Tuesday, Google announced a handful of small new features that could actually make a nice difference for those who use Maps for their driving commutes. First, Google will roll out tollbooth tracking for navigation in the U.S., Japan, India, and Indonesia this month. When you want to go somewhere, toll roads will be flagged and you’ll get an estimate of how much the toll will cost. Of course, you can also go into the app settings and tell Google Maps to never suggest toll roads again, if you’d rather avoid them.

Google Maps tolls
Tolls! Credit: Google

The other big addition is the presence of traffic lights and stop signs in the Google Maps app. That feature’s pretty self-explanatory and will roll out to “select countries in the coming weeks,” but Google didn’t get more specific than that. 

Google Maps stop signs
Stop signs in Google Maps. Credit: Google

Toll roads and traffic lights (sounds like a good name for an indie album) are coming to both iOS and Android, but there are also a couple of small bonuses for iOS users, once again, arriving “in the coming weeks.” You’ll be able to add a Google Maps widget to your iPhone’s home screen as well as navigate directly from an Apple Watch instead of going through an iPhone first. Not revolutionary, but handy nonetheless.

Being able to avoid toll roads will be nice. Unfortunately, Google Maps can’t make gas cheaper.

Topics Google


Recommended For You
Google Maps: A new time-saving feature is finally here
a Google Maps logo seen displayed on a smartphone screen

Users get a taste of Google's AI search results, unprompted
A screenshot of the Google Search homepage.

iOS 18: Everything single thing we know so far
Visual interpretation of iOS 18


The best VPN services of 2024, tested and reviewed
a close-up of someone using the nordvpn app on an apple macbook

More in Tech
How to watch Hellas Verona vs. Udinese online for free
Federico Bonazzoli of Hellas Verona FC celebrates after scoring

How to watch Manchester City vs. Chelsea online for free
Kyle Walker of Manchester City

How to watch Delhi Capitals vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad online for free
By Lois Mackenzie
Members of  Sunrisers Hyderabad team

How to watch IPL 2024 live streams online for free in the U.S.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Virat Kohli plays a shot

How to watch the NRL 2024 online for free in the U.S.
Taane Milne of the Rabbitohs competes

Trending on Mashable
The Cybertruck's failure is now complete
Elon Musk standing in front of a Cybertruck with two bullet marks in its windows.

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for April 20
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for April 20
a phone displaying Wordle

Tesla recalls all 3,878 Cybertrucks due to stuck accelerator pedal issue
Cybertruck at Tesla

How to watch the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix online for free
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes F1 F1 W14 during the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!