State budget adds ferry tolls for Knotts Island commuters

North Carolina lawmakers ratified the 2026 budget on July 2, and the bill adds tolls to state ferry routes that are free today, including the Currituck-Knotts Island ferry.

For Currituck County families, that matters because the ferry is not a tourist perk. It is a daily link between Knotts Island and the mainland for work, school, doctor visits, errands and other routine travel. NCDOT says most state ferry routes are free today, with tolls currently limited to a few routes.

School travel is part of the debate

Reporting from WUNC and WHRO says school buses would be exempt from the new tolls. That detail matters on Knotts Island, where NCDOT says the Currituck-Knotts Island route was created for the safety and convenience of students.

WUNC also reported that the budget language points to a $150 annual commuter pass for residents of coastal counties. The bill does not list the final passenger fare, which would be set by the N.C. Department of Transportation.

What is known, and what is still open

The main facts now are straightforward: the budget was ratified, tolls were added for ferries that are currently free, and Currituck-Knotts Island is included. The budget language says tolling starts in January, but the exact fare structure and implementation details still have to be worked out by NCDOT.

For local readers, the practical issue is cost. If you live on Knotts Island, drive someone who does, or depend on the ferry for everyday travel, this could become a recurring expense that changes commute planning and household budgets. Even in Moyock, the decision is another reminder that Currituck County transportation costs can be set far beyond county lines.

What to watch next

Residents should watch for NCDOT fare notices, commuter-pass rules and final exemption guidance before the tolls take effect.

Sources

• North Carolina General Assembly — SB 257 ratified bill
• N.C. Department of Transportation — ferry ticket prices
• WUNC News — coastal ferry toll report
• WHRO News — Knotts Island ferry toll report