Until about three years ago, there was always a sense of pain using the New York State Thruway. Getting to the interstate meant driving through toll booths. It was an understanding that either now — or later — you were going to pay.

Without those toll booths — and tickets that went away with EZ Pass — it’s easy to forget the cost. As the new year entered on Monday, higher road tolls took effect.

The base E-ZPass rate increased by 5%, representing the first toll adjustment for customers since 2010. A second 5% increase will take effect in January 2027. Standard toll rates for non-NY E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail will increase to 8.6 cents per mile for both groups by 2027.

Thruway Authority officials are quick to note that the rates will remain below the current standard rates of many other systems across the nation. They are correct.

But over the years, that same authority put up digital signs throughout the interstate that often are blank to warn of weather hazards or possible construction. Why not remind motorists — through these signs they paid for — the rates have recently been hiked?

Without the toll booths — and tickets — many drivers forget until the bill shows up.