Our tolls sometimes have Gates.
Up here in New England,,,Our tolls sometimes have Gates and as you found out Wayne, you will need access to the EZ Pass or they will make you pay. I have been through it.
Back when I had my Valk I had it mounted inside the fairing. All was great for years until the battery in the transponder wore out and it would not read. At Bear Mt New York Toll there is a gate and the attendant would not let me go because the EZ Pass didn't read and I could not hand it to her. had to pay. IF it is just a fly by Toll then it can read off your plate and charge automatically.
Your issue was the transponder needs to point UP towards the reader over head.