What is the place where a motorist pays the rate for traversing the expressway called?

The correct answer identifies the specific location where motorists are required to pay for the right to use an expressway. A toll plaza serves as the designated area equipped with multiple lanes and booths where drivers can stop and make their payments, either in cash or via electronic toll collection systems. This setup is designed to facilitate the efficient collection of tolls from a significant volume of vehicles.

While other terms, such as toll gate and toll center, can sometimes be used interchangeably in casual conversation, they often refer to different concepts. A toll gate generally refers to a more physical barrier that may or may not have payment facilities associated with it, often signifying the entry or exit point on an expressway. A toll center, on the other hand, is typically a broader location that might include administrative functions or support services related to toll collection, rather than the actual payment process itself. Thus, the specificity of "toll plaza" makes it the most accurate term in this context.