Attention Illinois drivers: The big I-PASS transponder in your windshield is about to change.
I-PASS transponders will be phased out, according to a statement from the Illinois Tollway. Instead, the driver will be issued his I-PASS sticker tag to place on his vehicle in the coming months.
Officials said stickers equipped with radio frequency identification (RFID) will be available at Oasis and Toll Road headquarters in late January and can be ordered online by February.
“Illinois Tollway continues to adopt new tolling technology as it evolves, and the I-PASS sticker tag represents the latest development in tolling,” said Cassandra Rouse, Illinois Tollway Executive Director. said in a statement. “Sticker tags have been adopted by toll agencies and the Illinois Tollway across the country to provide customers with a convenient, reliable and less expensive travel experience.”
Officials said 19 states participate in the E-ZPass program and the tags will work in all of them.
According to the toll booth, unlike transponders, there is no deposit fee. A driver can also receive multiple stickers that link to the same his I-PASS account, eliminating the need to move stickers between vehicles.
What if I already have a transponder?
According to officials, the current transponders will remain active until the specified expiry date.
The stickers can be used immediately on the Illinois Tollway System, but it could take up to 24 hours for them to be used on the Chicago Skyway or other states that use the E-ZPass system, officials said.