Don't Pass the I-PASS

Here's an interesting story from my friend Angie about an experience she recently had with an I-PASS for the IL Tollway.

So unfortunately I found this out the hard way. NEVER borrow someone else's I-pass or lend yours out to someone unless your car is registered with their I-Pass device.

If you take someone's device and your car is not registered it will not take money from the I-pass account and your car is considered to be in tollway violation.

Then, the Illinois DOT will sit on it for about a year and a half, and 5 months after your last 'violation' they will send you a notice. They will not only charge you for the toll charge, but will charge you $20 per violation. So from Sept. 2006 to Dec. 2007 (28 violations in all) I now owe "The Great State of Illinois" $590.60. You have to pay within 35 days and if you don't then they tack on a ADDITIONAL $50 per violation; you do that math. YIKES!!! I just wanted to warn everyone before this happens to you or someone you know. ~ Have a good day. Angie.

Thanks for letting us know Angie! Sorry you had to learn the hard way. Ouch! That hurts the pocket book.

IF you will be using the I-PASS on several vehicles, even if you're borrowing a friends, make sure all the vehicles are registered with that I-PASS with the Illinois DOT. Angie explained to me that she was only traveling to concerts in Illinois and tried to save money with tolls and used an I-Pass not registered to her car. Opps!

Here's more information about the I-Pass.