CHICAGO, IL – The Illinois Tollway is reminding its customers that unpaid tolls can result in violation notices as the agency reinstates its violation enforcement program.
Starting in April, customers who have received multiple invoices and reminders for the same unpaid tolls will receive a notice of violation that, if ignored, will result in a $20 fine assessed on each unpaid toll. These fines will be in addition to any previously assessed invoice fees.
Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse stated that the agency will offer a one-time discount for customers with outstanding invoices and will continue its I-PASS Assist program for those who may be struggling financially and in need of additional relief. Moreover, the Illinois Tollway will no longer issue escalated $50 fines.
Since the agency’s transition to cashless tolling in 2020, the Illinois Tollway has estimated that over 6 million invoices have gone unpaid, with a growing number of customers showing repeat non-compliance. This includes more than $110 million in unpaid tolls over the past three years.
The Tollway adopted an invoicing model in March 2020 to reduce the initial impact of unpaid tolls on motorists.
The Pay By Plate service was also launched to allow customers to enter their plate and payment information for up to 14 days after travel to avoid paying any fees or fines.
The Illinois Tollway Board of Directors expanded the I-PASS Assist program, enabling income-eligible customers to receive the benefits of I-PASS. Households under 250 percent of the federal poverty level are now eligible for free transponders and invoice fee dismissals.
