Wisconsinites who travel out-of-state by vehicle for work, vacations or other activities may have had to deal with highway tolls at some point. For most, it would be traveling south and using the Illinois Tollway system. People should be aware of recent changes that could affect how you travel to and through that and other states.
In recent years the Illinois Tollway eliminated cash payments altogether, limiting toll payments to online at their website or through their I-Pass (and similar E-ZPass) system using a plastic transponder which attaches to the inside of the windshield. Beginning this year, the plastic transponders will be phased out and replaced with a windshield sticker which will be read by the tollway sensors as you drive underneath. Those travelers who use the I-Pass system can still use their transponders up until they need to be replaced at which time they will receive the sticker and be asked to dispose of the transponder properly.
The new sticker system has started to be implemented in other states prompting the move by the Illinois Tollway system in a decision made last year. The change does bring one significant change to the process. A permanent sticker in the vehicle now disallows a transfer of the I-Pass between different vehicles, something the removable transponder made simple in the past. Therefore, each vehicle used will need its own toll sticker. The I-Pass will still be able to be used in conjunction with E-ZPass- enforced tollways around the country. Travelers who do not want to use I-Pass can still pay tolls by registering their license plate with the Illinois Tollway system. Of course, you may also choose to use the roads and not pay tolls at all. However, a woman recently uploaded a TikTok video warning against that.
Travelers can get the new toll sticker (or sign up for the I-Pass) at the I-Pass website.
