Illinois E-ZPass unpaid tolls happen when a driver passes through a toll plaza without a working transponder, with an empty account, or without registering a license plate for Pay By Plate. The Illinois Tollway sends a violation notice by mail, adds late fees, and can place a hold on vehicle registration if the balance stays unpaid. This page covers every step to check, pay, dispute, and resolve unpaid tolls in Illinois.
How the Illinois Tollway System Works
The Illinois Tollway operates five toll roads: the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90), the Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-80), the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355), and the Illinois Route 390 Tollway. All toll plazas now use open road tolling with no cash booths.
Drivers pay tolls three ways in Illinois:
- I-PASS transponder: a small sticker or hard-case device mounted on the windshield that deducts tolls from a prepaid account.
- EZ-Pass from another state: works on Illinois toll roads through interstate reciprocity.
- Pay By Plate: a camera reads the license plate and bills the registered owner through the mail or online.
The official Illinois Tollway website lists current toll rates, account tools, and violation lookup options.
Why Illinois E-ZPass Unpaid Tolls Happen
Most unpaid tolls in Illinois come from one of four causes.
1. No transponder in the vehicle. A driver borrows a car, rents a car, or forgets the transponder at home. The toll system has no account to charge, so the trip becomes a violation.
2. Empty I-PASS balance. A prepaid account drops below the required minimum because a credit card expired or auto-replenish failed. The transponder still beeps but the toll posts as unpaid.
3. License plate not linked to a Pay By Plate account. Drivers who do not register their plate miss the 14-day window to pay the toll at the regular rate.
4. Out-of-state E-ZPass account issue. A driver from another state has a working EZPass, but the home account is closed, suspended, or has a bad credit card on file. The toll posts as unpaid in Illinois.
How to Check for Illinois E-ZPass Unpaid Tolls
Drivers can check unpaid tolls three ways.
Online at the Illinois Tollway Portal
Go to the unpaid tolls page on the Illinois Tollway website. Enter a license plate number or transponder ID. The system shows every toll, fee, and total balance linked to that plate or device.
By Phone
Call I-PASS customer service at 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277). A representative can look up unpaid tolls by plate number, transponder number, or account number. Phone hours run Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time.
By Mail Notice
The Illinois Tollway mails a toll violation notice to the registered owner of any vehicle that passes a toll without payment. The notice lists the date, time, plaza, toll amount, and a deadline to pay or dispute.
Illinois Tollway Violation Notice Breakdown
A violation notice includes five key pieces of data.
- Toll date and exact time the vehicle passed the plaza
- Plaza name and milepost location
- License plate number and state of issue
- Original toll amount plus any added violation fee
- Payment deadline, usually 30 days from the notice date
Paying the full amount before the deadline stops further fees. Disputing the toll in writing before the deadline pauses the clock until the Illinois Tollway reviews the case.
Illinois Toll Late Fees and Civil Penalties
The Illinois Tollway adds fees on a fixed schedule.
| Stage | Fee Added | Total Per Toll (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial unpaid toll | $0 | Original toll amount |
| First violation notice | $20 | Toll + $20 |
| Second notice (past 30 days) | $40 total violation fee | Toll + $40 |
| Final notice / collections | $50 civil penalty | Toll + $50 |
After 90 days unpaid, the account moves to the Illinois Attorney General’s office or a private collection agency. The Illinois Tollway can also place a hold on the vehicle’s registration through the Secretary of State.
How to Pay Illinois Unpaid Tolls Online
Paying online is the fastest method. The Illinois Tollway accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers.
- Open the unpaid tolls lookup page on the Illinois Tollway website.
- Enter the license plate number, state, and plate type.
- Review the list of unpaid tolls shown on screen.
- Select the tolls to pay or choose “Pay All.”
- Enter payment details and confirm the total.
- Save the confirmation number for your records.
Pay By Plate lets drivers without a transponder pay any toll within 14 days of the trip at the regular rate. After day 14, the toll converts to a violation with added fees.
How to Pay Illinois Tolls by Mail or Phone
By mail: Send a check or money order with the violation notice to the address printed on the notice. Write the notice number on the payment. Do not send cash.
By phone: Call 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277). Pay with a credit or debit card. Keep the confirmation number from the agent.
In person: Visit an I-PASS customer service center. Locations include Downers Grove, Aurora, Chicago, Joliet, and Lake Forest. Bring the notice and a photo ID.
Illinois Toll Dispute Process
Drivers can dispute a toll online, by mail, or in person if they believe the charge is wrong.
dispute reasons include:
- Vehicle was sold or transferred before the toll date
- Vehicle was stolen at the time of the toll
- Plate number was misread by the camera
- I-PASS account had a positive balance on the toll date
- Out-of-state EZPass account was charged but not posted
To dispute, file a written request through the Illinois Tollway’s dispute form or send a signed letter with supporting documents. The Tollway has 30 days to respond. During the review, late fees pause. If the Tollway denies the dispute, drivers can appeal to the Illinois Circuit Court within 35 days.
Illinois Tollway Payment Plans
The Illinois Tollway offers payment plans for drivers who cannot pay the full balance at once. Plans spread the cost over 6 to 24 months based on the total owed.
Eligibility rules:
- Account must not already be on a payment plan
- Driver must make a down payment of 10–20% of the total balance
- Driver must agree to automatic payments from a bank account or card
- Account must stay current on monthly payments
Missing a payment plan payment sends the full remaining balance to collections and removes the plan option for one year.
Out-of-State E-ZPass and Toll Reciprocity in Illinois
Illinois accepts E-ZPass from more than 20 states. The Illinois Tollway shares toll and violation data through the EZ-Pass Group reciprocity agreement. If a driver with a New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana, or other state E-ZPass misses a toll in Illinois, the violation posts to the home E-ZPass account.
Reciprocity also means unpaid Illinois tolls can follow a driver home. The Illinois Tollway reports unpaid balances to the driver’s home state EZ Pass agency, which can:
- Deduct the toll plus fees from the home account
- Block the home EZ-Pass account from use
- Refer the balance to collections in the home state
Out-of-state drivers should check their EZPass statements monthly to catch any Illinois toll charges early.
Vehicle Registration Holds and License Issues
The Illinois Tollway can ask the Illinois Secretary of State to place a hold on a vehicle’s registration when toll debt reaches the collections stage. The hold blocks the owner from renewing license plates until the debt is paid in full or a payment plan starts.
Key facts about Illinois registration holds:
- Driver’s license suspension for unpaid tolls ended in 2019 under Public Act 101-32.
- Registration holds remain active and can block plate renewal.
- Commercial vehicles face stricter enforcement and faster escalation.
- Clearing the debt removes the hold within 1–3 business days after payment posts.
Illinois Tollway Collections Process
After 90 days unpaid, the Illinois Tollway refers the debt to collections. The process has four steps.
- Final demand letter mailed to the registered owner.
- Account sent to a third-party collection agency contracted by the Illinois Tollway.
- Additional collection fees added, often 20–30% of the original balance.
- Possible referral to the Illinois Attorney General for legal action or wage garnishment on balances above $1,000.
Paying the balance directly on the Illinois Tollway website before the collection stage stops extra fees.
Open Road Tolling in Illinois
Illinois removed all cash toll booths in 2021 and switched to open road tolling. Vehicles drive at highway speed under gantries that read transponders and license plates. No more stopping, no more coin baskets, and no cash lanes.
Open road tolling benefits for drivers:
- No traffic backups at toll plazas
- No risk of miscounting coins or losing tickets
- Same toll rate as cash lanes
- Lower emissions from fewer idling vehicles
Downside: drivers without a transponder must trust Pay By Plate to catch their license plate. A misread plate or expired registration can turn a normal toll into a violation.
I-PASS vs. E-ZPass: Key Differences
I-PASS is Illinois’s EZPass brand. Both use the same RFID technology and work on the same network. The main differences come down to cost and account features.
| Feature | I-PASS | Out-of-State E-ZPass |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | Illinois Tollway | Another state’s toll agency |
| Transponder cost | $0 with prepaid balance (sticker) or $10–$15 for hard case | Varies by state |
| Monthly account fee | $0 | Some states charge $1–$3 per month |
| Discount on Illinois tolls | Yes, lowest rate | No discount; pays full Pay By Plate rate |
| Works outside Illinois | Yes, in all E-ZPass states | Yes, including Illinois |
For Illinois residents who drive only in-state, I-PASS gives the lowest toll rate and no monthly fees. Drivers who split time between Illinois and nearby states can keep one E-ZPass account and pay the standard rate on both sides.
How to Avoid Future Illinois Unpaid Tolls
Five habits prevent unpaid toll violations.
- Keep an I-PASS or EZ Pass transponder in every vehicle you drive.
- Set up auto-replenish with a valid credit card that auto-updates expiration dates.
- Check your account balance once a month through the I-PASS login portal.
- Register every license plate you own to a Pay By Plate account as a backup.
- Update your address with the DMV and the toll agency after any move.
The official I-PASS account portal at ipass.com lets drivers manage transponders, check balances, and view trip history in one place.
Illinois Tollway Customer Service Contact
Phone: 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time
Website: illinoistollway.com
Mail Payments: Illinois Tollway, P.O. Box 5544, Chicago, IL 60680
Customer Service Centers: Downers Grove, Aurora, Chicago, Joliet, Lake Forest
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois E-ZPass Unpaid Tolls
What happens if I ignore an Illinois toll violation notice?
Ignoring a violation notice adds a $20 fee after the first notice and a $50 civil penalty after the final notice. The Illinois Tollway sends the debt to collections after 90 days, which adds 20–30% in collection fees. The Tollway can also place a hold on your vehicle registration through the Secretary of State, blocking plate renewal until the balance is paid in full.
Can I pay an old Illinois toll without a violation fee?
Yes, if the toll is still within 14 days of the trip. Use Pay By Plate on the Illinois Tollway website to enter the license plate and pay at the regular toll rate. After day 14, the toll converts to a violation and the standard $20 or $50 fee applies.
Does I-PASS work in other states besides Illinois?
Yes. I-PASS works in every EZPass state across the Midwest, East Coast, and parts of the South, including Indiana, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Florida, and more than 20 other states. Tolls post to your I-PASS account at the rates set by each state’s toll agency.
Can unpaid Illinois tolls affect my credit score?
Yes, if the balance goes to collections and the collection agency reports it to a credit bureau. Most collection agencies report unpaid toll debt after 30 to 60 days. Paying the balance in full or starting a payment plan before the collection stage protects your credit report.
How long does an Illinois toll violation stay on my record?
Illinois toll violations stay on your I-PASS or EZPass account history indefinitely until paid. Once paid, the violation closes but the record of payment remains. Collection accounts from unpaid tolls can stay on a credit report for up to seven years from the date of first delinquency.
Can I dispute an Illinois toll if I was not the driver?
Yes, if you sold or transferred the vehicle before the toll date. Submit a copy of the bill of sale, title transfer, or police report (for stolen vehicles) through the Illinois Tollway dispute form. The Tollway has 30 days to review and drop the toll if the proof shows you were not the owner at the time.
Do rental car companies charge extra for Illinois tolls?
Most rental car companies charge a daily convenience fee plus the cost of each toll, often totaling $3 to $10 per tolled day. Drivers who rent cars often should check the rental agreement and consider using their own EZ Pass transponder if the rental company allows it to avoid the higher fees.