Uh Oh! Did That Tollbooth Photobomb Your Wallet? How to Check for Unpaid Illinois Tolls (and Avoid Toll Booth Troll Fees)
Let's face it, forgetting about a toll booth is easier than remembering your grocery list these days. You're cruising along, singing terribly to the radio, and bam - a blurry photo captures your car and license plate. Now you're wondering: did I just become the Illinois Tollway's newest resident (unintentionally, of course)?
Fear not, fellow forgetful traveler! Here's the down-low on how to check for unpaid tolls in Illinois, all without having to dig through your car cushions for spare change (because seriously, who even carries cash anymore?).
How Do I Check If I Owe Tolls In Illinois |
Step 1: Embrace Your Inner Sherlock Holmes
Channel your inner detective and gather some clues. Did you use an I-PASS transponder? Maybe you opted for the pay-by-plate option. Renting a car? Friend's vehicle? Knowing how you (or someone else) typically pays tolls will help narrow down your search.
Step 2: The Great Illinois Tollway Website Caper
Head on over to the Illinois Tollway's website (https://www.illinoistollway.com/), a virtual treasure trove of information (and hopefully not overdue toll notices).
QuickTip: Reading twice makes retention stronger.
Here's where your detective work comes in handy:
- I-PASS users: Log in to your account for a clear picture of your toll transactions.
- Pay-by-plate adventurers: This option allows you to look up your license plate and see if any outstanding tolls are lurking.
Pro Tip: It might take a few days for tolls to show up online, so be patient, grasshopper.
Step 3: The Invoice Inbox of Doom (or Relief)
If the website yields no incriminating evidence (yay!), you're probably in the clear. However, if you haven't paid a toll and it hasn't been 14 days yet, you might receive an invoice in the mail. Pay it promptly to avoid late fees and those pesky toll booth trolls.
QuickTip: A slow read reveals hidden insights.
But what if you DID miss a toll and it's been a while? The invoice might still be waiting for you, along with some not-so-friendly fees. The website allows you to pay these invoices online as well.
Remember: The longer you wait, the more the fees grow, so it's best to nip this in the bud asap.
FAQ: You Ask, We Answer (Quickly!)
How to check if I owe tolls in Illinois with a license plate?
QuickTip: Don’t rush through examples.
Head to the Illinois Tollway website and use the "Pay By Plate" option to look up your license plate and see any outstanding tolls.
How to pay unpaid tolls in Illinois?
You can pay online through the Illinois Tollway website using your license plate number or invoice number. They also accept payments by phone.
Tip: Write down what you learned.
How long do I have to pay an Illinois toll?
You have 14 days to pay a toll online after using a toll road without an I-PASS or pay-by-plate account.
How to avoid Illinois toll booth fees?
The best way to avoid fees is to ensure you have enough money in your I-PASS account or by setting up a pay-by-plate account before driving on a toll road.
How to fight an Illinois toll violation?
If you believe you have been wrongly charged a toll, you can dispute the invoice on the Illinois Tollway website.