Uh Oh! Forgot About Those Illinois Tolls? Don't Sweat It (Too Much)
Let's face it, we've all been there. You're cruising down the scenic (or maybe not-so-scenic) Illinois Tollway, wind in your hair (or helmet, if you're on a motorcycle), belting out classic tunes, and then... BLAM! You completely forget about that pesky toll you just whizzed by.
Hold on to your hats (or helmets), because we've all got a buddy in this situation called Pay By Plate. This nifty little system is here to save you from the tollway monster (and its wrath of late fees). But fear not, fellow traveler, for we shall conquer this together!
Here's the Deal with Pay By Plate:
The Good News: You have 14 days after your tollway adventure to hop online and settle your dues. Phew! That gives you plenty of time to dig out that forgotten coffee money (or maybe that candy bar stash).
Using Pay By Plate is a Breeze: Just head over to the Illinois Tollway website (don't worry, we won't make you navigate a maze) and find the Pay By Plate section. There, you'll be prompted to enter your license plate number, the date of your trip (or, you know, a close guesstimate), and your preferred payment method. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!
But There's Always a Catch (Well, Kinda): While Pay By Plate is a lifesaver, be prepared for a slight toll increase for using it. Think of it as a friendly reminder to get yourself an I-PASS or E-ZPass transponder next time for the smoothest (and cheapest) tollway experience.
Pro Tip: If you're the type of person who forgets things more often than they forget to breathe (no judgment!), set yourself a reminder in your phone or write it on a giant sticky note and plaster it to your dashboard. Future you will thank you!
Uh Oh! What if it's Been More Than 14 Days?
Okay, okay, so maybe you REALLY spaced on that toll. Don't panic! The Illinois Tollway folks are pretty understanding (up to a point). You'll most likely receive an invoice in the mail with the toll amount plus some extra fees. Not ideal, but better than getting your car impounded (unless you've racked up some serious toll violations, then maybe we need to have a different conversation).
The key takeaway? Pay those tolls ASAP to avoid further headaches (and fees!).
FAQ: Pay By Plate in a Nutshell
How to access Pay By Plate? Head over to the Illinois Tollway website and look for the Pay By Plate section.
How long do I have to pay a toll after using Pay By Plate? There's a grace period, but it's best to pay as soon as possible to avoid additional fees.
Is there a fee for using Pay By Plate? Yes, there's a slight increase compared to using an I-PASS or E-ZPass.
What if I forget to pay a toll and it's been more than 14 days? You'll likely receive an invoice with additional fees. Settle it quickly to avoid further problems.
Is there a way to avoid toll fees altogether? Not legally! But using an I-PASS or E-ZPass transponder offers the most convenient and cost-effective way to pay tolls.
