Tollway to resume issuing fines for drivers with unpaid tolls

Tollway to resume issuing fines for drivers with unpaid tolls

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Illinois Tollway drivers with unpaid tolls had a break from fines for several years, but they are now set to return with new modifications from the pre-pandemic fine system.

In 2020, when the pandemic lockdown kept many residents at home, the Illinois Tollway reduced late fees for tolls from $20 to $3, decreased existing debts for those with unpaid violations, and introduced a grace period that waived fines for tolls accumulated from early March to late June that year.

But starting April 1, drivers who fail to pay tolls and subsequently neglect to pay late fees could once again face additional $20 fines.

No Fee Within 14 Days

Drivers have 14 days after missing a toll to pay without any fee. After 30 days, the Tollway will send an invoice for a $3 fee for passenger vehicles or between $5 and $15 for commercial vehicles. After 90 days, the fee increases by $5 per missed toll.

Further Penalties

If the toll and fees remain unpaid after 120 days, the Tollway will issue a notice of violation and an additional $20 fine. If the toll, fines, and fees remain unpaid after 180 days, the debt will be sent to collections.

A significant change in the program is that fines will be capped at $20. Previously, the Tollway increased penalties to $50 if fines remained unpaid, but this escalation has been suspended.

For drivers who were issued fines between June 1, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2022, a six-month hold will be placed on further notices, and they will be eligible for a reduction of up to 50% on the fees they owe.

Drivers with outstanding tolls from March to June 2020 will continue to owe only the cost of the toll.

Tollway travelers can dispute violations, including through a hearing. Drivers who qualify for a Tollway assistance program and create an I-Pass account can have fees waived. The assistance program, open to households earning less than 250% of the federal poverty level, or $75,000 for a family of four, also allows drivers to receive free I-Pass transponders.

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The Tollway switched entirely to electronic and cashless tolling in 2020. According to Tollway spokesman Dan Rozek, approximately 98% of the 3 million daily toll transactions on the agency's roadways are paid.

The 2020 adjustments resulted in over $130 million in relief and cleared debt for more than 325,000 drivers, the Tollway reported. However, they also saw a "troubling trend of repeat non-compliance among an increasing number of customers," Tollway officials stated. They estimated over 6 million unpaid toll invoices—or about 2% of transactions—have gone unpaid, causing the agency to lose more than $110 million in unpaid tolls.

The Tollway expects to recover one-third of the lost money in fees, fines, and paid tolls.

sfreishtat@chicagotribune.com

Illinois Tollway decreases toll violation fines with new policies

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. (WIFR) - Customers with outstanding toll fines are urged to make payments through a reduced fine pilot program.

Starting in April, motorists with multiple unpaid toll invoices will see a final notice resulting in $20 fines on top of each invoice.

"The Illinois Tollway will no longer issue escalated $50 fines," said Cassaundra Rouse, executive director of the Illinois Tollway. "We hope every customer takes advantage of all the ways the Tollway offers to pay tolls and avoid fees."

Rouse explained that the current notification process includes several invoices with smaller fees. In addition to the $20 fine, customers will be offered a one-time discount for outstanding invoices, along with the I-PASS Assist program for financially struggling individuals who could benefit from debt relief.

Customers with toll invoices issued between June 1, 2020, and September 30, 2022, will have a six-month hold placed on notices and will be eligible for a discount of up to 50% off fees on paid invoices.

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