Chicago tolls can be paid three ways: I-PASS account (automatic deduction), Tollway.com one-time payment, or cash at toll plazas

The Illinois Tollway operates most toll roads around Chicago, including I-90, I-88, I-294, and I-355. You do not have to set up an account to use these roads — you can pay cash at toll plazas or pay online after you drive. However, I-PASS is cheaper per toll and faster at booths, so most regular drivers use it.

Each method has different costs and timing. I-PASS charges less per toll than cash or pay-by-plate. Cash at a booth is the slowest option and costs the most. Pay-by-plate (paying online after you drive) falls in the middle for cost and is convenient if you do not want an account.

Key Takeaways

  • I-PASS is an electronic account that deducts toll charges automatically and costs less per toll than other methods.
  • You can pay tolls without an account by using cash at toll plazas or paying online through Tollway.com within 7 days of driving.
  • I-PASS transponders are mailed to you and take about 5 to 7 business days to arrive after you open an account.
  • Toll rates vary by vehicle type and time of day, with discounts for I-PASS users during off-peak hours.
  • If you receive a toll violation notice, you can pay the fine or dispute it through the Tollway's website.

Opening an I-PASS account and getting a transponder

To open an I-PASS account, go to ipassillinois.com, click "Open an Account," and enter your vehicle information and payment method. You will need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and a credit or debit card. The account takes a few minutes to set up online.

After you open the account, the Tollway mails a transponder (a small electronic device) to your address. This takes about 5 to 7 business days. Once it arrives, you mount it on your windshield, and tolls are deducted automatically from your account balance as you drive through toll plazas. You can add money to your account anytime through the website or the I-PASS mobile app.

I-PASS costs less per toll than cash or pay-by-plate. For example, a passenger vehicle might pay $1.50 with I-PASS during peak hours, compared to $2.50 in cash. Rates are lower during off-peak hours (typically 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays) for I-PASS users.

Paying tolls without an I-PASS account

If you do not want to open an I-PASS account, you have two options: pay cash at a toll plaza or pay online after you drive.

Cash at toll plazas: Drive to a toll booth marked for cash and hand money to the attendant. They will give you a receipt. This is the slowest method and costs the most per toll. Not all toll plazas have cash lanes, so check the Tollway website before you drive if you plan to pay this way.

Pay by plate (online after driving): Drive through a toll plaza without stopping. The Tollway photographs your license plate and sends you a bill within 7 days. You can pay through Tollway.com or wait for a paper invoice in the mail. This costs more than I-PASS but less than cash, and you do not need an account to use it.

Understanding toll rates and charges

Toll rates depend on three things: your vehicle type, the road you are using, and the time of day. Passenger cars, motorcycles, and trucks each have different rates. I-90 and I-294 have different toll structures than I-88 and I-355.

I-PASS users pay less during off-peak hours (roughly 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends), and more during peak hours. Cash and pay-by-plate users pay the same rate regardless of time of day. You can see exact rates for your vehicle and route on the Tollway website before you drive.

Some vehicles are exempt from tolls, including emergency vehicles, military vehicles with proper documentation, and certain disabled veterans. If you think you may have access to, contact the Tollway directly at 1-800-UC-IPASS to ask about exemptions.

What happens if you do not pay a toll

If you drive through a toll plaza without paying and do not have an I-PASS account, the Tollway will photograph your license plate. You will receive a toll violation notice in the mail within 30 days. The notice includes the toll amount plus a violation fee (typically $20 to $50 depending on how late you are).

You can pay the violation online through Tollway.com, by mail, or by phone at 1-800-UC-IPASS. If you believe the violation is wrong — for example, your transponder malfunctioned or you were not the driver — you can dispute it through the website. You will need to provide documentation like a police report or proof that someone else was driving your vehicle.

If you do not pay or dispute the violation, the Tollway can report it to the Illinois Secretary of State, which may affect your vehicle registration renewal.

Managing your I-PASS account

Once you have an I-PASS account, you can manage it through ipassillinois.com or the I-PASS mobile app. You can add money to your account, view your toll history, update your vehicle information, and change your payment method.

Your account balance should stay positive. If it drops below $10, the Tollway will automatically add $25 to $100 (depending on your settings) from your payment method on file. You can change this auto-replenishment amount or turn it off, but driving with a negative balance will result in violation notices.

If you sell your vehicle or change vehicles, update your account when ready. You can add multiple vehicles to one account, and each gets its own transponder. If your transponder is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can order a replacement through your account for a small fee.

Tolls for commercial vehicles and trucks

Commercial vehicles and trucks pay higher tolls than passenger cars. Rates depend on the number of axles and whether the vehicle has an I-PASS transponder. The Tollway offers commercial I-PASS accounts with the same benefits as personal accounts — lower rates and automatic deduction.

If you operate a commercial vehicle regularly on Chicago tolls, opening a commercial I-PASS account will save money. You can set it up through ipassillinois.com by selecting "Commercial Account" during registration. You will need your vehicle registration and a valid business tax ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my I-PASS from another state on Chicago tolls?

Yes, if your I-PASS is from Indiana or Ohio, it will work on Illinois Tollway roads. However, rates may differ. If you drive Chicago tolls regularly, opening an Illinois I-PASS account will give you the best rates. Out-of-state transponders may not receive off-peak discounts.

What if my I-PASS transponder stops working?

If tolls are not deducting from your account when you drive through, log into your I-PASS account and check your balance and vehicle information. If everything looks correct, the transponder may be malfunctioning. Order a replacement through your account. In the meantime, you may receive toll violation notices; contact the Tollway to explain the situation and they can often waive the violation fees once you provide proof of the replacement order.

How long does it take to get a refund if I overpay my I-PASS account?

If your account balance is positive when you close it or if you overpay, you can request a refund through ipassillinois.com. Refunds are mailed to your address on file and typically arrive within 4 to 6 weeks. You can also keep the balance in your account if you plan to use the tolls again.

Do I have to pay tolls if I take a wrong exit and need to turn around?

Yes, each time you pass through a toll plaza, you are charged. If you accidentally go the wrong way, you will be charged for that passage. There is no refund for accidental tolls, but you can contact the Tollway to explain the situation; they may make an exception in rare cases.

Can I pay Chicago tolls with a prepaid card or gift card?

I-PASS accounts accept credit cards, debit cards, and bank accounts. Most prepaid cards work if they are Visa or Mastercard branded. Gift cards typically do not work because they cannot be set up for recurring charges. Use a standard debit or credit card for the most reliable payment method.