What ePass is and how it works on the Chicago Tollway

ePass is an electronic toll payment system run by the Illinois Tollway that lets you pay tolls automatically as you drive through toll plazas. Instead of stopping to hand cash to a toll collector, your account is charged each time you pass through a toll point. The system uses a small transponder mounted on your windshield that communicates with readers at each toll location.

The Illinois Tollway operates the toll roads in the Chicago area, including the Tri-State Tollway (I-94, I-90, and I-80), the Reagan Tollway (I-88), and the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355). If you drive these roads regularly or even occasionally, ePass can save you time and money compared to paying cash at each toll plaza.

Key Takeaways

  • ePass is a prepaid account system where you load money onto your account and a transponder deducts tolls automatically as you drive.
  • You can open an ePass account online at epass.cfxway.com, by phone at 1-800-UC-IPASS, or in person at Illinois Tollway customer service centers.
  • ePass users pay lower per-toll rates than drivers who pay cash, and you avoid stopping at toll plazas.
  • Your account balance can drop below zero temporarily; the Tollway will bill you for the negative balance, but your transponder will continue to work.
  • You must maintain a valid payment method on file (credit card, debit card, or bank account) so the Tollway can charge you when your balance runs low.

How to set up an ePass account

To open an ePass account, visit epass.cfxway.com and select "Create Account." You will need to provide your name, address, phone number, email, and a valid payment method. The payment method can be a credit card, debit card, or bank account information. This is how the Tollway will charge you when your prepaid balance runs low.

When you create your account online, you can choose to have a transponder mailed to you or pick one up at an Illinois Tollway customer service center. The transponder itself is free. You will also set your initial prepaid balance during account setup — most people start with $25 to $100, though you can choose any amount.

If you prefer not to set up an account online, you can call 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-4277) to open an account by phone, or visit a customer service center in person. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time. Customer service centers are located at several Illinois Tollway plazas and in the Chicago area.

How tolls are deducted from your ePass account

Each time you drive through a toll plaza with your ePass transponder, the toll amount is automatically deducted from your prepaid balance. The Tollway reads your transponder and charges your account within a few days. You will see each toll charge listed in your account history on the epass.cfxway.com website or in the mobile app.

ePass rates are lower than cash rates on the same roads. For example, a toll that costs $2.50 in cash might cost $1.80 with ePass, depending on the location and time of day. Some tolls also vary by time — rush hour tolls are higher than off-peak tolls, and ePass users pay the same variable rate as cash payers, just at a discount.

If your balance drops to zero or below, your transponder will continue to work. The Tollway will automatically charge your payment method on file to cover the negative balance and restore your account to a positive amount. This means you do not have to worry about your account running out mid-trip.

Managing your account and adding money

You can check your account balance, view your toll history, and add money to your account anytime by logging into epass.cfxway.com or using the Illinois Tollway mobile app. The app is available for iOS and Android devices and shows the same information as the website.

To add money manually, log in to your account and select "Add Funds." You can add any amount from $10 to $500 in a single transaction. If you set up automatic replenishment when you created your account, money will be added automatically whenever your balance falls below a threshold you choose — for example, $10 or $25. Automatic replenishment is optional and can be turned on or off at any time.

If you move or your payment method changes, update your account information on the website or by calling 1-800-UC-IPASS. Keeping your contact information current ensures you receive account notifications and that the Tollway can reach you if there is a problem with your transponder or payment method.

What to do if your transponder stops working

If your transponder is not being read at toll plazas, or if you see repeated toll violations on your account, the transponder may be damaged or blocked. First, check that the transponder is mounted correctly on your windshield — it should be placed on the driver's side, in the upper corner, and not covered by window tint or reflective film.

If the transponder appears to be mounted correctly but tolls are still not being deducted, contact the Illinois Tollway customer service line at 1-800-UC-IPASS. They can test your transponder remotely and send you a replacement if needed. Replacement transponders are free. Do not remove the transponder from your windshield yourself — the Tollway will provide instructions for safe removal if you need to replace it.

If you see toll violations on your account — charges for passing through a toll plaza without being read — contact customer service when ready. Violations can result in additional fees, but the Tollway may waive them if you can show that your transponder was malfunctioning.

Using ePass in other states

ePass is specific to the Illinois Tollway system and works only on toll roads in the Chicago area. If you drive toll roads in other states, you will need to use that state's toll payment system. For example, Indiana uses the I-PASS system (which is related to ePass but separate), and other states have their own systems.

Some toll roads in other states accept cash payment at toll plazas, while others require an electronic account. Before driving toll roads outside Illinois, check the website of the toll authority in that state to understand what payment methods are accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use someone else's ePass transponder in my car?

No. The transponder is registered to a specific account and vehicle. If you are caught using someone else's transponder, you may face toll violations and additional fees. Each driver or vehicle owner should have their own ePass account and transponder.

What happens if I lose my transponder?

Contact the Illinois Tollway at 1-800-UC-IPASS to report it lost. They will deactivate the old transponder so it cannot be used fraudulently and will mail you a replacement at no charge. Until you receive the replacement, you can pay tolls with cash at toll plazas, though you will pay the higher cash rate.

Can I get a refund if I move out of Illinois?

Yes. If you close your ePass account, any remaining prepaid balance will be refunded to the payment method you have on file. Contact customer service to close your account, and the refund will be processed within two to three weeks.

Do I have to use ePass, or can I still pay cash?

You can still pay cash at most toll plazas on the Illinois Tollway. However, ePass rates are significantly lower than cash rates, and you save time by not stopping. If you drive these roads more than a few times a year, ePass usually saves money.

What if my payment method is declined?

If the Tollway cannot charge your payment method when your balance runs low, your account will go into arrears. You will receive a notice by mail asking you to update your payment information or add funds manually. If you do not respond, the Tollway may refer the debt to a collection agency.