What the Indiana toll road bill does

Indiana's toll road bill refers to legislation that governs how tolls are collected on the Indiana Toll Road, a 157-mile highway that runs east to west across northern Indiana from the Ohio border to the Illinois border. The toll road is operated under a long-term lease agreement, and the bill sets the rules for how much drivers pay, who collects the money, and what happens to the revenue.

When you drive the Indiana Toll Road, you pay a toll based on how far you travel and what type of vehicle you're driving. The amount you owe depends on which toll plaza you enter and which one you exit. Tolls are higher for commercial trucks than for passenger cars. You can pay with cash at toll booths, or you can use an electronic toll collection system called the I-PASS, which charges your account automatically as you pass through sensors.

The bill that governs this system was passed in 2006 when Indiana leased the toll road to a private operator for 75 years. That lease agreement, and the laws that support it, determine how tolls increase over time, what services must be maintained, and how disputes between the state and the operator are resolved.

Key Takeaways

  • The Indiana Toll Road is a 157-mile highway in northern Indiana operated under a 75-year lease agreement that began in 2006.
  • Tolls vary by vehicle type and distance traveled, with commercial trucks paying significantly more than passenger cars.
  • You can pay tolls with cash at toll booths or use I-PASS, an electronic payment system that charges your account automatically.
  • Toll rates are allowed to increase each year under the lease agreement, though the increases are limited by a formula set in the original bill.
  • The toll road operator is responsible for maintenance, repairs, and customer service, while the state retains ownership of the road itself.

How tolls are calculated on the Indiana Toll Road

The amount you pay depends on two things: your vehicle type and the distance you travel between toll plazas. Indiana divides the toll road into segments, and each segment has its own toll rate. If you drive from one end of the road to the other, you pay multiple tolls as you pass through each plaza.

Passenger cars pay one rate, while commercial trucks pay a higher rate based on their axle count. A two-axle truck pays more than a car, a three-axle truck pays more than a two-axle truck, and so on. This structure is meant to distribute road maintenance costs based on the wear each vehicle type causes.

If you use I-PASS, you get a small discount compared to paying cash at the toll booth. The discount encourages drivers to use the electronic system, which speeds up traffic flow and reduces the need for toll booth staff. You can set up an I-PASS account online or at a customer service center, and you load money into the account before you drive.

Toll rate increases and how they work

The original 2006 bill included a formula that allows toll rates to increase each year. The increases are tied to inflation, which means tolls go up when the general cost of living goes up. However, the increases are capped at a maximum percentage each year, so tolls cannot jump dramatically in a single year.

The toll road operator must notify drivers of upcoming rate increases, usually several months in advance. The operator publishes the new rates on their website and at toll plazas. If you use I-PASS, you do not need to do anything—your account will straightforward be charged at the new rate the next time you drive.

The state of Indiana does not directly set toll rates. Instead, the rates are set by the private operator within the limits allowed by the lease agreement. This means the operator has some flexibility to adjust rates, but cannot raise them beyond what the formula permits.

Who operates the toll road and who gets the money

The Indiana Toll Road is operated by Indiana Toll Road Concessions Company (ITRC), a private company that leased the road from the state in 2006. ITRC collects all toll revenue and uses that money to pay for road maintenance, repairs, customer service, and their own operating costs and profit.

The state of Indiana receives an upfront payment from the lease and also receives annual payments from ITRC. However, the state does not receive the day-to-day toll revenue. This arrangement was controversial when it was first approved, because some people argued the state was giving up a valuable long-term revenue stream.

ITRC operates customer service centers where you can open or reload an I-PASS account, report problems with tolls you were charged, or ask questions about the system. You can also contact them by phone or through their website.

What happens if you don't pay a toll

If you pass through a toll plaza without paying, the toll road operator will attempt to collect the toll from you. If you paid with a credit card or license plate was captured by a camera, ITRC will send you a bill. If you do not pay the bill within a certain time period, the operator may pursue collection through the courts or report the debt to a collection agency.

Unpaid tolls can also affect your ability to renew your vehicle registration in Indiana. The state may place a hold on your registration until you pay outstanding toll debt. This is one reason it is important to pay tolls promptly or set up an I-PASS account so you do not accidentally miss a payment.

If you believe you were charged incorrectly, you can dispute the charge with ITRC. You will need to provide details about when you drove and which toll plazas you passed through. ITRC will review the charge and may issue a refund if they find an error.

Maintenance and safety responsibilities

Under the lease agreement, ITRC is responsible for maintaining the toll road in good condition. This includes repairing potholes, replacing worn pavement, maintaining bridges, clearing snow and ice in winter, and responding to accidents and emergencies. The state retains ownership of the road but delegates day-to-day maintenance to the operator.

ITRC must meet specific maintenance standards set in the lease agreement. If the road falls into disrepair, the state can require ITRC to make improvements or can impose penalties. This structure is meant to may support that drivers have a safe, well-maintained road while the operator has an incentive to keep costs down.

The toll road also has its own police force employed by ITRC. These officers patrol the road, respond to accidents, and enforce traffic laws. They work alongside Indiana State Police, who also patrol the toll road.

I-PASS and electronic toll payment

The I-PASS system is an electronic toll collection method that uses a small transponder mounted on your windshield. As you approach a toll plaza, sensors read your transponder and charge your account automatically. You do not need to stop or slow down, which makes travel faster and safer.

To use I-PASS, you open an account with ITRC, purchase a transponder, and load money into your account. You can load money online, by phone, or in person at a customer service center. When your balance gets low, you can add more money at any time. If your balance reaches zero, your account will be flagged and you will receive a bill for tolls you have driven.

I-PASS users pay a small discount compared to cash payers. The discount varies depending on your vehicle type and the toll plaza, but it is typically a few cents per toll. Over time, if you drive the toll road regularly, the discount can add up to meaningful savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use I-PASS from another state on the Indiana Toll Road?

No. The Indiana Toll Road uses its own I-PASS system, which is separate from the I-PASS systems used in Illinois and other states. You must open an Indiana I-PASS account to use electronic tolling on the Indiana Toll Road. If you have an I-PASS from another state, you will need to pay cash at toll booths or open a separate Indiana account.

What if I lose my I-PASS transponder?

Contact ITRC customer service and report the loss. They will deactivate your old transponder and issue you a new one. You may be charged a replacement fee. Until you receive your new transponder, you can pay tolls with cash at toll booths.

How do I dispute a toll charge I think is wrong?

Contact ITRC customer service with details about the date, time, and location of the toll you believe was incorrect. Provide your I-PASS account number or license plate number. ITRC will review the charge and respond within a set time period. If they find an error, they will issue a refund or credit to your account.

Do I have to pay tolls if I have a disability?

Indiana does not offer toll exemptions based on disability status on the Indiana Toll Road. However, you may be able to set up an I-PASS account in someone else's name if you cannot manage the account yourself, or you can pay cash at toll booths. Contact ITRC customer service to discuss your specific situation.

What is the most I could pay in tolls if I drive the entire length of the toll road?

The total toll for driving the entire 157-mile length of the Indiana Toll Road varies depending on your vehicle type and current toll rates. Toll rates change annually, so the exact amount changes each year. You can find current toll rates on the ITRC website or call their customer service line for a specific quote based on your vehicle type.