Illinois toll roads and how to pay them

Illinois has two main toll road systems: the Illinois Tollway (which operates the Chicago area highways) and the Chicago Skyway. You can pay tolls three ways — cash at toll plazas, a prepaid account called I-PASS, or a one-time toll invoice sent to your vehicle's registered address. Most drivers use I-PASS because it costs less per toll and moves faster through dedicated lanes. If you do not set up I-PASS in advance, you will pay a higher cash rate, and if you do not pay within a set time, the state will bill you.

The Illinois Tollway operates Interstate 90, Interstate 94, Interstate 88, and Illinois Route 390. The Chicago Skyway is a separate toll bridge connecting the Dan Ryan Expressway to the Indiana Toll Road. Both systems accept the same I-PASS account, so one prepaid account works on either road.

Key Takeaways

  • I-PASS is a prepaid account that costs less per toll than paying cash and lets you use faster express lanes; you can set it up online or by phone before you drive.
  • Cash payment at toll plazas is available on most Illinois Tollway routes, but costs more per toll and requires exact change or a credit card at some locations.
  • If you do not pay a toll within 30 days, the Illinois Tollway will send an invoice to your vehicle's registered owner with a late fee added.
  • Rental cars, commercial vehicles, and motorcycles have different toll rates and payment rules; check the Illinois Tollway website for your vehicle type.
  • I-PASS accounts can be set up online at illinoistollway.com or by calling 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-4727).

Setting up I-PASS before you drive

I-PASS is the Illinois Tollway's prepaid account system. You load money into your account, and the toll is deducted each time you pass through a toll plaza. The account is tied to your vehicle's license plate, so the toll is charged automatically — you do not stop or hand anything to anyone.

To set up I-PASS, go to illinoistollway.com, click "Open an Account," and enter your vehicle's license plate, state, and vehicle type. You will need a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The minimum opening balance is $25. Your I-PASS account is active when ready, though a physical I-PASS transponder (a small device you mount on your windshield) takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. You do not need the physical device to use the account — the toll is charged by license plate recognition — but having the transponder makes the system more reliable in bad weather or when your plate is obscured.

I-PASS rates are lower than cash rates. As of 2024, I-PASS tolls on the Illinois Tollway range from $0.30 to $1.50 depending on the route and distance, while cash tolls are roughly double. If your account balance drops below $10, the system will send you an email reminder. You can set up automatic replenishment so money is added to your account when the balance falls below a threshold you choose.

Paying cash at toll plazas

Most Illinois Tollway plazas still have cash lanes, though the number of cash-only lanes has shrunk as more drivers use I-PASS. Cash tolls are higher than I-PASS rates — typically $0.60 to $3.00 depending on the route. Some plazas accept exact change only; others accept credit or debit cards in addition to cash.

If you are renting a car or driving a vehicle without I-PASS, cash is your when ready option. However, if you plan to use Illinois toll roads regularly, setting up I-PASS online takes less than five minutes and saves money on every trip. If you do not have I-PASS and do not pay cash, the toll will be recorded as unpaid.

What happens if you do not pay a toll

If you pass through a toll plaza without paying and do not have an active I-PASS account, the Illinois Tollway records your vehicle's license plate. Within 30 days, the state mails an invoice to the registered owner of the vehicle. The invoice includes the original toll amount plus a $25 administrative fee for the first unpaid toll, and $10 for each additional unpaid toll on the same invoice.

If you receive an invoice, you can pay online at illinoistollway.com, by phone at 1-800-UC-IPASS, or by mail. Payment must be made within 30 days of the invoice date to avoid further penalties. If you do not pay within 60 days, the Illinois Tollway can refer the debt to a collection agency, and the unpaid toll may affect your vehicle registration renewal.

If you believe the invoice is wrong — for example, you paid cash but were not credited — contact the Illinois Tollway customer service line at 1-800-UC-IPASS with your invoice number and the date you traveled. They can review toll plaza video or payment records.

I-PASS rates for different vehicle types

Passenger cars and motorcycles are charged at the standard I-PASS rate. Commercial trucks with more than two axles are charged higher tolls based on the number of axles. Rental cars can use I-PASS if the rental company has set up an account for the vehicle, but some rental agencies charge a separate daily fee for toll use. Check your rental agreement before you drive.

Vehicles with a valid disability license plate or placard may be exempt from tolls on some Illinois Tollway routes. To determine if your vehicle qualifies, contact the Illinois Tollway at 1-800-UC-IPASS or visit illinoistollway.com and search for "disability exemption."

Chicago Skyway tolls

The Chicago Skyway is a separate toll bridge operated under a long-term lease agreement. It connects the Dan Ryan Expressway to the Indiana Toll Road and is the only toll road in Chicago proper (the Illinois Tollway routes are in the suburbs and surrounding areas). The Skyway accepts the same I-PASS account as the Illinois Tollway, so if you already have I-PASS, you can use it on the Skyway without any additional setup.

Cash payment is also available at the Skyway toll plaza. Skyway tolls are higher than Illinois Tollway tolls — I-PASS rates range from $2.50 to $5.00 depending on the time of day and vehicle type. The Skyway uses congestion pricing, meaning tolls are higher during peak hours (6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays) and lower during off-peak times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use I-PASS on rental cars?

Only if the rental company has set up I-PASS for that vehicle. Most major rental agencies offer I-PASS as an option, but some charge a daily fee ($3 to $5 per day) in addition to the toll cost. Check your rental agreement or ask the rental agent before you drive. If the rental car does not have I-PASS, you will need to pay cash or receive an invoice.

What if I drive through a toll plaza by accident?

If you did not intend to use the toll road, you can still pay the toll through the invoice process or by contacting the Illinois Tollway. There is no penalty for paying late if you have a valid reason. Call 1-800-UC-IPASS and explain the situation; they may be able to waive the administrative fee.

Do I need the physical I-PASS transponder?

No. Your account works by license plate recognition alone. The physical transponder is optional but recommended because it is more reliable in poor visibility or when your plate is dirty or obscured. If you want a transponder, request one when you open your account or contact customer service.

Can I use my I-PASS account in other states?

I-PASS works on the Indiana Toll Road and some toll roads in other Midwest states through an interoperability agreement, but it is not accepted nationwide. Check the Illinois Tollway website for a list of compatible toll systems before you travel outside Illinois.

What if my I-PASS account balance is too low to cover a toll?

The toll will still be charged, and your account balance will go negative. You will receive a notice to replenish your account. Add funds online or by phone as soon as you see the notice to avoid late fees.