What SunPass Pay by Plate Is
SunPass Pay by Plate is a system that lets you drive on Florida's toll roads without a transponder mounted in your vehicle. Instead, a camera reads your license plate, and you receive a bill in the mail. You do not need to set up an account beforehand or have any equipment installed — the toll authority photographs your plate and sends you an invoice.
This system exists because not everyone has a SunPass transponder, and Florida's toll roads still need a way to collect payment from those drivers. Pay by Plate is the fallback method: you drive through, the camera captures your plate, and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) or the toll authority managing that road tracks you down.
The key difference from a transponder account is that you are not choosing this service — it is what happens automatically if you drive a toll road without a transponder. You will receive an invoice by mail, usually within two to three weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Pay by Plate invoices arrive by mail two to three weeks after you drive a toll road without a transponder.
- The toll amount you pay is higher than what transponder users pay, because you are charged a processing fee in addition to the base toll.
- You can pay your invoice by mail, phone, or online through the SunPass website or your local toll authority's website.
- If you drive toll roads regularly, getting a SunPass transponder costs less over time than paying the higher per-trip fees.
How Much You Will Pay
Pay by Plate charges are higher than transponder rates. The base toll amount varies depending on which road you use and how far you travel, but a processing fee is added on top. This fee typically ranges from $0.50 to $1.50 per transaction, though the exact amount depends on the specific toll road and the toll authority managing it.
For example, if a transponder user pays $2.00 to cross a toll plaza, a Pay by Plate user might pay $2.75 or $3.00 for the same trip. The difference covers the cost of photographing your plate, processing the image, and mailing you an invoice.
If you use toll roads only occasionally, Pay by Plate is straightforward and costs less than getting a transponder you will rarely use. If you drive toll roads more than a few times a month, the cumulative processing fees make a transponder account cheaper.
How to Pay Your Invoice
When your invoice arrives, you have three main ways to pay: by mail, by phone, or online. The invoice itself will show all three options and include a payment address, a phone number, and a website.
To pay online, visit the SunPass website (sunpass.com) or the website of the specific toll authority that issued your invoice. You will need the invoice number from your bill. Payment by credit card, debit card, or bank account transfer is usually available. Online payment typically posts within one to two business days.
To pay by phone, call the number on your invoice. A representative can process your payment over the phone using a credit or debit card. To pay by mail, write a check or money order, include your invoice number, and send it to the address printed on the bill. Mail payments take longer to process — usually seven to ten business days after the post office receives it.
What Happens If You Do Not Pay
If you ignore a Pay by Plate invoice, the toll authority will send you a notice of violation. This is not the same as a traffic ticket, but it is a formal demand for payment. The notice will include a important date and instructions for paying or contesting the charge.
If you still do not pay after the violation notice, the toll authority can report the debt to a collection agency, which will contact you and may report the unpaid toll to credit bureaus. An unpaid toll can affect your credit score and make it harder to borrow money in the future. In some cases, the state can also suspend your vehicle registration or driver's license until the debt is resolved.
If you believe the charge is wrong — for example, if you were not actually driving that vehicle or if you already paid — you can contest the violation. The notice will explain how to request a hearing or submit a written dispute.
Getting a SunPass Transponder Instead
If you drive toll roads regularly, a SunPass transponder is usually cheaper than paying by plate repeatedly. A transponder is a small device you mount on your windshield that communicates with toll plazas as you drive through. Transponder users pay the base toll rate with no processing fee.
You can order a transponder through the SunPass website or by phone. There is a one-time equipment fee (usually $10 to $15), but you can set up automatic payments so tolls are deducted from a credit card or bank account. You do not have to wait for invoices in the mail.
To switch from Pay by Plate to a transponder, you straightforward order the device and mount it in your vehicle. Future tolls will be charged to your transponder account instead of your license plate. If you have an outstanding Pay by Plate invoice, you will still need to pay it separately.
Disputing a Pay by Plate Charge
If you receive an invoice you believe is incorrect, you have the right to dispute it. Common reasons for disputes include: you were not driving that vehicle, the toll amount is wrong, you already paid the toll, or the photo is unclear and does not actually show your vehicle.
To dispute a charge, contact the toll authority that issued the invoice. The notice or invoice will include instructions for filing a dispute, usually through a website form or by calling a customer service number. You may be asked to provide evidence — for example, proof that you were somewhere else when the toll was charged, or a receipt showing you already paid.
If you request a formal hearing, you will have the chance to present your case to a hearing officer. The process can take several weeks, but you will not be required to pay the disputed amount while your case is being reviewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to have a SunPass account to drive on Florida toll roads?
No. You can drive without a transponder or account. The toll authority will photograph your plate and send you an invoice by mail. However, you will pay a higher per-trip rate than transponder users.
What if I rent a car and drive a toll road?
The invoice will be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle, which is the rental company. The rental company will then bill you for the toll and any processing fees. Check your rental agreement to see how tolls are handled — some companies add their own administrative fee on top of the toll.
Can I set up a Pay by Plate account so I do not have to wait for invoices?
Pay by Plate is not an account you set up in advance — it is automatic whenever you drive a toll road without a transponder. However, you can open a SunPass account and add a transponder to avoid the higher Pay by Plate rates and the wait for invoices.
How long do I have to pay a Pay by Plate invoice?
The invoice will state a due date, typically 30 days from the date it was issued. If you do not pay by that date, you will receive a violation notice with a new important date. Paying promptly avoids late fees and collection action.
Will a Pay by Plate toll show up on my credit report?
A single unpaid toll will not when ready appear on your credit report. However, if the debt goes to a collection agency and remains unpaid, the collection account can be reported to credit bureaus and will damage your credit score.