No I-Pass Sticker Yet? Illinois Tollway Extends The Deadline

For some Illinois drivers, it seems that saying goodbye is the hardest thing to do...when it comes to their current plastic I-Pass transponders.

I don't know how you feel about your little plastic I-Pass transponder, but I definitely have mixed feelings. One the one hand, it is a lot easier than stopping to pay cash at a tollbooth (remember when we used to be able to do that?), but on the other hand they are a real pain to keep track of, especially if you share one with your family.

And, it you're like me and refuse to velcro the transponder to your dashboard or windshield, you've probably spent more than a little time trying to find it under one of your car's seats after it went flying when you went around a corner.

Bottom line: it really doesn't matter how you feel about it, the plastic I-Pass transponder is on its way out, and the new sticker tags have been taking its place in many of our vehicles. If you haven't made the switch yet, no worries. You're getting an extension.

For Those Who Remember Hearing That You Didn't Have To Make The Switch To The I-Pass Sticker Tags From The Plastic Transponders Right Away--It's Okay, You Still Don't

However, you can if you want to, and the Illinois Tollway would be all in favor of that. Here's the thing: your current plastic transponder is still perfectly okay to use until you reach its expiration date (check the sticker on the back for the date). If you don't want to wait that long (mine expires in another 4 years), you can go ahead and make the switch right now with no problem.

Next, you might want to know where you get the stickers. For those, you can order them at getipass.com, where you can also open I-PASS accounts, register license plate numbers and pay invoices. You can also get an I-PASS sticker at Jewel-Osco stores, Road Ranger stores and Illinois Tollway customer service centers.

So, What Exactly Is Different About Today Than When The Tollway Made The Switchover To Stickers Announcement At The First Part Of This Year?

Back when the switch from plastic transponders to sticker tags was announced, the Illinois Tollway said that you could keep using your current plastic transponder until the transponder's expiration date, and that the Illinois Tollway would send you sticker tags when your transponder was due to expire.

They're still planning to do that, but to make it a bit less stressful on Illinois drivers, the Illinois Tollway just announced on their website that your transponder's expiration date has now been extended for two more years. If yours was set to expire soon, take a breath because you've got some more time with it, if you want.

NBCChicago.com:

According to the Illinois Tollway, the sticker tags will be immediately ready for use on their roadways once linked to an I-PASS account, which can be done via the Tollway's mobile app or via the Tollway's website. This process should be completed within 15 days of receiving the new sticker tag.

Illinois Tollway officials remind motorists that they should not discard their transponders into the trash, but should instead seek out a recycling location in their area, as the devices contain lithium-ion batteries.