What E-PASS Pay By Plate is and how it charges you

E-PASS Pay By Plate is a tolling system used in Illinois and Indiana that photographs your vehicle's license plate as you drive through a toll plaza, then sends you an invoice by mail. You do not need a transponder or tag mounted on your windshield. The toll authority reads your plate, looks up your vehicle registration, and bills the registered owner.

When you drive through a toll booth without an active E-PASS transponder, the system automatically captures your plate number and processes a charge. The toll amount depends on which road you used and your vehicle class (passenger car, motorcycle, truck). You will receive a bill in the mail within one to two weeks, and payment is due by the date printed on the invoice.

This system exists because not every driver has a transponder, and toll authorities need a way to collect from those vehicles. It is the default method if you do not have an E-PASS account or a transponder in your vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • E-PASS Pay By Plate charges you based on your license plate; the toll authority mails you an invoice after you pass through a toll plaza.
  • You will pay a higher per-toll rate with Pay By Plate than you would with an active E-PASS transponder account.
  • Invoices are mailed to the address on your vehicle registration, so keeping your registration current is important.
  • If you use tolled roads regularly, opening an E-PASS account with a transponder will lower your per-toll cost and eliminate mail invoices.

How much you pay with Pay By Plate versus a transponder

Pay By Plate charges are higher than transponder rates. For example, on the Illinois Tollway, a passenger vehicle might pay $2.50 per toll with Pay By Plate but only $1.50 with an active transponder. The exact difference varies by road and vehicle type, but the pattern is consistent: the toll authority charges more when you do not use a transponder.

This pricing structure encourages drivers to open an E-PASS account. If you use tolled roads more than a few times per month, the transponder rate will save you money over time, even after the cost of the transponder itself (usually $25 to $35, though promotional offers sometimes reduce this).

You can view current toll rates on the Illinois Tollway website or the Indiana Toll Road website, depending on which system you use. Both sites list rates by vehicle class and show the difference between transponder and Pay By Plate pricing.

What happens if you do not pay a Pay By Plate invoice

If you ignore a Pay By Plate invoice, the toll authority will send follow-up notices. Unpaid tolls accrue late fees and administrative charges, which can double or triple the original toll amount. In Illinois, unpaid tolls can result in vehicle registration suspension or a hold on your vehicle registration renewal.

Indiana has similar enforcement: unpaid tolls can prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration or obtaining a new one. Some toll authorities also report unpaid accounts to collection agencies, which can affect your credit.

If you receive an invoice you believe is incorrect—for example, if you had a transponder active or if the plate was misread—contact the toll authority's customer service line. Both the Illinois Tollway and Indiana Toll Road have dispute processes, though you will need to act within a specific timeframe (usually 30 to 60 days from the invoice date).

How to open an E-PASS account and switch from Pay By Plate

To stop using Pay By Plate and switch to a transponder account, you will need to open an E-PASS account online or by phone. For Illinois, visit the Illinois Tollway website and select "Open an Account." For Indiana, use the Indiana Toll Road website. You will need your vehicle registration information and a payment method (credit card or bank account).

Once your account is open, you will receive a transponder in the mail. Install it on your windshield according to the instructions. Future tolls will be charged to your account at the lower transponder rate, and you will no longer receive Pay By Plate invoices for that vehicle.

If you have an outstanding Pay By Plate balance, you can pay it through the same account setup process or by contacting customer service directly. Some toll authorities offer payment plans for large unpaid balances.

Keeping your registration current to avoid missed invoices

Pay By Plate invoices are mailed to the address on your vehicle registration. If your registration is outdated or your address has changed, you may not receive bills, which can lead to unpaid tolls and registration holds without your knowledge.

When you renew your vehicle registration or move, update your address with your state's Secretary of State or Department of Motor Vehicles. This ensures toll invoices reach you and you can pay on time. If you have moved recently and are unsure whether the toll authority has your current address, contact them directly with your plate number to verify.

Some drivers also choose to open an E-PASS account specifically to avoid the risk of missed mail invoices. With an account, you can set up email notifications and monitor your balance online instead of relying on paper bills.

Pay By Plate on different toll roads and states

E-PASS Pay By Plate is the primary system on the Illinois Tollway (which includes the Tri-State Tollway, Reagan Tollway, and Chicago Skyway) and the Indiana Toll Road. Both systems use the same basic process: photograph the plate, mail an invoice, charge a higher rate than transponder users.

If you travel to other states with toll roads—such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, or Florida—those systems may have different names (like E-ZPass or SunPass) and different payment structures. Some states allow you to set up accounts that work across multiple toll roads; others require separate accounts. If you travel tolled roads in multiple states regularly, research whether a multi-state transponder program would save you money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I dispute a Pay By Plate charge if I think my plate was misread?

Yes. Contact the toll authority's customer service within 30 to 60 days of the invoice date with your plate number and the date of the toll. Provide any evidence you have—such as proof you were not in the area or that your vehicle was not operational. The toll authority will review the photo and either dismiss the charge or confirm it.

What if I sell my vehicle—am I still responsible for Pay By Plate charges?

You are responsible for tolls incurred while you owned the vehicle. If you receive an invoice after selling the car, contact the toll authority with proof of the sale (title transfer or bill of sale). Some toll authorities will transfer the charge to the new owner if you provide their information, but this varies by state.

Will opening an E-PASS account clear my unpaid Pay By Plate balance?

No. Opening an account stops future Pay By Plate charges, but you will still owe any unpaid invoices. You can pay the balance through your new account or by contacting customer service. Some toll authorities offer payment plans if the balance is large.

Do I need a separate E-PASS account for each vehicle I own?

Yes. Each vehicle needs its own transponder and account. However, you can manage multiple accounts through one online login, and you can link them to the same payment method for convenience.

What happens if I move out of state—do I still owe unpaid Pay By Plate tolls?

Yes. The toll authority will continue to pursue unpaid balances regardless of where you live. Unpaid tolls can prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration in any state, and the debt may be reported to collection agencies. If you have unpaid tolls, contact the toll authority to set up a payment plan before moving.