Illinois notes

[SEWIGuy]

There is also signage right when you cross from Indiana, prior to the I-94 / IL-394 exit that clearly indicates that I-80/294 is a Tollway.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5779693,-87.5327092,3a,75y,294h,90t/data=!3m9!1e1!3m7!1s0Ejjr8kyUrDl6Ul55Zvtzw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!9m2!1b1!2i51?entry=ttu

Is it MUTCD compliant? I have no idea and I don't particularly care. Anyone who "accidently" doesn't realize that they are entering a Tollway either can't read, or is painfully unaware of their surroundings. I lack sympathy for both.

[sprjus4]

There is also signage right when you cross from Indiana, prior to the I-94 / IL-394 exit that clearly indicates that I-80/294 is a Tollway.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5779693,-87.5327092,3a,75y,294h,90t/data=!3m9!1e1!3m7!1s0Ejjr8kyUrDl6Ul55Zvtzw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!9m2!1b1!2i51?entry=ttu

Ah yes, you've provided a link to my previously mentioned big highway sign with the smallest "Tollway" text possible squeezed in there. Thank you!

[SEWIGuy]

There is also signage right when you cross from Indiana, prior to the I-94 / IL-394 exit that clearly indicates that I-80/294 is a Tollway.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5779693,-87.5327092,3a,75y,294h,90t/data=!3m9!1e1!3m7!1s0Ejjr8kyUrDl6Ul55Zvtzw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!9m2!1b1!2i51?entry=ttu

Ah yes, you've provided a link to my previously mentioned big highway sign with the smallest "Tollway" text possible squeezed in there. Thank you!

It's plenty big. Very readable. And even if they manage to miss them, they will pay a grand total of $1.10 if they are going through on I-80.

Stop making excuses for ignorant drivers.

[michiganguy123]

There is also signage right when you cross from Indiana, prior to the I-94 / IL-394 exit that clearly indicates that I-80/294 is a Tollway.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5779693,-87.5327092,3a,75y,294h,90t/data=!3m9!1e1!3m7!1s0Ejjr8kyUrDl6Ul55Zvtzw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!9m2!1b1!2i51?entry=ttu

Ah yes, you've provided a link to my previously mentioned big highway sign with the smallest "Tollway" text possible squeezed in there. Thank you!

It's plenty big. Very readable. And even if they manage to miss them, they will pay a grand total of $1.10 if they are going through on I-80.

Stop making excuses for ignorant drivers.

That's bullshit, it's more like 76 dollars for 5 miles because you don't get sent the bill in the mail.

[sprjus4]

There is also signage right when you cross from Indiana, prior to the I-94 / IL-394 exit that clearly indicates that I-80/294 is a Tollway.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5779693,-87.5327092,3a,75y,294h,90t/data=!3m9!1e1!3m7!1s0Ejjr8kyUrDl6Ul55Zvtzw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!9m2!1b1!2i51?entry=ttu

Ah yes, you've provided a link to my previously mentioned big highway sign with the smallest "Tollway" text possible squeezed in there. Thank you!

It's plenty big. Very readable.

Right... we'll act like it's not the smallest text on the entire sign.

Stop making excuses for ignorant drivers.

Nah, I don't feel like it.

[sprjus4]

There is also signage right when you cross from Indiana, prior to the I-94 / IL-394 exit that clearly indicates that I-80/294 is a Tollway.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5779693,-87.5327092,3a,75y,294h,90t/data=!3m9!1e1!3m7!1s0Ejjr8kyUrDl6Ul55Zvtzw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!9m2!1b1!2i51?entry=ttu

Ah yes, you've provided a link to my previously mentioned big highway sign with the smallest "Tollway" text possible squeezed in there. Thank you!

It's plenty big. Very readable. And even if they manage to miss them, they will pay a grand total of $1.10 if they are going through on I-80.

Stop making excuses for ignorant drivers.

That's bullshit, it's more like 76 dollars for 5 miles because you don't get sent the bill in the mail.

I think he forgot the driver may not have E-ZPass or the elephant in the room - they don't send the bill in the mail until it has a violation penalty!

[ilpt4u]

I will concede that, at all ISTHA entrance points now, before the "decision" point, there should be clear signage that ISTHA roadways are cashless tolling only, via I-Pass/E-ZPass or Pay Online. The best way to sign that, I am not sure. Not just at I-80, but I-90 and I-94 from Wisconsin, I-39/US 51 coming around the Rockford Bypass, I-94 leaving the Edens North/West, I-90 leaving the Kennedy near O'Hare, I-88 coming from the Quad Cities, and at Tollway entrances overall, especially at major Interstate junctions like 39, 55, 80, and 290

Even the Top Banner that is in use at the "original" cashless tolling exits like I-57, Balmoral, all of IL 390/Elgin-O'Hare, etc would probably work at all Tollway entrance signage now

[vdeane]

I will concede that, at all ISTHA entrance points now, before the "decision" point, there should be clear signage that ISTHA roadways are cashless tolling only, via I-Pass/E-ZPass or Pay Online. The best way to sign that, I am not sure. Not just at I-80, but I-90 and I-94 from Wisconsin, I-39/US 51 coming around the Rockford Bypass, I-94 leaving the Edens North/West, I-90 leaving the Kennedy near O'Hare, I-88 coming from the Quad Cities, and at Tollway entrances overall, especially at major Interstate junctions like 39, 55, 80, and 290

Even the Top Banner that is in use at the "original" cashless tolling exits like I-57, Balmoral, all of IL 390/Elgin-O'Hare, etc would probably work at all Tollway entrance signage now

The MassPike signage from US 20 is pretty good.

[ilpt4u]

ISTHA's version, but only signed at the "original" cashless tolling interchanges, before the full system went cashless:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/15pX1iEnDbvkrsDA7
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3qcLY7U4pwTHQH669
https://maps.app.goo.gl/S3YJUBRNtjAb3CXx6

The MassPike's version has all pertinent info, but is a bit wordy. Need a symbol for "No Cash" - perhaps a $ or a bill & coins in a "No/Prohibited" circle like a "no right turn" or "no left turn" sign?

[Revive 755]

It's plenty big. Very readable. And even if they manage to miss them, they will pay a grand total of $1.10 if they are going through on I-80.

Not when one has to focus on traffic that is heavy enough and threatening to come to an abrupt stop.

Stop making excuses for ignorant drivers.

Stop make excuses for bad, non-MUTCD compliant signing. 

[wanderer2575]

There is also signage right when you cross from Indiana, prior to the I-94 / IL-394 exit that clearly indicates that I-80/294 is a Tollway.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5779693,-87.5327092,3a,75y,294h,90t/data=!3m9!1e1!3m7!1s0Ejjr8kyUrDl6Ul55Zvtzw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!9m2!1b1!2i51?entry=ttu

Ah yes, you've provided a link to my previously mentioned big highway sign with the smallest "Tollway" text possible squeezed in there. Thank you!

It's plenty big. Very readable. And even if they manage to miss them, they will pay a grand total of $1.10 if they are going through on I-80.

Stop making excuses for ignorant drivers.

That's bullshit, it's more like 76 dollars for 5 miles because you don't get sent the bill in the mail bother looking into how to pay the toll.

FTFY.

[michiganguy123]

There is also signage right when you cross from Indiana, prior to the I-94 / IL-394 exit that clearly indicates that I-80/294 is a Tollway.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5779693,-87.5327092,3a,75y,294h,90t/data=!3m9!1e1!3m7!1s0Ejjr8kyUrDl6Ul55Zvtzw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!9m2!1b1!2i51?entry=ttu

Ah yes, you've provided a link to my previously mentioned big highway sign with the smallest "Tollway" text possible squeezed in there. Thank you!

It's plenty big. Very readable. And even if they manage to miss them, they will pay a grand total of $1.10 if they are going through on I-80.

Stop making excuses for ignorant drivers.

That's bullshit, it's more like 76 dollars for 5 miles because you don't get sent the bill in the mail bother looking into how to pay the toll.

FTFY.

Quit defending shitty unethical government practices. That is plain daylight robbery when they don't send the bill in the mail, and wait until it's past due and charge 76 dollars for 5 whole miles of roadway. Literally costs less than a dollar to send a letter. Anyone that doesn't live in Illinois would assume they would get a bill in the mail, and if they don't then the cameras didn't work.

[wanderer2575]

There is also signage right when you cross from Indiana, prior to the I-94 / IL-394 exit that clearly indicates that I-80/294 is a Tollway.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5779693,-87.5327092,3a,75y,294h,90t/data=!3m9!1e1!3m7!1s0Ejjr8kyUrDl6Ul55Zvtzw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!9m2!1b1!2i51?entry=ttu

Ah yes, you've provided a link to my previously mentioned big highway sign with the smallest "Tollway" text possible squeezed in there. Thank you!

It's plenty big. Very readable. And even if they manage to miss them, they will pay a grand total of $1.10 if they are going through on I-80.

Stop making excuses for ignorant drivers.

That's bullshit, it's more like 76 dollars for 5 miles because you don't get sent the bill in the mail bother looking into how to pay the toll.

FTFY.

Quit defending shitty unethical government practices. That is plain daylight robbery when they don't send the bill in the mail, literally costs less than a dollar to send a letter. Anyone that doesn't live in Illinois would assume they would get a bill in the mail, and if they don't then the cameras didn't work.

Quit defending lazy-assed motorists who are clearly informed they're on a tollway (spare me the "MUTCD-compliance" argument) and have no complaints while they think they're getting away with not paying the toll.

[michiganguy123]

There is also signage right when you cross from Indiana, prior to the I-94 / IL-394 exit that clearly indicates that I-80/294 is a Tollway.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5779693,-87.5327092,3a,75y,294h,90t/data=!3m9!1e1!3m7!1s0Ejjr8kyUrDl6Ul55Zvtzw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!9m2!1b1!2i51?entry=ttu

Ah yes, you've provided a link to my previously mentioned big highway sign with the smallest "Tollway" text possible squeezed in there. Thank you!

It's plenty big. Very readable. And even if they manage to miss them, they will pay a grand total of $1.10 if they are going through on I-80.

Stop making excuses for ignorant drivers.

That's bullshit, it's more like 76 dollars for 5 miles because you don't get sent the bill in the mail bother looking into how to pay the toll.

FTFY.

Quit defending shitty unethical government practices. That is plain daylight robbery when they don't send the bill in the mail, literally costs less than a dollar to send a letter. Anyone that doesn't live in Illinois would assume they would get a bill in the mail, and if they don't then the cameras didn't work.

Quit defending lazy-assed motorists who are clearly informed they're on a tollway (spare me the "MUTCD-compliance" argument) and have no complaints while they think they're getting away with not paying the toll.

Do you get a cut of the late bill profits?

[sprjus4]

There is also signage right when you cross from Indiana, prior to the I-94 / IL-394 exit that clearly indicates that I-80/294 is a Tollway.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5779693,-87.5327092,3a,75y,294h,90t/data=!3m9!1e1!3m7!1s0Ejjr8kyUrDl6Ul55Zvtzw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!9m2!1b1!2i51?entry=ttu

Ah yes, you've provided a link to my previously mentioned big highway sign with the smallest "Tollway" text possible squeezed in there. Thank you!

It's plenty big. Very readable. And even if they manage to miss them, they will pay a grand total of $1.10 if they are going through on I-80.

Stop making excuses for ignorant drivers.

That's bullshit, it's more like 76 dollars for 5 miles because you don't get sent the bill in the mail bother looking into how to pay the toll.

FTFY.

Quit defending shitty unethical government practices. That is plain daylight robbery when they don't send the bill in the mail, literally costs less than a dollar to send a letter. Anyone that doesn't live in Illinois would assume they would get a bill in the mail, and if they don't then the cameras didn't work.

Quit defending lazy-assed motorists who are clearly informed they're on a tollway (spare me the "MUTCD-compliance" argument) and have no complaints while they think they're getting away with not paying the toll.

Do you get a cut of the late bill profits?

With how strong and adamantly him and SEWIGuy have been defending it, they must have some stake 

[SEWIGuy]

It's plenty big. Very readable. And even if they manage to miss them, they will pay a grand total of $1.10 if they are going through on I-80.

Not when one has to focus on traffic that is heavy enough and threatening to come to an abrupt stop.

Stop making excuses for ignorant drivers.

Stop make excuses for bad, non-MUTCD compliant signing. 

"Non-MUTCD compliant.." 😂😂😂  It's clear and obvious.

But kudos for blaming heavy traffic. Always good for a new excuse I guess.

[SEWIGuy]

There is also signage right when you cross from Indiana, prior to the I-94 / IL-394 exit that clearly indicates that I-80/294 is a Tollway.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5779693,-87.5327092,3a,75y,294h,90t/data=!3m9!1e1!3m7!1s0Ejjr8kyUrDl6Ul55Zvtzw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!9m2!1b1!2i51?entry=ttu

Ah yes, you've provided a link to my previously mentioned big highway sign with the smallest "Tollway" text possible squeezed in there. Thank you!

It's plenty big. Very readable. And even if they manage to miss them, they will pay a grand total of $1.10 if they are going through on I-80.

Stop making excuses for ignorant drivers.

That's bullshit, it's more like 76 dollars for 5 miles because you don't get sent the bill in the mail bother looking into how to pay the toll.

FTFY.

Quit defending shitty unethical government practices. That is plain daylight robbery when they don't send the bill in the mail, literally costs less than a dollar to send a letter. Anyone that doesn't live in Illinois would assume they would get a bill in the mail, and if they don't then the cameras didn't work.

Quit defending lazy-assed motorists who are clearly informed they're on a tollway (spare me the "MUTCD-compliance" argument) and have no complaints while they think they're getting away with not paying the toll.

Do you get a cut of the late bill profits?

With how strong and adamantly him and SEWIGuy have been defending it, they must have some stake 

Nope. Just tired of ridiculous arguments. There is absolutely nothing unethical. The signing is clear and obvious. The way to pay is clear and obvious.

[sprjus4]

"Non-MUTCD compliant.." 😂😂😂  It's clear and obvious.

I agree, it is clear and obvious that it is not MUTCD-compliant 

[kphoger]

Anyone that doesn't live in Illinois would assume they would get a bill in the mail, and if they don't then the cameras didn't work.

Yes.  This.  If I inadvertently end up on a toll road (because the signage is inadequate, because I was looking the wrong way when passing by the sign, because I'm a complete idiot who shouldn't be allowed a driver's license, whatever the reason), don't encounter any toll booths where I can use cash, and then I never receive a bill in the mail, then it would be reasonable for me to assume that either (a) the camera didn't capture my license plate, or (b) the agency has no way to look up my data to send me that bill.  Either way, most people would assume they're off the hook in that situation.  I only know that's not necessarily the case because of time spend on this forum.



On a lighter note...  I remember hitchhiking from right in front of the toll basket for the on-ramp from Roosevelt Road to SB I-355, with a cardboard sign that said [WILL PAY TOLLS].  I had some change in my pocket, and I paid his toll.

Also, by the time he dropped me off at Boughton Road, he had confessed to me that he cheats on his wife.  Hitchhiking can be weird...

[SEWIGuy]

But you would get an invoice with the upcharge for paying via mail.

[vdeane]

There is also signage right when you cross from Indiana, prior to the I-94 / IL-394 exit that clearly indicates that I-80/294 is a Tollway.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5779693,-87.5327092,3a,75y,294h,90t/data=!3m9!1e1!3m7!1s0Ejjr8kyUrDl6Ul55Zvtzw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!9m2!1b1!2i51?entry=ttu

Ah yes, you've provided a link to my previously mentioned big highway sign with the smallest "Tollway" text possible squeezed in there. Thank you!

It's plenty big. Very readable. And even if they manage to miss them, they will pay a grand total of $1.10 if they are going through on I-80.

Stop making excuses for ignorant drivers.

That's bullshit, it's more like 76 dollars for 5 miles because you don't get sent the bill in the mail bother looking into how to pay the toll.

FTFY.

Quit defending shitty unethical government practices. That is plain daylight robbery when they don't send the bill in the mail, literally costs less than a dollar to send a letter. Anyone that doesn't live in Illinois would assume they would get a bill in the mail, and if they don't then the cameras didn't work.

Quit defending lazy-assed motorists who are clearly informed they're on a tollway (spare me the "MUTCD-compliance" argument) and have no complaints while they think they're getting away with not paying the toll.

Do you get a cut of the late bill profits?

With how strong and adamantly him and SEWIGuy have been defending it, they must have some stake 

I have noticed that people from the Midwest tend to have a strong response along the lines of "this is how we do things, it's just fine, and we resent you people from elsewhere telling us to change" whenever their states get any criticism (constructive or otherwise).  The whole debate about the Mackinac Bridge and E-ZPass went down the same way.

[Rothman]

Having to fumble around getting cash out of my wallet for the Mighty Mac was an eyeopeningly 20th Century experience.  Then, because it was a bunch of singles, the toll taker had to take time to count it.  What a waste.

[kphoger]

I have noticed that people from the Midwest tend to have a strong response along the lines of "this is how we do things, it's just fine, and we resent you people from elsewhere telling us to change" whenever their states get any criticism (constructive or otherwise).

Is that a Midwest thing?  I thought it was an "everywhere between the coasts" thing.

Ned Flanders — We occupy that useless mass of land between Los Angeles and New York called ... America.

[NWI_Irish96]

Should Illinois sign that stretch of I-80 better? Yes.

Is it reasonable for someone to not realize it's tolled based on the current signage? No.

There are many signs indicating you can pay with I-Pass or online, and most GPS directions note that there's a toll.

[vdeane]

Should Illinois sign that stretch of I-80 better? Yes.

Is it reasonable for someone to not realize it's tolled based on the current signage? No.

There are many signs indicating you can pay with I-Pass or online, and most GPS directions note that there's a toll.

The main ones noting how to pay are this one, on the right and easily missed if you're on the left and there are lots of trucks (which seems to be a common occurrence per street view) and these (small, lots of text, look kinda like DOT reference markers aside from the yellow).  Taking the latter and making them into a big overhead sign would be good.

As for GPS, if you're also going on the Indiana Toll Road, you could easily assume that the GPS is talking about that when it says "this route has tolls".  And presence/absence of a toll doesn't say anything about how you need to pay.  I think it's fair to say that most people aren't proactive, and that's not just with respect to driving, it's with respect to anything and everything.