USA Toll Transponder Interoperability - 2025 edition

[hwyfan]

Here's the kicker: SunPass mini supposedly doesn't work in the traditional E-ZPass states (SunPass PRO does. The map can be found on the SunPass Wikipedia page or Sunpass.com). However, since this is the 4th toll plaza in a row that it's worked in either WV or IN/KY (I-65), I'd say that needs revisited. There are people on Reddit who've mentioned getting their SunPass mini billed in NJ and ME, so maybe Florida doesn't know the full extent of their interoperability???

Illinois is now only issuing sticker transponders, so it probably works just fine most everywhere now.

One interesting question.. E-ZPass discrimination was legal with "because you can have many and swap them" court decision.
Stickers cannot be removed and reapplied....

But reapplying a sticker transponder is not how they're intended to be used. The intent is that you obtain a new one. They should be free (if an agency charges for a sticker transponder then that is shitty)

I-Pass stickers are indeed free, and I've been able to order 4 stickers despite only having been tolled on one of them (no monthly fees on any of them either makes it stress free to order one for every vehicle). It was just a little annoying having to peel it off when my old vehicle finally croaked.

The point is that issuing only stickers without a transponder option violates the principle of the ruling that agencies can offer discounts to motorists using their own transponders, because it's impractical to just order a bunch of stickers and take them off whenever you visit an area offering a discount for a different transponder and apply a new one once you leave.

Just apply the new sticker to a piece of Stickershield, then you can apply and remove the Stickershield (with the transponder affixed to its non-sticky side) from the windshield as necessary.

[pderocco]

The point is that issuing only stickers without a transponder option violates the principle of the ruling that agencies can offer discounts to motorists using their own transponders, because it's impractical to just order a bunch of stickers and take them off whenever you visit an area offering a discount for a different transponder and apply a new one once you leave.

Just apply the new sticker to a piece of Stickershield, then you can apply and remove the Stickershield (with the transponder affixed to its non-sticky side) from the windshield as necessary.

Just put all of them up, and tape a bit of foil over the ones you're not using, since that will effectively short out their antennas.

[hwyfan]

The point is that issuing only stickers without a transponder option violates the principle of the ruling that agencies can offer discounts to motorists using their own transponders, because it's impractical to just order a bunch of stickers and take them off whenever you visit an area offering a discount for a different transponder and apply a new one once you leave.

Just apply the new sticker to a piece of Stickershield, then you can apply and remove the Stickershield (with the transponder affixed to its non-sticky side) from the windshield as necessary.

Just put all of them up, and tape a bit of foil over the ones you're not using, since that will effectively short out their antennas.

But if you are in a rental car and using a toll facility that only has sticker transponders - that wouldn't work as you'd have to remove the tag (and thus destroy it) when you returned the vehicle.   With Stickershield, it is possible to lift up the stickershield plastic and thus not bend and destroy the transponder mounted on it.   I've done it successfully with K-Tag stickers and Palmetto Pass stickers in rental cars. 

[pderocco]

The point is that issuing only stickers without a transponder option violates the principle of the ruling that agencies can offer discounts to motorists using their own transponders, because it's impractical to just order a bunch of stickers and take them off whenever you visit an area offering a discount for a different transponder and apply a new one once you leave.

Just apply the new sticker to a piece of Stickershield, then you can apply and remove the Stickershield (with the transponder affixed to its non-sticky side) from the windshield as necessary.

Just put all of them up, and tape a bit of foil over the ones you're not using, since that will effectively short out their antennas.

But if you are in a rental car and using a toll facility that only has sticker transponders - that wouldn't work as you'd have to remove the tag (and thus destroy it) when you returned the vehicle.   With Stickershield, it is possible to lift up the stickershield plastic and thus not bend and destroy the transponder mounted on it.   I've done it successfully with K-Tag stickers and Palmetto Pass stickers in rental cars. 

For that, you can probably also use Scotch tape.

[vdeane]

The point is that issuing only stickers without a transponder option violates the principle of the ruling that agencies can offer discounts to motorists using their own transponders, because it's impractical to just order a bunch of stickers and take them off whenever you visit an area offering a discount for a different transponder and apply a new one once you leave.

Just apply the new sticker to a piece of Stickershield, then you can apply and remove the Stickershield (with the transponder affixed to its non-sticky side) from the windshield as necessary.

Just put all of them up, and tape a bit of foil over the ones you're not using, since that will effectively short out their antennas.

But if you are in a rental car and using a toll facility that only has sticker transponders - that wouldn't work as you'd have to remove the tag (and thus destroy it) when you returned the vehicle.   With Stickershield, it is possible to lift up the stickershield plastic and thus not bend and destroy the transponder mounted on it.   I've done it successfully with K-Tag stickers and Palmetto Pass stickers in rental cars. 

For that, you can probably also use Scotch tape.

I've heard that it's not 100% reliable at saving the transponder.  Not to mention ugly AF.

[kalvado]

The point is that issuing only stickers without a transponder option violates the principle of the ruling that agencies can offer discounts to motorists using their own transponders, because it's impractical to just order a bunch of stickers and take them off whenever you visit an area offering a discount for a different transponder and apply a new one once you leave.

Just apply the new sticker to a piece of Stickershield, then you can apply and remove the Stickershield (with the transponder affixed to its non-sticky side) from the windshield as necessary.

Just put all of them up, and tape a bit of foil over the ones you're not using, since that will effectively short out their antennas.

But if you are in a rental car and using a toll facility that only has sticker transponders - that wouldn't work as you'd have to remove the tag (and thus destroy it) when you returned the vehicle.   With Stickershield, it is possible to lift up the stickershield plastic and thus not bend and destroy the transponder mounted on it.   I've done it successfully with K-Tag stickers and Palmetto Pass stickers in rental cars. 

For that, you can probably also use Scotch tape.

I've heard that it's not 100% reliable at saving the transponder.  Not to mention ugly AF.

I wonder if putting a sticker on a piece of glass and moving it around - say inserted in a picture frame - would work...

[fwydriver405]

Saw this sign that was recently installed (along with a new Maine Welcome Home / The Way Life Should Be sign in Kittery) on the Maine Turnpike northbound in York just after the welcome center listing the accepted methods of payment. Sorry for the poor dashcam quality, but the sign reads this:

PAYMENTS ACCEPTED
[E-ZPass]
[CASH] [I-Pass LeeWay] [Peach Pass]
[SunPass] [E-Pass] [NC Quick Pass]

Wonder if the Maine Turnpike intends to accept more ETC payment options in the future (as given by the empty space on the bottom), as well as how well the MeTA's equipment can read sticker transponders from agencies that issue one. The ETC equipment was replaced with a more up to date one at all tolling points across the Turnpike over the years. As far as I can tell, there is no mention about this on their website as of the writing of this message.

There was a security breach in March affecting Maine Turnpike E-ZPass customers recently, resulting in delayed transactions being posted as late as around April (link).

[I-55]

Saw this sign that was recently installed (along with a new Maine Welcome Home / The Way Life Should Be sign in Kittery) on the Maine Turnpike northbound in York just after the welcome center listing the accepted methods of payment. Sorry for the poor dashcam quality, but the sign reads this:

PAYMENTS ACCEPTED
[E-ZPass]
[CASH] [I-Pass?] [Peach Pass]
[SunPass] [E-Pass] [NC Quick Pass]

Wonder if the Maine Turnpike intends to accept more ETC payment options in the future (as given by the empty space on the bottom), as well as how well the MeTA's equipment can read sticker transponders from agencies that issue one. The ETC equipment was replaced with a more up to date one at all tolling points across the Turnpike over the years. As far as I can tell, there is no mention about this on their website as of the writing of this message.

There was a security breach in March affecting Maine Turnpike E-ZPass customers recently, resulting in delayed transactions being posted as late as around April (link).

I think the spot you guessed as I-Pass is actually LeeWay, which is one of the Florida transponders. A clearer image can be found here on Florida's Turnpike. I-Pass is typically considered to fall under the E-ZPass umbrella (as it's been intercompatible for roughly 20 years now) and isn't shown separate from E-ZPass outside of IL and IN. As for the blank space, it's probably just an "in case we add more" with no plans for immediate additions.

[ElishaGOtis]

Saw this sign that was recently installed (along with a new Maine Welcome Home / The Way Life Should Be sign in Kittery) on the Maine Turnpike northbound in York just after the welcome center listing the accepted methods of payment. Sorry for the poor dashcam quality, but the sign reads this:

PAYMENTS ACCEPTED
[E-ZPass]
[CASH] [I-Pass?] [Peach Pass]
[SunPass] [E-Pass] [NC Quick Pass]

Wonder if the Maine Turnpike intends to accept more ETC payment options in the future (as given by the empty space on the bottom), as well as how well the MeTA's equipment can read sticker transponders from agencies that issue one. The ETC equipment was replaced with a more up to date one at all tolling points across the Turnpike over the years. As far as I can tell, there is no mention about this on their website as of the writing of this message.

There was a security breach in March affecting Maine Turnpike E-ZPass customers recently, resulting in delayed transactions being posted as late as around April (link).

Did they mean to include REGULAR SunPass, E-Pass (FL), and LeeWay? I thought only the Pro and UNI worked up there. Regardless of validity, I never thought I'd see those symbols north of NC! 

On a different note, I'm wondering how much confusion this could cause for users with the OTHER E-Pass in Canada

[pderocco]

I am curious about future tolling programs that states are considering, more specifically Alabama (I-10 Bridge & Birmingham ETL) and Tennessee (Choice Lns). Is it possible they could become E-ZPass members given their proximity to other E-ZPass states?

I am curious about future tolling programs that states are considering, more specifically Alabama (I-10 Bridge & Birmingham ETL) and Tennessee (Choice Lns). Is it possible they could become E-ZPass members given their proximity to other E-ZPass states?

On that note, I found this document relating to Alabama's toll equipment specifications
https://www.dot.state.al.us/business/pdf/TollingTPs.pdf

I know this is an old document, but I just looked at it. For all the detail in that document, I don't see any mention of any radio frequency standards (although I just skimmed it). I'm curious how different the various systems are, for frequency, modulation, encryption/authentication, packet format, etc., as that could determine what systems are even possible to interoperate without just putting up more equipment on every gantry.

[ran4sh]

Saw this sign that was recently installed (along with a new Maine Welcome Home / The Way Life Should Be sign in Kittery) on the Maine Turnpike northbound in York just after the welcome center listing the accepted methods of payment. Sorry for the poor dashcam quality, but the sign reads this:

PAYMENTS ACCEPTED
[E-ZPass]
[CASH] [I-Pass?] [Peach Pass]
[SunPass] [E-Pass] [NC Quick Pass]

Wonder if the Maine Turnpike intends to accept more ETC payment options in the future (as given by the empty space on the bottom), as well as how well the MeTA's equipment can read sticker transponders from agencies that issue one. The ETC equipment was replaced with a more up to date one at all tolling points across the Turnpike over the years. As far as I can tell, there is no mention about this on their website as of the writing of this message.

There was a security breach in March affecting Maine Turnpike E-ZPass customers recently, resulting in delayed transactions being posted as late as around April (link).

Did they mean to include REGULAR SunPass, E-Pass (FL), and LeeWay? I thought only the Pro and UNI worked up there. Regardless of validity, I never thought I'd see those symbols north of NC! 

On a different note, I'm wondering how much confusion this could cause for users with the OTHER E-Pass in Canada

Legacy E-ZPass regions are supposed to accept sticker-type transponders now, so newer members such as SunPass that already mostly issue stickers, should generally be compatible, even if nothing was publicly stated/released about it. There's no reason that IL/NC/etc stickers work and FL's don't

[Sani]

So if I have a KTAG and need to drive up to Chicago in September, should I open an I-PASS account associated to my Kansas license plate before I go, or will my KTAG work on the tollways?

[ElishaGOtis]

So if I have a KTAG and need to drive up to Chicago in September, should I open an I-PASS account associated to my Kansas license plate before I go, or will my KTAG work on the tollways?

As far as I'm aware, Kansas has not joined the IAG, so even though it's a sticker, it won't work. Only SunPass would work in both KS and IL given that FDOT has a separate agreement with the central hub in addition to being an IAG member.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

[I-55]

So if I have a KTAG and need to drive up to Chicago in September, should I open an I-PASS account associated to my Kansas license plate before I go, or will my KTAG work on the tollways?

As far as I'm aware, Kansas has not joined the IAG, so even though it's a sticker, it won't work. Only SunPass would work in both KS and IL given that FDOT has a separate agreement with the central hub in addition to being an IAG member.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

Don't think your statement needs correcting. I-Pass stickers usually need 14 business days from the time of ordering to the time you receive. If traveling before this period elapses, Sani should probably register for pay by plate instead, since once I-Pass registration begins you're locked out of your account until the stickers are ready.

[fwydriver405]

I think the spot you guessed as I-Pass is actually LeeWay, which is one of the Florida transponders. A clearer image can be found here on Florida's Turnpike. I-Pass is typically considered to fall under the E-ZPass umbrella (as it's been intercompatible for roughly 20 years now) and isn't shown separate from E-ZPass outside of IL and IN.

Yeah, you may be right that might be LeeWay on that after looking at the image closely. I'll definitely have to look closely at this sign again when I return home to Maine. I have since corrected my original post to reflect this.

Did they mean to include REGULAR SunPass, E-Pass (FL), and LeeWay? I thought only the Pro and UNI worked up there. Regardless of validity, I never thought I'd see those symbols north of NC! 

On a different note, I'm wondering how much confusion this could cause for users with the OTHER E-Pass in Canada

Legacy E-ZPass regions are supposed to accept sticker-type transponders now, so newer members such as SunPass that already mostly issue stickers, should generally be compatible, even if nothing was publicly stated/released about it. There's no reason that IL/NC/etc stickers work and FL's don't

I put in an inquiry to the Maine Turnpike asking about the SunPass / LeeWay / E-Pass transponders on that sign (mentioning that only the PRO / hardcase / Uni transponders are E-ZPass interoperable) as well as well as asking about their website not mentioning the five other methods of payments accepted (only Cash and E-ZPass are listed). To be fair, NH E-ZPass and EZDrive MA also don't make any mention of this as well too on their website or on highway signage, both just mentioning that out-of-state E-ZPasses are accepted at their toll facilities.

For the record, I'm not sure if this is the only sign of its kind posted along the Turnpike. There may be one posted south of Exit 109, but I think the purpose of the Mile 4 York sign is mostly for people coming from the south from other states.

[fwydriver405]

I've been meaning to ask this for years now, but is there a difference between these two kinds of E-ZPass transponders? The Maine Turnpike used to issue transponders like the top example from like around the early 2010s (2013 or 14?) to replace the older transponder, and then sometime in 2021 or 2022, they started issuing a new transponder variant which is on the bottom. To my knowledge, NHDOT, MassDOT, and RITBA still issue the transponder on the top.

 

[vdeane]

mentioning that only the PRO / hardcase / Uni transponders are E-ZPass interoperable

That might not be true any more.  E-ZPass agencies have been upgrading their equipment to accept stickers, and Illinois has switched to issuing stickers (nearly?) exclusively.

Yeah, you may be right that might be LeeWay on that after looking at the image closely. I'll definitely have to look closely at this sign again when I return home to Maine. I have since corrected my original post to reflect this.

I have a photo of it from last week.  It's definitely LeeWay.

[jeffandnicole]

I've been meaning to ask this for years now, but is there a difference between these two kinds of E-ZPass transponders? The Maine Turnpike used to issue transponders like the top example from like around the early 2010s (2013 or 14?) to replace the older transponder, and then sometime in 2021 or 2022, they started issuing a new transponder variant which is on the bottom. To my knowledge, NHDOT, MassDOT, and RITBA still issue the transponder on the top.

 

The original EZ Pass was about the size of a cassette tape, and became more about the size of the top pic.  It still worked flawlessly among agencies.  Likely similar to here, size (or model) doesn't matter.

[kalvado]

I've been meaning to ask this for years now, but is there a difference between these two kinds of E-ZPass transponders? The Maine Turnpike used to issue transponders like the top example from like around the early 2010s (2013 or 14?) to replace the older transponder, and then sometime in 2021 or 2022, they started issuing a new transponder variant which is on the bottom. To my knowledge, NHDOT, MassDOT, and RITBA still issue the transponder on the top.

 

The original EZ Pass was about the size of a cassette tape, and became more about the size of the top pic.  It still worked flawlessly among agencies.  Likely similar to here, size (or model) doesn't matter.

If you open original one, the size is driven by a huge Li battery. Chip is, well, a chip; and on-board antenna is flat.
I don't think chip was upgraded protocol-wise since launch. But technology wise it could get lower consumption with a newer battery.