With upcoming changes to the Illinois Tollway's I-PASS system sparking questions among many Chicago-area residents, others may be wondering how far their sticker will take them on a road trip.
While the I-PASS name may be unique to Illinois, the Tollway's longtime platform is part of the E-ZPass system, which is used in over a dozen U.S. states.
The E-ZPass system is in widespread use east of the Mississippi River, with I-PASS stickers valid virtually everywhere between the Chicago area and the Atlantic Ocean.
I-Pass and E-ZPass can be used in the following states outside of Illinois:
- Delaware
- Florida
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
- West Virginia
Additionally, both I-Pass and E-ZPass are accepted in the Canadian province of Ontario. Georgia is also slated to soon join the E-ZPass system.
As far as the new stickers first made available last week, they can be purchased at oases, participating Jewel-Osco stores and the Tollway’s headquarters.
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“I-PASS Sticker Tags mark the latest advance in toll collection,” Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse said in a statement. “Sticker tags are being adopted by toll agencies across the country and by the Illinois Tollway as they provide a convenient and reliable and travel experience for our customers.”
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Unlike transponders, there will be no deposit fee, according to the Tollway. Drivers will also be able to receive multiple stickers to link to the same I-PASS account, meaning that stickers won’t have to be moved between vehicles.