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July 3, 2025 5 mins

This week on Mastering the Commute, we break down the truth behind modern toll systems—because gone are the days of tossing coins into a bucket. Today, toll booths are digital, invisible, and often unforgiving.

In this episode:

  • 🚗 The difference between SunPass, E-Pass, I-PASS, and E-ZPass—and why you should only use one
  • 📸 Toll-by-Plate explained: why Florida mails you a bill, while Illinois expects you to remember
  • ⚠️ My personal story of getting double-charged for tolls just for leaving both tags in the car
  • 📬 How late tolls escalate into DMV registration holds, collection fees, and legal problems
  • 🧠 The pro tools and trip hacks to avoid fines, missed payments, and confusion—especially in rentals

This episode includes practical advice for:

  • Florida drivers navigating SunPass vs. E-Pass
  • Out-of-state travelers in Illinois and the Midwest
  • People renting or borrowing cars on toll roads
  • Anyone confused by “no booth” toll zones or Pay-by-Plate programs


🔄 Nationwide/Interoperable Systems


E-ZPassUsed in 19 states, mostly in the Northeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantichttps://www.e-zpassiag.com/

SunPassFlorida’s system; also works on E-ZPass in some areashttps://www.sunpass.com/

Peach PassGeorgia toll roads; interoperable with E-ZPass and SunPasshttps://www.peachpass.com/

NC Quick PassNorth Carolina system; interoperable with E-ZPass, SunPass, Peach Passhttps://www.ncquickpass.com/

FasTrakCalifornia’s toll system; not interoperable with E-ZPasshttps://www.bayareafastrak.org/

TxTagTexas statewide system; interoperable with K-TAG and PikePasshttps://www.txtag.org/

K-TAGKansas toll roads; interoperable with TxTag and PikePasshttps://www.myktag.com/

PikePassOklahoma turnpikes; interoperable with TxTag and K-TAGhttps://www.pikepass.com/

E-PASSCentral Florida Expressway; works with SunPass and some E-ZPasshttps://www.cfxway.com/

📹 Want visual examples of Florida gantries and toll zones?
 Watch the real footage on YouTube.com/@MasteringTheCommute

🔗 Useful Links:

📩 Got a toll story? Send it to freewaytrafficexpert

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Host

Randy A Keith

Randy A Keith

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