A small device called a ‘SunPass Transponder’ or ‘SunPass Mini Sticker Transponder’ attaches to the inside of the car windscreen just below the rear view mirror.  This transponder communicates with the toll plaza reading equipment via radio frequency.  As the car goes through a SunPass equipped lane, toll charges are electronically deducted from the user’s prepaid toll account.

The SunPass system is used to provide a safe state turnpike system, reduce traffic congestion and air pollution by providing a convenient and efficient electronic payment system for Florida residents.  Users must notify SunPass of any change in vehicle, vehicle registration or licence plate.  More than one vehicle can be registered on a user’s pre-paid account, as can more than one transponder.

A SunPass Portable transponder, is available online at www.SunPass.com and at all authorized SunPass retailers.  It cost $25 plus tax. A silver radio frequency shield bag is also supplied when a portable transponder is purchased, so that if the user decides to pay cash at the toll booth, the transponder will not be read when placed in this bag.

A SunPass Mini Sticker transponder is only available at authorized SunPass retailers.  This costs $4.99 plus tax.  The Mini Sticker transponders can not be transferred between vehicles as removal from the windscreen renders it useless

Both transponders allow motorists to have tolls electronically deducted from a prepaid account.  The minimum opening balance for a personal account for either transponder is $10.00

The benefit of using SunPass is that, as well as being a well-organized method of collecting tolls, SunPass customers pay less than cash paying customers.

Violations:

If the transponder is not in the vehicle as it passes through a SunPass lane.

If the transponder is not mounted on the windscreen, unless there is metallic oxide in the windscreen, which will necessitate it being mounted elsewhere.

Pre-Paid Limit Low:

The portable transponder will give out a series of tones: high-low-high-low.  The Mini Sticker transponder has to be checked at www.Sunpass.com ;this method can also be used by the portable transponder.

Payment on line takes up to 2 days to update the transponder, 3 days by payment at a Wachovia bank, or 7 days by post.