SunPass® is Florida’s official prepaid toll program, managed by Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise under the Florida Department of Transportation. For drivers seeking a seamless and economical way to navigate Florida’s toll roads and bridges, the Sunpass Transporter is the key. By utilizing a SunPass, motorists not only experience the convenience of electronic toll collection but also benefit from the lowest toll rates in Florida, saving an average of 25% compared to cash and TOLL-BY-PLATE options.
What is the SunPass Toll Relief Program?
Beyond the everyday savings offered by SunPass, the Toll Relief Program enhances affordability even further. Starting April 1, 2024, SunPass customers can unlock additional savings on tolls, making highway travel more budget-friendly.
For detailed information on how the Toll Relief Program can reduce your toll expenses, please click here.
How Does the SunPass Prepaid Toll Program Operate?
The SunPass Prepaid Toll Program is straightforward. It requires a one-time purchase and activation of a SunPass PRO™ Portable or a SunPass Mini™ Sticker Transponder – the physical SunPass transporter devices. Upon initial activation, a minimum prepayment of $10 is necessary to start your account. Once active and properly installed in your vehicle, the SunPass system automatically deducts toll charges from your prepaid account as you drive through SunPass-equipped toll lanes.
Alt: SunPass PRO portable transponder and SunPass Mini sticker transponder showcasing different options for electronic toll payment.
Exploring SunPass Transponder Options: PRO vs. Mini
SunPass offers two types of transponders to suit different needs and preferences: the SunPass PRO Portable and the SunPass Mini Sticker Transponder. Choosing the right SunPass transporter depends on your travel habits and vehicle type.
To determine which SunPass transporter best fits your requirements, click here for a detailed comparison.
SunPass PRO: Where Can You Use It?
The SunPass PRO transporter offers the widest coverage. It is accepted on toll roads and most bridges across Florida and extends its reach to numerous states beyond, including: Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, parts of Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Furthermore, SunPass PRO provides the added convenience of paying for parking at major Florida airports, Port Canaveral, and Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
SunPass Mini: Where Can You Use It?
The SunPass Mini transporter, while more limited than the PRO, still offers significant coverage. It functions on toll roads and most bridges within Florida, Georgia, Kansas, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and designated areas of Texas. Similar to the PRO, the SunPass Mini also enables you to use your SunPass for parking payments at key locations like Florida’s major airports, Port Canaveral, and Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Purchasing Your SunPass Transporter
Acquiring a SunPass PRO or SunPass Mini transporter is easy and convenient. You can purchase them through various channels:
- Online: Visit the SunPass website to purchase online here.
- Phone: Call 1-888-TOLL-FLA (1-888-865-5352).
- In Person: Visit a SunPass Walk-in Center.
- Retail Locations: Purchase from numerous convenient retail locations throughout Florida.
Existing E-ZPass, E-Pass Xtra, or UNI? No Need for SunPass PRO
If you already own an E-ZPass, E-Pass Xtra, or UNI transponder, there’s no need to purchase a SunPass PRO. These transponders are interoperable and function in the same states as SunPass PRO. It’s crucial to only have one active transponder in your vehicle at any time to prevent duplicate toll charges.
SunPass Transponder Costs
The SunPass transporters are affordably priced:
- SunPass PRO: $14.95 plus tax.
- SunPass Mini: $4.99 plus tax.
Both transponder types allow for electronic toll deduction from your prepaid account, offering cost savings and convenience. For more details, click here.
SunPass Toll Discount Plans
Beyond the standard 25% savings compared to cash and TOLL-BY-PLATE, SunPass provides additional discount and rebate opportunities. Explore various SunPass discount plans by clicking here.
Transponder Requirement on Florida Toll Roads
While transponders are not mandatory for driving on Florida’s toll roads, becoming a SunPass customer and using a SunPass transporter is highly recommended. It ensures you pay the lowest possible toll rates, save an average of 25% on tolls, access SunPass Plus Parking, utilize Florida’s Managed Lanes, and manage your account through user-friendly mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Installing Your SunPass Transporter
Proper installation is crucial for the SunPass transporter to function correctly. Both SunPass PRO and SunPass Mini should be mounted on the inside of your vehicle’s windshield, to the right or left of the rearview mirror. For windshields with a solar tint strip, position the transponder at least 2 inches below the strip. Note that SunPass Mini is not suitable for motorcycles; however, SunPass PRO can be used on motorcycles if properly mounted on the windshield.
Alt: Correct placement of SunPass Mini sticker transponder on a car windshield below the rearview mirror and solar tint strip for optimal toll reading.
Windshield Considerations for Specific Vehicles
Certain vehicle models may require an externally mounted transponder due to windshield properties that can interfere with electronic toll reading. Check if your vehicle requires special installation by clicking here.
Towing Boats or Trailers with SunPass
Yes, you can use your SunPass transporter when towing a boat or trailer on Florida’s toll roads. Remember to add your trailer and its tag information to your SunPass account. Tolls for the additional axles will be calculated and deducted accordingly. However, note that towing a boat or trailer is prohibited in Florida’s Managed Lanes.
For information about toll charges for vehicles with 3 or more axles outside of Florida, click here.
Driving with Multiple Transponders
To avoid duplicate charges, only one transponder should be active in your vehicle at any time. Any additional portable transponders, like SunPass PRO, should be placed in a Radio Frequency (RF) shield bag. SunPass Mini sticker transponders are designed for permanent installation and become non-functional once removed.
To report duplicate charges, submit a request through the SunPass website or mobile app, visit a Walk-in Center, or contact SunPass customer service.
Paying Cash Tolls with a SunPass Transporter
Even if you stop to pay cash at a toll booth, your SunPass transporter might still register a charge. To prevent this with a SunPass PRO, remove it and place it in an RF shield bag. SunPass Mini cannot be removed and may be charged. If paying cash while carrying a SunPass, obtain a receipt as proof of payment in case of discrepancies. Dispute any incorrect charges through the SunPass website, app, or customer service channels.
SunPass Transponder Warranty
SunPass transporters come with warranties:
- SunPass PRO: 2-year warranty from purchase date.
- SunPass Mini: 45-day warranty from purchase date.
For malfunctioning transponders within the warranty period, submit a request for replacement via the SunPass website, app, or customer service.
Reporting a Lost or Stolen Transponder
Immediately report a lost or stolen SunPass transporter to prevent unauthorized charges. Change the transponder status to Lost or Stolen via the SunPass Website, Mobile App, or by contacting customer service. You are responsible for all charges until the transponder status is updated.
Transponder Replacement Costs
Replacing a SunPass transporter involves the same cost as the initial purchase:
- SunPass PRO: $14.95 plus tax.
- SunPass Mini: $4.99 plus tax.
Update the status of your old transponder through your SunPass account when replacing it.
By understanding the features and functionalities of the SunPass transporter, drivers can optimize their travel experience on Florida’s toll roads, enjoying both convenience and cost savings.