SunPass ???s for FL toll roads

[pumpkinboy]

OK, so I know it will cost me $25 just for the transponder, but I am seriously considering getting SunPass to save time and money driving Florida toll roads. We head to Orlando or elsewhere in Florida at least twice a year, and even in a cab or shuttle, I wouldn't mind taking the no stopping lane. In January in particular, we will already be in Miami Beach, and then driving the Florida Turnpike north to Vero then on to WDW, so lots of tolls in between (we prefer the Turnpike since we have less competition from trucks than we do on I95, plus it's faster).

The big question is, do you have to have a local car attached to your SunPass, or can you use them in taxis or rental cars?

Thx for any enlightenment on this issue.

 

[DebbieB]

You do have to list vehicle information on the application:

http://www.sunpass.com/

I have a friend who lives west of Orlando and she occasionally gets letters when her transponder did not work and the camera picked up her license plate # as a toll jumper.

 

[ducklite]

We've used ours on both our personal vehicles and rentals with no problem.

Anne

 

[safetymom]

You are supposed to have your vehicles listed in your profile. If for some reason the sensor doesn't see your transponder they can see it in your profile and you won't get charged the fine.

 

[pumpkinboy]

Thx for the info folks. I have a query in to the SunPass folks too, but they are away for the weekend; but I'll pass on the official word once they respond.

It is sounding like this will be feasible, and that perhaps I should just attach the membership to our own vehicle, then when we rent a car in FL, hop onto the laptop and add the license plate # of the rental car (then remove it once we're home - I think I saw where you could do that), just to be on the safe side.

I doubt they will have any objection since we're shelling out $25 just for the transponder, another $25 in pre-paid tolls (which we might not use up in the first year), plus we save them congestion at the tollgates.

We're getting APs next month, and have at least 4 trips planned for the upcoming 12 months. Mainly, I just like the time savings. I expect the $ savings get balanced out by the fact that they have my money to use as long as it takes me to use up the pre-paid amount. We have both the Mass equivalent of EZ Pass, plus the transponder for the Maine Turnpike, and we love blowing by the tollgates.

 

[cranbiz]

Wouldn't it be nice is the different Florida e-tolls would get in with ez-pass?

I just did a down and back to FL a week ago and loved the fact that I could use my Fastlane transponder down to Washington.

 

[pumpkinboy]

Yeah, I'd love to use EZ Pass in FL, but I'm willing to do the whole SunPass thing if it'll save us time.

Update: the SunPass folks responded pretty much as soon as their office opened. Here is there response to my query:

You may use the transponder in any vehicle that you are driving, simply make sure that you have updated your vehicle information online. To access your account online, simply have your account number and PIN number available. From the Home page, under Current Customers, click on 'To access your Sunpass Account - Click here' then Account Number and Submit. Then enter your account number and PIN number to gain access to your personal profile. Keep in mind that you must have the transponder properly mounted on the windshield to work properly. We provide Velcro strips at no charge. You may also purchase the new suction cup windshield mount directly from the manufacturer, simply logon to www.tolltagclip.com, or visit any Turnpike Service Plaza, your local Publix or the Sunpass Service Center. If you need further assistance, please contact our Customer Service Department toll-free at 1-888-865-5352, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. or on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

OK, so the bolding on the suction cup mount was mine, but that sure sounds handy for mounting it in a rental, doesn't it? I guess I'm a go for SunPass.

Thx to all for your input!
PKB