[McRat]

I noticed a lot of EVs stuck in the congestion that is the 91 Freeway today.
Apparently, they might not be aware that you can get a special EV transponder and the Toll Roads (King's Highway) are $0 most of the time, and a reduced rate at other times.

This might apply to other areas, so check your Toll Road rules for the areas in which you drive.

 

[McRat]

If you are another brand of EV, tell them McRat sent you and get a special bonus. The puzzled look on their face is your reward.

 

[W04t3r]

Hi,
Does anyone know whether the FasTrak transponder needs to be in the dedicated area at the top of the windshield next to the mirror to work, or whether it can be lying on the dashboard?
(I don't feel like permanently fixing it to the window)

Thanks

 

[bruintoo]

I noticed a lot of EVs stuck in the congestion that is the 91 Freeway today.
Apparently, they might not be aware that you can get a special EV transponder and the Toll Roads (King's Highway) are $0 most of the time, and a reduced rate at other times.

This might apply to other areas, so check your Toll Road rules for the areas in which you drive.

If we have Fastrak transponder for use in the 110 and 10 toll lanes, can we use it for free/discounted in the 91 toll lanes? The transponder is the one with selectable number of passengers.

 

[McRat]

If we have Fastrak transponder for use in the 110 and 10 toll lanes, can we use it for free/discounted in the 91 toll lanes? The transponder is the one with selectable number of passengers.

I had to file my license plate and transponder as an EV. My new one is about 1" x 2" x 4", not the 4x4x1 old style. I would ASSUME that once filed as an EV license plate, you are good on the 91 fwy. Note: There are some hours where there is just a fee discount, not totally free. This doesn't affect me, so I don't know. I drive it 10am-1pm to visit customers.

 

[McRat]

Hi,
Does anyone know whether the FasTrak transponder needs to be in the dedicated area at the top of the windshield next to the mirror to work, or whether it can be lying on the dashboard?
(I don't feel like permanently fixing it to the window)

Thanks

Since I registered my license plate, I just put it in the overhead 'sunglass' compartment. I think our glass blocks signals.

 

[dtgsrq]

I'm 100% convinced the windshield (the heated ones, not sure about others) DOES create signal interference (see my post about use of a GDO). I've also been issued several tickets despite using Florida transponder driving through SunPass toll booths (yet it worked when I pulled over, rolled down a window to pay cash - GRRR). Don't the engineers at JLR realize the variety of transponders used worldwide and how this windshield (whether its the heating wires or infrared coating) can impede their functionality???

 

[W04t3r]

FasTrak transponder didn't work through windshield

I tested having my (old 4x4 inch) FasTrak transponder on the dashboard under the windshield crossing the Bay Bridge to SF and it didn't get detected. (I do not have the heated windshield)
According to the I-Pace manual there are two areas on the windshield next to the rear view mirror marked with dots that do not have the special coating that shields the signal so I am going to try holding the transponder there to see if that does work. Otherwise I will have to apply for an external transponder (mounted on the front licences plate).
(I am not to happy having to mount this big ugly transponder on the top of the windshield though, I may just go for the external transponder anyway)

 

[McRat]

No matter where I put a 4x4 or the new small transponder, I have not heard it beep like I do in older cars. Since we have photo plate recognition, the transponder is only required to be visible, not functional. And if it's not visible, you don't get fined (knock on wood), but they do bill you if applicable.
They made all of us put on temporary plates for Jan 1 and newer sales so nobody gets FasTrak for free just because they have no plates yet.
I have not been cited for no front plate, nor speeding by the FasTrak system. I see lots of folk slow down for the FasTrak cameras, but I've been using it for many years and I'm not a stickler for speed limits.>

 

[CyberSlug]

I have the new small transponder and mounted it in the area next to the rear view mirror. The 2 times I've used the bridge since then it does properly pick it up and the transponder beeps.

 

[W04t3r]

Like CyberSlug I can also confirm that for the older 4x4 transponder it works and beeps when it is up against the windhshield in the area next to the rear view mirror. I have ordered the new smaller transponder to actually mount it to the glass.

 

[epirali]

Like CyberSlug I can also confirm that for the older 4x4 transponder it works and beeps when it is up against the windhshield in the area next to the rear view mirror. I have ordered the new smaller transponder to actually mount it to the glass.

I can also confirm your confirmation of the CybrSlug observation (from mine).

 

[McRat]

I just retested the 'small' stick in the dotted rearview mirror area on the 241 toll road instead of the 91. Same. No beep. Defective stick? Heated windshield? Transponder reader not on? I don't know. But I do see entries on the FasTrak billing site.
So at least I know I'm not getting a ticket.

 

[jsimon7777]

Maybe put the transponder in the frunk?

 

[CyberSlug]

I just retested the 'small' stick in the dotted rearview mirror area on the 241 toll road instead of the 91. Same. No beep. Defective stick? Heated windshield? Transponder reader not on? I don't know. But I do see entries on the FasTrak billing site.
So at least I know I'm not getting a ticket.

On the website it should show if it was a plate scan or transponder. That would let you know if the transponder is working but not signaling for some reason (unlikely, but worth checking).

 

[McRat]

Maybe put the transponder in the frunk?

IIRC, the rules for FasTrak say the transponder must be visible. I've never had an issue with it for several years of use, so it's not enforced much (knock on wood).

 

[ejbritto]

I'm 100% convinced the windshield (the heated ones, not sure about others) DOES create signal interference (see my post about use of a GDO). I've also been issued several tickets despite using Florida transponder driving through SunPass toll booths (yet it worked when I pulled over, rolled down a window to pay cash - GRRR). Don't the engineers at JLR realize the variety of transponders used worldwide and how this windshield (whether its the heating wires or infrared coating) can impede their functionality???

I just saw this post and am also on the east coast and use an EZ Pass transponder, which is similar to the SunPass.
I do not have a heated windshield, but just a regular one. Do you have any recommendations as to where to place an internal windshield Toll (EZ pass) transmitter? They normally recommend it to be near the rear view mirror -- just below or an inch on the side, from the stem of the rear view mirror. I would appreciate any one who has successfully used this to please shed some light.
I read another post which mentions the dotted area next to the rear view mirror -- is this the dotted area all along the top of the windshield?

 

[ryzvy]

I just saw this post and am also on the east coast and use an EZ Pass transponder, which is similar to the SunPass.
I do not have a heated windshield, but just a regular one. Do you have any recommendations as to where to place an internal windshield Toll (EZ pass) transmitter? They normally recommend it to be near the rear view mirror -- just below or an inch on the side, from the stem of the rear view mirror. I would appreciate any one who has successfully used this to please shed some light.
I read another post which mentions the dotted area next to the rear view mirror -- is this the dotted area all along the top of the windshield?

See attached screenshot from the owner's manual. The recommended area is only the small dotted rectangles on both sides of the rear-view mirror. I also use the EZPass transponder in DC/MD/VA and have placed it in that dotted area on the driver's side, but I gotta say my results are mixed at best. There are a few toll-booths where the tag never registers no matter how slowly I drive through it. My vehicle also severely restricts the GPS signal. I am only able to use Waze/Google Maps reliably if I place my phone (Samsung Galaxy S9+) in a very specific spot (passenger's side cup-holder with the screen facing the side window and angled up). I never have any issues with voice calls but Pandora/Amazon Music are choppy at certain times leading me to believe that the data coverage is also being affected. Having said all that, there are a lot of people on the forums who have experienced no GPS/cell-reception issues, so it could just be my phone as well.

 

[ejbritto]

See attached screenshot from the owner's manual. The recommended area is only the small dotted rectangles on both sides of the rear-view mirror. I also use the EZPass transponder in DC/MD/VA and have placed it in that dotted area on the driver's side, but I gotta say my results are mixed at best. There are a few toll-booths where the tag never registers no matter how slowly I drive through it. My vehicle also severely restricts the GPS signal. I am only able to use Waze/Google Maps reliably if I place my phone (Samsung Galaxy S9+) in a very specific spot (passenger's side cup-holder with the screen facing the side window and angled up). I never have any issues with voice calls but Pandora/Amazon Music are choppy at certain times leading me to believe that the data coverage is also being affected. Having said all that, there are a lot of people on the forums who have experienced no GPS/cell-reception issues, so it could just be my phone as well.

Thanks very much - that picture helps. Do you have a heated windshield? I do not have one, and my cell reception has no issues with an iPhone 7, but I only use it for voice calls.
I will go to the main EZPass store in Raleigh, NC and I understand they have instruments which determines the best placement. If still a problem, I may have to get an external transponder. Will keep the forum updated.

 

[ryzvy]

Thanks very much - that picture helps. Do you have a heated windshield? I do not have one, and my cell reception has no issues with an iPhone 7, but I only use it for voice calls.
I will go to the main EZPass store in Raleigh, NC and I understand they have instruments which determines the best placement. If still a problem, I may have to get an external transponder. Will keep the forum updated.

I do have a heated windshield which may account for some of my signal reception woes :frown2: Good luck with your EZPass transponder.