SunPass, Epass drivers have until next year to swap out old transponders

FLORIDA — Many SunPass and Epass drivers only have a few months left to swap out any older transponders before they stop working.
 
More than 400,000 drivers still need to make the change before the end of the year or their transponders will stop working.
 
The easiest way to tell if you need to replace your SunPass or Epass is if the transponder still uses a battery.
 
"Saves us a lot of money and time is a big thing," driver Bernie Clark said.
 
The Clarks were in the area from Four Corners and thought they could stop at an Epass location to swap out their transponder that they've had on their windshield for 15 years.
 
Channel 9 saw 10 others looking to do the same, but the problem was that you can't make the change at any Epass location.
 
"I wanted to get it done today and I didn't get it done," driver Frances Veliz said.
 
To get the new transponder, you'll need to do it over the phone or online and it will be mailed to you.
 
An Epass spokesperson said anyone part of the swap should have received an email or postcard telling them they need to make the change before Dec. 31. Any time after that, old transponders won't work and owners will be considered toll violators.
 
SunPass started the swap in 2013 and so far 1.7 million people have made the change, but more than 230,000 still haven't.
 
The change is part of something bigger. By the end of 2016, drivers should be able to use their transponders in 35 other states.
 
"It'll be a nice change," Clark said.
 
If you already own a new transponder that sticks to your windshield, you won't have to do anything once other states start recognizing SunPass and Epass.
 
To make the change for SunPass, you can go to sunpasstagswap.com or call 855-824-7927. To make the swap for Epass, you can go to epassswap.com or call 1-844-411-0400.

WFTV