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PalPass Sticker Tag FAQ's
( Click for Southern Connector or Hard Case Tag FAQ's )

What is a PalPass Sticker Tag?
The PalPass sticker tage is an electronic toll collection device that lets you pre-pay your tolls. It utilizes a low-power transponder chip embedded in an easy-to-install sticker. This new technology replaces the older "hard case" tags, which were prone to damage and battery failure. Hard case tags are being phased out in favor of battery-free "sticker tag" technology. Just like the hard case version, either tag allows you to drive through a dedicated PalPass lane at posted highway speed limits and have your toll automatically deducted from your pre-paid account. With PalPass you never need to look for money or stop in the toll lanes. It’s easy, convenient and hassle-free. PalPass members receive discounted toll rates at mainline toll plazas.
 
How does the PalPass work?
A PalPass must be mounted on your windshield to assure proper operation. Once mounted, the PalPass communicates by radio signal with our detection equipment. The discounted toll is then deducted from your pre-paid PalPass account.

Are there different types of PalPasses?
Yes. In addition to the hard case PalPass that has been in use since 2001, the Southern Connector is now distributing a new generation of PalPass called a “sticker tag”. The sticker tags are thinner and have no self-contained battery. The sticker tags use the windshield glass to amplify the signal.

Can I use my PalPass on another vehicle?
No. Your PalPass may only be used in the vehicle it was assigned to. A separate PalPass must be obtained for each vehicle using the Southern Connector. You may have an unlimited number of vehicles under one account but each vehicle in the account must have its own PalPass.

Where do I mount my PalPass sticker tag?
Your PalPass sticker tag should be mounted on the inside of your windshield. It should be located behind your rear view mirror at least four inches below the top of the windshield and at least one inch from any other electronic device such as garage door opener or radar detector. State law prohibits the transponder from being mounted in your line of vision. Please call us at 1-866-PALPASS if you have any questions regarding the proper way to mount your PalPass. Please note the PalPass must be affixed to the windshield. Do not leave the PalPass on the dashboard or affix it to the sun visor. Your windshield glass acts as an antennae. If you hold the PalPass in your hand IT WILL NOT WORK. You may be liable for fees up to $5.00 plus the proper toll per transaction if your Pass is improperly mounted.

How do I mount my PalPass sticker tag?
Full Sticker Tag mounting instructions are available here - click to view or print.

I use the Cross Island Parkway more than the Southern Connector. What should I do?
Motorists who plan on utilizing the Cross Island Parkway on Hilton Head Island more than they use the Southern Connector should open a PalPass account with the Cross Island Parkway. You may print a Cross Island Parkway application directly from their website, www.crossislandparkway.org. You can phone the Cross Island Parkway Toll Free at 1-888-725-8655. Out of state customers should call 843-342-6718. PalPasses issued by the Cross Island Parkway may also be used on the Southern Connector.

I use the Cross Island Parkway in Hilton Head at least once a year. Is my PalPass valid there?
You MUST indicate on your application that you will use the Cross Island Parkway. If you do intend to use the Cross Island Parkway you MUST be issued a hard case PalPass transponder. There is a refundable $25.00 deposit required for each hard case transponder. The deposit is refunded in full if and when you close your account (see License Agreement for details). PalPass sticker tags WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED on the Cross Island Parkway. Only a hard case PalPass transponder can be used at the Cross Island Parkway. You will be responsible for any Violation fees incurred if you have failed to inform us that you will be utilizing the Cross Island Parkway and thereby fail to obtain a hard case PalPass.

What happens if I accidentally use the Cross island Parkway with my PalPass sticker tag?
The Southern Connector will make every effort to assist you with resolving your violation on the Cross Island Parkway. However, the Southern Connector makes no guarantees that the violation will be dismissed.

What happens when I sell my vehicle?
Remove your PalPass sticker tag from the vehicle being sold. Once the PalPass sticker tag is removed it will no longer work. Then, please update the information for your new vehicle at www.southernconnector.com or by calling (864) 527-2143 (Toll Free at 1-866-PAL-PASS). You must purchase a new sticker tag at the then current price. Please call us at (864)-527-2143 (Toll free at 1-866-PAL-PASS) for assistance. In the case of HARD CASE tags, you may transfer your Hard Case tag to your new vehicle, but only after updating your vehicle information using one of the two methods described above.

Do I own my PalPass sticker tag?
Yes. Unlike hard case PalPasses, the PalPass sticker tag you purchase belongs to you. You are required to purchase each PalPass sticker tag, so there is no security deposit required. Your account will be debited for the cost of lost, stolen, damaged or altered PalPass sticker tags.

Do I own my PalPass HARD CASE tag?
No. Hard case PalPass transponders require a refundable security deposit of $25.00 per transponder and remain the property of the Southern Connector. Lost, stolen or damaged hard case transponders will cause you to forfeit your security deposit. Remember, hard case PalPass transponders are required if you will also be using the Cross Island Parkway in Hilton Head.

Does the Palmetto Pass work in all toll lanes?
Yes. We strongly urge you to use the PalPass express lanes at our mainline toll plazas. However, should you find yourself in a lane other than the PalPass express lane, your PalPass will work. PLEASE NOTE that you must come to a complete stop in any lane other than the PalPass express lane. PalPass members using our ramp lanes must slow to 5 mph when passing through. This requirement makes the toll plazas safer for our customers and employees.

How do I close my PalPass account?
You must call the Customer Service Center at (864) 527-2143 if you are closing your account. We will then deactivate your Pass and refund any balance remaining in your account. You cannot close your account online.

Is there a number I can call if I have any more questions?
Yes. The toll-free phone number is 1-866-PAL-PASS. The direct, local number to the Southern Connector Customer Service Center is 1-864-527-2143 or 2144. The direct number to our Violations Department is 864-527-2155.

Am I required to turn in my current hard case Palmetto Pass transponder? I’d like to continue to use it.
You may keep your current Pass until such time as the internal battery dies.

I currently have a hard case PalPass and have given you a security deposit. When I swap my hard case PalPass for a PalPass sticker tag, what happens to my deposit?
When you return your current hard case PalPass in good working order, we will refund any and all security deposits. You may choose to apply that refund to your PalPass pre-paid toll account. All other refunds will be made by check.

Why are you changing to a sticker tag?
The sticker tag has no internal battery and can last indefinitely. The sticker tags are much smaller and will attach more securely to the windshield. They can be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way since they have no battery.

I am used to holding up my current hard case PalPass to my windshield. Why am I required to permanently mount this new sticker tag?
The sticker tag has no battery, therefore the signal it produces is much weaker. The sticker tag uses the windshield glass to amplify the weaker signal so that the PalPass sticker tag can be read properly. The PalPass sticker tag cannot be held against your windshield glass for two reasons: it is unsafe; and moving the tag while in the process of it being read may corrupt the read and cause a violation to be generated.

Are there any recurring fees or other costs for maintaining a Palmetto Pass Account?
No. There are no minimum use fees, membership fees, or any other hidden costs. Your account balance is debited ONLY when you use the road.

What is the speed limit in PalPass lanes?
At the mainline toll plazas, vehicles using the PalPass only lane must observe a 45 MPH speed limit. All vehicles using the cash lanes must stop, regardless of the method of payment. PalPass members using our remote ramp lanes should observe the 5 MPH speed limit.

What if I move?
Please call Customer Service at 1-866-PALPASS or go to our website to update your address and/or phone number.

I have a new credit card number. Can I update that information online?
Yes. You can update your account information, including credit card information, online. Please visit www.southernconnector.com to do so. If you would prefer to update your information by phone, please call us at 1866PALPASS or 864-527-2143. We accept Visa, Master Card, AMEX and Discover. Debit cards are also accepted.
 
Is it true I can save money on my tolls by being a PalPass member?
Yes! There is a discount, for PalPass members only. 2 Axle vehicles using either mainline toll plaza, and having a valid PalPass account, will pay only $1.35 instead of the $1.50 cash toll. Multi-axle vehicle tolls will also be discounted, provided you are a PalPass member in good standing. Multi-axle vehicles with a valid PalPass will pay only $.85 per axle instead of the cash toll of $1.00 per axle. To become a PalPass member, call us at 1-866-PALPASS or apply online.

Can I access my account online? Can I print transaction detail statements?
Yes. You can manage your PalPass account by visiting our website at www.southernconnector.com. If your email address and four-digit security code is on file, you can access your account. You can also change any information, including credit card information, at this site. You can also view and print your activity (including all credits and debits to your account) in Excel or PDF format. Transaction information is available for up to 18 months.

Does the Southern Connector accept EZ-Pass transponders as a valid method of payment?
No. At this time we do not recognize EZ-Pass or any other agency’s transponders.
    

 
 

 
 
 
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