 Palmetto
Pass
FAQ's
(
Click here for Southern Connector FAQ's
)
What is
a Palmetto Pass (PalPass)?
PalPass is an electronic toll collection device (also known
as a transponder, pass, or tag) that lets you pre-pay your
tolls. A PalPass account 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 a 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?
The PalPass on your vehicle communicates electronically when
activated by the lane antenna. The discounted toll is
automatically deducted from your pre-paid PalPass account.
What is
the speed limit in PalPass lanes?
The posted speed limit on the Southern Connector is 65 miles
per hour. 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.
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. Under most
circumstances, there is no additional charge for a second
PalPass. 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?
Your PalPass transponder should be mounted to the inside of your
windshield. It should be at least one inch below the top of
the windshield and is best positioned behind and to the
right of your rear view mirror. State law prohibits the
transponder from being in your line of vision. Please call
us at 1-866-PALPASS if you have any questions regarding the
proper way to mount your Pass. Please note the Pass must be
affixed to the windshield. Do not leave the Pass on the
dashboard, or affix it to the sun visor.
How do I
install my PalPass?
With your PalPass you will receive self-adhesive,
hook-and-loop mounting
strips and easy to follow instructions for attaching the
transponder to your windshield.
I need
new mounting strips for my PalPass. What do I do?
Simply stop at any of our manned toll booths and ask the
friendly collector for mounting strips. You may also email us at
customerservice@southernconnector.com or call us toll
free at 1866PALPASS or 864-527-2143 (local). Don't forget to
inform us if you have changed vehicles, license plates or
your mailing address.
Can I
use my PalPass on other toll roads?
Yes. You can use your PalPass on the Cross Island Parkway in
Hilton Head, SC. At this time, your PalPass is not valid in
other states which have Toll facilities.
Does the
Southern Connector accept EZ-Pass transponders as a valid
method of payment?
No. At this time we do not recognize EZ-Pass transponders.
EZ-Pass account holders must pay the cash toll or open a
Palmetto Pass account. We apologize for this minor
inconvenience.
I use
the Cross Island Parkway a lot more than the Southern
Connector. What should I do?
Although your Southern Connector PalPass will work on the
Cross Island Parkway, we highly recommend that residents of
the Hilton Head area open their accounts at the Cross Island
Parkway. It is much more convenient for you from a customer
service standpoint. 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 (in state only).
Out of state customers should call 843-342-6718.
What
happens when I sell my vehicle?
Just call the Customer Service Center (1-866-PALPASS) and
provide us with your new vehicle information. In a matter of
minutes we will update your account and you may then
transfer your PalPass to your new vehicle. Please don’t
forget to remove the PalPass before selling your vehicle.
Losing the Pass will result in a charge of $40.00.
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 may now update your account information, including
credit card information, online. Please visit our
Account Update Form
at 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.
Which
credit cards do you accept?
We accept Visa, Master Card, AMEX and Discover. Debit cards
are also accepted as a method of payment.
How do
you enforce toll violations?
All toll lanes are monitored by video surveillance
equipment. Images of license plates of toll violators are
processed and violation notices are issued. Violators can
expect fines and/or administrative fees to range from $11.00
up to $233.00, plus court costs. Toll evasion is a crime and
we take our responsibility of enforcing the law seriously.
Toll violations must be settled within specific time frames.
Please call our Violations Department at 864-527-2155 should
you have questions regarding violation notices.
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 $1.00, instead of the
$1.25 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 $.70 per axle instead of the cash toll of $.85 per
axle. To become a PalPass member, call us at 1-866-PALPASS
or apply online.
What
is
the difference between cash fares and PalPass member fares?
There is no discount for cash fares. Pal Pass members
receive discounts at our mainline toll plazas.
Here is our mainline plaza toll schedule:
-
2
Axle Vehicle: Cash $1.25 - PalPass $1.00
-
3
Axle Vehicle: Cash $2.55 - PalPass $2.10
-
4
Axle Vehicle: Cash $3.40 - PalPass $2.80
-
5
Axle Vehicle: Cash $4.25 - PalPass $3.50
-
6+
Axle Vehicle: Cash $5.10 - PalPass $4.20
All vehicles using our ramps at Fork Shoals Road and
Piedmont Highway (S.C. 20) pay $.65, regardless of the
number of axles. There is no discount for PalPass members at
our ramp pay points. PalPass members using ramp lanes should
slow to 5mph and should NOT deposit cash.
Where
can I get an application for PalPass?
You can pick up an application at any of our manned toll
lanes. Another way to apply is to call our Customer Service
Center at 1-866-PALPASS, (local 864-527-2143),
or you may apply online
at www.southernconnector.com.
Can I
access my account online?
Yes. You can manage your PalPass account by visiting our
website at www.southernconnector.com. If your email address
and a 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.
Do I own
my PalPass?
No. When your account is closed for any reason, you must
return the PalPass. Failure to do so will result in a $40
charge. This charge will also apply to lost, stolen, damaged
or altered passes.
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 that 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 employees.
How do I close my PalPass account?
Return your PalPass(es) to us by registered mail. Our
address is P.O. Box 408, Piedmont, SC 29673. Once we receive
your Pass(es) you will be issued a full refund within two
business days for the
remaining balance in your account. Should you fail to return
any or all of your PalPasses, you will be charged a fee of
$40.00 for each unreturned PalPass.
Is there
a toll free 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.
The direct number to our Violations Department is
864-527-2155.
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