Proposal to increase transparency on car rental agreements signed into law

The increase of cashless tolls in Illinois has prompted a new law designed to offer protection for rental car drivers.

The law, Senate Bill 2522, was advanced by state Sen.Steve Stadelman, D-Rockford, who said that after returning a rental car, many drivers may be surprised to find they are charged additional fees for a tollway collection device, similar to an I-PASS. Stadelman’s proposal, which will allow drivers to opt out of these devices, was signed into law by the governor this week.

“Drivers deserve to know they can opt out of these costly tollway devices, instead of being stuck with costly fees when it is already too late,” Stadelman (shown) said.

Under the new law, rental car companies must provide renters the option of using the tollway collection device. If a company fails to offer a customer the ability to opt out, the fees are capped at $2 per day that the device is used, in addition to the cost of the tolls.

The new law will take effect Jan. 1, 2019.