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Politics & Government

Getting a Peach Pass: What To Expect

Commuters can now order a Georgia Peach Pass in advance of the express lanes converting to toll lanes on I-85.

Attention Suwanee commuters: The conversion of the express lanes on I-85 to toll lanes is just a few weeks away. When the new HOT lanes open, single- and double-occupant commuter vehicles may gain access to the lane if they pay a variable toll based on current traffic conditions.

All vehicles entering the lane must use a Peach Pass even if the trip does not require a toll.

Registration for a Peach Pass is now open at www.peachpass.com or by calling 1-855-PCH-PASS (724-7277). Some important things to know before registering:

  • A Peach Pass is required for each vehicle in your household that will access the lane. However, you many combine each vehicle in your household under a single account.
  • When registering you must choose between a personal toll account and a toll exempt account.
  • The personal toll account gives the owner the flexibility to enter the lane as a single rider or with one passenger. There is a $20 minimum account balance for new personal toll accounts.
  • Toll exempt accounts are available for owners that will always use the lane toll free because they meet one of the toll exempt conditions (three or more passengers, alternative fuel vehicle, motorcycle, emergency vehicle)
  • The owner of a personal toll account pass must set the status of their Peach Pass card to toll or non-toll at least 15 minutes before entering the lane. The pass will stay on the last designated choice until changed.
  • If you sell your vehicle, you must remove the Peach Pass from the vehicle. Otherwise you’re responsible for future use.

More information is available in the Peach Pass FAQs.

This reporter received his first Peach Pass packet about a week after ordering it. The packet contains a printed copy of the customer agreement (terms and conditions), mounting instructions, and the Peach Pass.

The customer agreement is a printed copy of the agreement accepted online during account registration. It’s three pages in about 7 point font (get your glasses if you’re over 40). The fourth page is the schedule of charges and fees. The fifth page is a set of rules for use.

The mounting instructions are on a smaller 8 ½ x 3 ¼ piece of paper. The Peach Pass is mounted on the inside center of the windshield. It should be about 2 inches from the top and ¾ inch from the center.  

HOT lane violations are $25 plus the cost of the toll. If the violation is issued by law enforcement, an additional citation could be issued. Those start at $75. The rules of the lane will be enforced by the Georgia State Patrol, video monitoring, and “invisible barriers.” If you drive I-85 south regularly, you can already see the cameras and tracking devices mounted that will scan Peach Pass devices and license plates.

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Commuters that use the Peach Pass can manage their account online. This includes billing updates, paying tolls, requesting a new Peach Pass, and changing your toll status.

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