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Message |
    
grownup25
Citizen
Username: Grownup_25
Post Number: 13
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 11:37 am: | 
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my wife has become infuriated at my policy of not attaching the velcro ezpass holders on the windshield. i do this so it won't be evident that there's an ezpass in the car, and thus one less reason for someone to try & break in to get it.
she doesn't like having to hold the thing up to the window whenever we go thru a toll, and would prefer to stick it on the windshield and go. we'd obviously take it off when parked, but i still think it's a bad idea.
does my thinking make any sense, or is she right (again)? thought i'd open it up to a forum... |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 12222
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 11:52 am: |
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The units don't seem to be a target, even though your suspicion seems reasonable. But as it turns out, people don't steal them. Maybe it's not profitable to do so, because you can report it stolen easily enough.
If you still want to hide it, perhaps you should do so without giving your wife the burden of holding it up as you pass a toll point.
"This is the only thing my signature says."
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shoshannah
Citizen
Username: Shoshannah
Post Number: 1164
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 11:56 am: |
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Nobody's gonna steal your EZ Pass because you can't use it with another car. It's registered to your car. If it is used with another car, the theif would get caught because they take a picture of the license plate and send it to you as a violation. You'd then have the plate number to track down the person who broke into your car. |
Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 2680
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 11:57 am: |
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Ours both fell off after about a year anyway so now we just hold them up.
Question...anyone else notice that their easypass, and I know this sounds weird, um, smells? I noticed a foul smell in the car, like leftover salami or BO or something. Realized it was the easypass. Who would have thought? |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 12223
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 12:02 pm: |
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Shoshannah, I got a new car in March (ten months ago) and just noticed last week that I hadn't updated my car information with them. So they do not keep track of these things that carefully.
grownup25, another idea is to hide the unit behind your license plate or grill. Or glue a box of Kleenex to your dash and hide the unit in there. But still, I think the risk of theft is very small if you keep it on your windshield.
"This is the only thing my signature says."
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Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 10484
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 12:11 pm: |
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At least you can keep the thing in the car, smell and all. Our vehicle has an antenna in the windshield so we have our EasyPass attached to the front license plate holder with one way screws. Nobody has bothered it yet, although I usually take a look before heading to the toll booth.  |
Brett
Citizen
Username: Bmalibashksa
Post Number: 2131
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 12:35 pm: |
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If you report it stolen they will turn if off, then take a picture of the offender. |
ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 966
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 12:45 pm: |
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Why not attach it to the windshield with the Velcro strips, then take it with you when you get out of the car? Best of both worlds.
I don't think that someone intent on stealing an EZPass would bother breaking in to the car if the strips are visible.
Btw, I have had an EZPass on my car's windshield for over 4 years. I have parked it everywhere, even on the streets in NY. It has not been stolen. (Of course....famous last words.....) |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 1695
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 1:10 pm: |
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we just got 2 new EZ Pass units that attach to the license plate frame. We had previously been holding them. (part laziness, I suppose)
It is a pleasure to know worry about it!
Give EZ pass a call about how you can trade yours in.
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kathy
Citizen
Username: Kathy
Post Number: 1251
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 1:31 pm: |
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We forgot to update our EZPass information when we moved and got new plates. They only noticed (and sent violations) when the EZPass somehow failed to register, and they got a picture of plates that were not the ones on record.
I have never heard of an EZPass being stolen. I really don't think that this is something to worry about. Since EZPass records your travels, criminals would hardly want to have them in their cars. |
grownup25
Citizen
Username: Grownup_25
Post Number: 14
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 1:42 pm: |
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thanks everybody. wasn't sure if i was being unreasonable. definitely going to look into the license plate thing. |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 10485
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 3:37 pm: |
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How can the system tell what car the pass is on? Do they photograph every car going through the gate?
Pippi, My question is how the heck you get the license plate unit off when you sell the car. LOL |
Lucy Smith
Citizen
Username: Lucy123
Post Number: 83
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 3:38 pm: |
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I LOVE EZPASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 6677
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 3:50 pm: |
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I use mine in any car I am driving in. Only once was it picked up as a violation. I called and told them that it was a loaner car while mine was in the shop and they dismissed it.
BTW - on the GSP, it picks up from your glove compartment. |
shoshannah
Citizen
Username: Shoshannah
Post Number: 1166
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 4:12 pm: |
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Wow! You guys are lucky! We have been caught every time we have transferred our EZ Pass to a new car. I always forget to re-register it until we get the violation. But I just call them to re-register, and they waive the fine. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 3792
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 8:48 pm: |
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I can't remember ever hearing about the theft of the EZ Pass Units. I just did a Google Search and couldn't come up with anything either. |
Gatica™
Citizen
Username: Katracho
Post Number: 251
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 - 11:57 pm: |
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Shoshannah, that seems like a weird "violation."
A couple of things:
We have one car, but we ordered a second EZPass for when I rent and both cars need to be used at the same time. I have rented often enough that I would have gotten a violation. Never have, tho.
I know someone who is a NYC yellow cab driver. As you may know, passengers have to pay for tolls. Well, said taxi driver has held a little old lady's EZPass to the windshield so they get the discounted toll. Go figure.
So, I don't think that there is strict enforcement as to an EZPass belonging to one particular car (that changes for commercial vehicles, tho). I mean, why would they send me a second EZPass if I only have one car? Why would some little old lady in the city get an EZPass if she (probably) does not own a car?
# # #
Regarding the EZPass tags that are bolted to the front license plate: they are there because your car is new (only some models are affected) and the windshield reflects EZPass reader signal (a la mirror) and your windshield tag does not get read. EZPass has this info documented somewhere on their site.
As for me taking the EZPass down from my windshield, forget it. It has been there for nine years or so. Never a problem, even when I lived in Queens. I mean, how much money is a crook going to fence the pass for? Where would he have to stand to sell that? At the Verrazano toll plaza (afterall, it is $9) so the buyer can get more bang for their buck? If someone buys it, they had better run all their errands that require going through a toll roads rather quickly.
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Eponymous
Citizen
Username: Eponymous
Post Number: 54
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 12:11 am: |
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I've never heard of a theft either.
On the use of the passes, I think their documentation is vague. Their guide says:
You Can Also Use Your Tag In Other Vehicles
Your E-ZPass tag can be used in any other vehicle with the same classification. As a registered holder of your E-ZPass tag(s), you are responsible for toll charges regardless of the vehicle used. To be classified as a private vehicle or individual account you must meet the following criteria: an individually owned or leased vehicle with two axles, a maximum gross weight of 7,000 pounds, and single rear tires. Use of your tag on a vehicle with a different classification will result in a toll adjustment to your account, and your account may be subject to additional fees. Note: You are required to add/update your vehicle(s) and license plate information on your E-ZPass account.
<http://www.ezpassnj.com/static/downloads/i_guide.pdf>
(The same guide also reminds you that not having the pass affixed properly within your car can result in a violation. That includes holding it in your hand.)
Now, what if the vehicle in question is not your vehicle? You'd seem to be ok not to have registered it.
Another guide says:
b) Your E-ZPass tag(s) may be used on the vehicle(s) specifically listed on this account.
<http://www.ezpass.com/static/terms/i_terms.pdf>
Note that there's no "only" anywhere in there, though perhaps this is one of those exceptions proving the rule. IANAL. |
thegoodsgt
Citizen
Username: Thegoodsgt
Post Number: 915
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 7:39 am: |
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Someone stole our car a year ago. Took our Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson CDs and a vanity mirror. Left behind was a CD of Catholic classics and...our EZPass. |
sac
Supporter
Username: Sac
Post Number: 3092
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 7:51 am: |
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I'm with grownup's wife. I would also be infuriated at going to all this extra trouble for a non-existent problem. I'm pretty sure that the reason for the velcro strips that allow you to remove the tags is not to avoid theft, but for those cases when you need to use it in a different vehicle or want to pay a toll in some other manner for some reason. (In the latter situation, you have to also put the tag in the shielded bag if it is still in the car in order to be sure to avoid having it recognized.) |
shoshannah
Citizen
Username: Shoshannah
Post Number: 1169
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 11:03 am: |
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Could there be a difference between NY and NJ EZ Pass? The rules that Eponymous posted are from the NJ site. I have NY EZ Pass. And I know that mine has to be registered to a specific car -- although I am not sure if you can register two units to one car. |
oots
Citizen
Username: Oots
Post Number: 358
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 1:20 pm: |
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I have 3 cars and 4 ez pass tags-I just requested two more when I got my new car last month & they sent them both-I will keep one as a spare-the batteries are old on two vehicles.
oots |
notehead
Supporter
Username: Notehead
Post Number: 3019
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 - 4:24 pm: |
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A few months ago, I left a party at the same time as a friend, and he discovered that his E-Z pass had been stolen. Why? Dunno. But now I can't say I never heard of it happening.
And neither can any of you. BWAH HA HA HA HAAAAA! [thunder] |
Rick B
Citizen
Username: Ruck1977
Post Number: 975
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 11:45 am: |
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grownup...can i have your velcro strips if your not going to use them? |
grownup25
Citizen
Username: Grownup_25
Post Number: 16
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 12:09 pm: |
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notehead that's hilarious.
rick b, now you know my wife's been reading this post, and there's no way i'm going to be able to give those things away now.
went to dinner in south orange last nite, and walked past 5 or 6 cars with EZPass and/or the strips in the window. i'm losing this debate in grand fashion. |
Hillsider
Supporter
Username: Hillsider
Post Number: 49
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 1:22 pm: |
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Rick B
EZ Pass will sned you velcro strips by mail for free if you call customer service...
I replaced my windshield and had to ask for new ones... got them by mail in a few days...
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Rick B
Citizen
Username: Ruck1977
Post Number: 977
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 3:22 pm: |
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Cool, I just requested the strips through the contact us portion of their website. |
AES
Citizen
Username: Room_to_move
Post Number: 24
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 4:01 pm: |
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I think this might work for both you and your wife...I bought a EZ pass holder at the Millburn Car Wash. The EZ pass slides into a case type thing and it has two suction cups that stick to the window. Easy to take up and down if we have loaner cars. Try it! |
vermontgolfer
Supporter
Username: Vermontgolfer
Post Number: 345
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 4:44 pm: |
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Go on online and do a search for E-Z Pass holder, they're inexpensive and attach via suction cups. You slide your E-Z Pass in the holder and slide it out, when/if you want,while the holder stays on the windshield.
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Carla
Citizen
Username: Elbowroom
Post Number: 40
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, February 4, 2006 - 7:56 am: |
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I'm with grownup. I hate having that thing in the window and just throw it on the dash when I need it. There's no need to hold it. My cars license plates are not registered with ez-pass since we bought new ones since the account was started and I never updated the info. And yes, when their system fails - and it is THEIR system - I get notices that I am a toll violator. I write them back saying that they f***ed up and they owe me for the postage I used to tell them so. I give them the transponder number and all is forgiven.
If you have more than one transponder/account do they take a $25.00 advance on the additional accounts? If so then they are taking your money and earning interest twice/three/four times. |
Eponymous
Citizen
Username: Eponymous
Post Number: 62
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, February 4, 2006 - 2:13 pm: |
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If you strategically locate the velcro strips behind the rear-view mirror, it's impossible to see the pass while driving. I'm forever checking with my hand to make sure the pass is in there. |
shoshannah
Citizen
Username: Shoshannah
Post Number: 1174
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, February 4, 2006 - 6:29 pm: |
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I can't believe everyone else transfers their unit willy nilly among different vehicles! We have gotten several -- and I mean several! -- violation notices when we hadn't registered new plates with EZ Pass. We didn't have to pay the fine when I just called and regitered the new plates, but still it was an inconvenience. |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 1714
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, February 5, 2006 - 9:34 am: |
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I tried to argue one of the toll violations once, telling them they screwed up, we obviously have an account blah blah blah.
They sent it for collection!!
can someone please tell me how to avoid this (as well as avoid paying the $25) next time?
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