Repeat toll violators have until 5 p.m. today to pay their outstanding fines before the Illinois Tollway’s Amnesty Program ceases to exist.

The amnesty program was signed into law by Gov. Rod Blagojevich Aug. 22. It gave repeat toll offenders a 60-day grace period in which they could pay reduced fines.

“The tollway amnesty should really be viewed as part of a larger issue,” said Gerardo Cardenas, Chicago Press Secretary for Blagojevich. “The amnesty program is part of a bill that was signed to enhance employee ethics, [and] enhance enforcement and collection when people violate the toll system.”

A toll violator is a motorist who drives through an I-PASS lane without an I-PASS or someone who drives through the toll without paying.

With fines reduced by a substantial amount during the amnesty program’s 60-day grace period, motorists were encouraged to step up and pay fines before penalties became more severe.

“So far we have collected from more than 12,000 violators and we have generated more than $1.1 million,” said Joelle McGinnis, press secretary for Illinois Tollway.

The violators who have taken advantage of the amnesty program have evaded additional fines that await those who still have not paid.

“After a certain period of time, if the violators do not pay, we will submit their license plates to the Secretary of State for suspension,” McGinnis said.

The toll reform bill not only paved the way for the amnesty program, but also made it possible for the Illinois Tollway to enforce its own policies.

“The toll reform bill allows us to create programs through which we can have vehicles booted, towed and even impounded,” she said.

The amnesty program was not intended to be a permanent program, and there is no plan for the amnesty program to be used again, McGinnis said.

Violators can pay fines 24 hours a day online at vpc.illinoistollway.com. They also can visit the tollway headquarters at 2700 Ogden Ave. in Downers Grove, or send checks or money orders to the Illinois Tollway, Violation Processing Center, 135 S. LaSalle St., Dept. 8021, Chicago, Ill., 60674.