Hilton Head’s Cross Island toll ends next Thursday. What to do with your Palmetto Pass
Hilton Head Island’s single toll road will drop its $1.25 fare for good starting next Thursday, July 1.
When it does, more than 32,000 Palmetto Pass users will have to close their account and return their transponders. They will be refunded their account balance and deposits, according to the S.C. Department of Transportation.
Signs will be in place starting next Thursday, warning drivers to use caution and slow down, but not to stop, as they travel through the toll plaza.
The plaza will be removed in the coming months by an SCDOT contractor.
Here’s what you need to know about closing your Palmetto Pass account and getting the refund:
How do I close my account?
You should close your Palmetto Pass account when you will no longer use the pass to pay the toll.
SCDOT and the contractor that operates the toll, Conduent Transportation, have communicated with Palmetto Pass users to begin the process of closing their accounts, returning their transponders and refunding their deposits.
Return transponders in person at 4 Marshland Lane on Hilton Head or by mail at P.O. Box 5096, Hilton Head Island, SC 29938.
How much will my refund be?
Refunds are based on whether you have a tag deposit or a positive prepaid balance on your account.
In most cases, customers paid between $40 and $160 as a deposit on their transponders, which will be refunded. In addition, you will be refunded any remaining pre-paid balance on your toll pass.
Typically, refunds take between two and four weeks, the Palmetto Pass website says.
There may be some delays due to the number of accounts that need to be closed. The sooner you can close your account, the better, the site says.
You will get your refund on your credit or debit card if it’s stored on your account; otherwise, you will receive a check.
When do I have to close my account?
Oct. 15 will be the last day to close your Palmetto Pass account, according to the state.
Close it as soon as possible to avoid refund delays, the website says.
Can I still use my Palmetto Pass until July 1?
Yes, you can use your pass until the toll is dropped.
However, you can no longer apply for a new account, as SCDOT stopped sales sales of new transponders on Feb. 28.
Who can I contact about this?
Answers to frequently asked questions about Palmetto Pass accounts can be found on the website at www.crossislandparkway.org/scvector/static/faq/Discontinuing.shtml.
You may also call the Palmetto Pass customer service center at (843) 342-6718.
This story was originally published February 2, 2021 at 12:17 PM.
