How do I replace my older SunPass transponder?

November 4, 2013|Michael Turnbell, on Transportation, Sun Sentinel Columnist

Q: I have an older SunPass transponder and I've heard it has to be replaced with a newer model. What should do I do?

Renee Pollack, Boynton Beach

A: Wait for SunPass to contact you by email or postcard.

SunPass is replacing millions of older transponders for free with newer, battery-free models that will work on toll roads outside Florida. The process started in June but is expected to continue over the next year because of the volume of transponders that must be replaced.

If you haven't been contacted yet, don't panic. Your current transponder will continue to work.

The notifications sent to SunPass drivers will include detailed instructions on how to replace their transponders, by either returning a form in the mail, contacting a call center set up to handle the swap, or online at

As of last week, SunPass had reached out to 1.3 million customers that are eligible for the swap program and heard back from nearly half of them. Another 90,000 notificiations will be sent in the coming weeks.

Q: Why was the lead-lag traffic light sequence removed from Oakland Park Boulevard at Northwest 31st Avenue and why were the right turn arrows on 31st that worked with this sequence removed?

Jaim Lombana, Fort Lauderdale

A: A lead-lag signal operation is used to move through traffic and the left-turning movements in one direction, followed by through traffic in both directions, and ending with left turning movements in the other direction.

It was removed in 2005 to improve the overall signal operation for drivers traveling in all directions and to better coordinate with other signals along Oakland Park.

"This intersection will be added to our new signal system next year, which will provide more signal timing features to make traffic flow .. as efficient as possible," said Ed Davis, assistant director in Broward's Traffic Engineering Division.

The Florida Department of Transportation removed the right-turn green arrows on Northwest 31st Avenue at Oakland Park in 2011, around the same time drivers on Oakland Park were allowed to make U-turns at the itnersection.

FDOT engineers observed that right turns were overwhelmingly clearing during green signals and right turns on red, which eliminated the need for the green right-turn arrow.

Q: The eastbound lane striping and lane indicators on Southwest 51st Street at State Road 7 in Davie are a mess. Southwest 51st has heavy truck traffic and many drivers use two lanes to make a left and head north on S.R. 7. Meanwhile, the white stop line on 51st Street is too far forward to allow large trucks to make the turn from S.R. 7 and they have to wait until the traffic on 51st is clear before then can proceed. Can you look into this?

David Berman, Davie

A: Broward County traffic engineers are reviewing the intersection.

Since 51st Street is maintained by the town of Davie and S.R. 7 is a state road, any changes affecting either street will have to be approved by the town and the Florida Department of Transportation.

County officials will present their findings to the town and DOT this month. Stay tuned., 954-356-4155, Twitter @MikeTurnpike

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