SHAWNEE TRIBE REACHES AGREEMENT WITH OKLAHOMA TURNPIKE AUTHORITY FOR TOLL COLLECTION

April 4, 2025 (MIAMI, OK) — The Shawnee Tribe is announcing a new agreement with the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) that will provide OTA access to Shawnee Tribe motor vehicle registration records for toll collection purposes. This agreement ensures that tolls accrued by tribal citizens using OTA turnpikes are properly assigned to the registered owners of vehicles with Shawnee Tribe-issued license plates.

“We genuinely appreciate the partnership we’ve built with the Shawnee Tribe and want to reassure Shawnee citizens that we are ready to work with them to quickly resolve any invoicing questions or concerns,” said Joe Echelle, OTA executive director.

Effective March 16, 2025, motorists with Shawnee Tribe-issued license plates who do not have a PIKEPASS account will receive monthly OTA invoices for tolls accumulated through the PlatePay system. PlatePay is a video toll collection system that captures an image of the vehicle’s license plate and invoices the registered owner. In addition to this notice, information has been mailed to all Shawnee households.

What This Means for Shawnee Tag-Holders:

  • If you have a PIKEPASS:  This change does not affect you. PIKEPASS billing will continue as usual through your PIKEPASS account.
  • If you have a PIKEPASS, but your vehicle information is outdated:  You need to update your PIKEPASS account to list the Shawnee Tribe as the plate issuer. Check this by logging into your account at pikepass.com or contacting customer service at 1-800-PIKEPASS (1-800-745-3727).
  • If you do not have a PIKEPASS:  You will receive invoices for tolls at the standard PlatePay rate, which is approximately double the PIKEPASS rate. Invoices can be paid securely at platepay.com by entering invoice information or looking up license plate information. To sign up for a PIKEPASS, visit pikepass.com.
  • To reduce PlatePay toll charges:  Citizens receiving PlatePay invoices can contact OTA directly to request a toll reduction. This will require agreeing to obtain a PIKEPASS account

Data Privacy and Scam Text Alert: The Shawnee Tribe Tag Office will only share the registered owner’s name, address, and plate number with OTA for toll collection purposes. Motorists should be aware of a recent increase in fraudulent text message schemes nationwide claiming unpaid or overdue toll invoices designed to trick people into paying scammers. These texts are not from PIKEPASS or the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. Report suspicious texts as spam. If you’ve shared personal information or clicked any links, secure your financial accounts and report a complaint at ic3.gov.

The Shawnee Tribe encourages all citizens with Shawnee Tribe-issued plates to review their toll payment options to avoid higher charges. For questions or assistance regarding this change, please contact the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority at 1-800-PIKEPASS or visit their website at oklahoma.gov/ota. The Shawnee Tribe Tag Office is available at 918-542-2441, ext. 102.

Back

More News

Mar 6, 2025

LUNCH & LEARN MONDAYS: BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ZOOM COMMUNITY MEETING MARCH TO AUGUST

This Lunch & Learn Meeting series aims to create a supportive and engaging Zoom community that allows survivors of domestic violence and intimate partner violence to learn about mental health, psychology, and personal growth through psychoeducation. No cost to join, and no registration necessary. Join us on Zoom with this link, noon to 1:00 PM […]

Read More
Mar 6, 2025

RECYCLING SPOTLIGHT: TOP 10 IN THE BIN

Check out recycling “Top 10 In The Bin” from the tribe’s Environmental Resources Department! What Can I Recycle? TOP 10 IN THE BIN Here is a list of the top 10 most recyclable items. 1. Cardboard 2. Paper 3. Food Boxes 4. Mail 5. Beverage Cans 6. Food Cans 7. Glass Bottles 8. Jars (Glass […]

Read More
Mar 6, 2025

ADVANCING CULTURALLY INFORMED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES 

As part of the ongoing clinical research project, Kipiyecipakiciipe “Coming home,” Dr. Evan White, Principal Investigator at Laureate Institute for Brain Research (LIBR), and Dr. Deborah Jones-Saumty will be conducting a community readiness assessment regarding substance use intervention and prevention programming. The goal of the readiness assessment, or CRA, is to gain a comprehensive understanding […]

Read More
Mar 5, 2025

CALL FOR PROJECTS: 2025 SHAWNEE LANGUAGE FAIR

Shawnee language learners of all ages and abilities are invited to join the Shawnee Language Immersion Program for the 2025 Language Fair, Dinner and Stomp Dance on Saturday, July 26, at the Emma “Mock” Donaldson saawanwaatoweewika east of Miami, OK. Citizens of all three Shawnee nations are eligible to participate. Submissions will not be judged […]

Read More
Feb 6, 2025

VALENTINE'S DAY CARD CONTEST – DEADLINE FEB. 12

Let’s show each other some love in saawanwaatoweewe (Shawnee language)! The tribe is hosting a Valentine’s Day card contest. Sincere, funny or somewhere in-between, we want to see your most creative cards, artwork, memes, or poetry. Email your entries to media@shawnee-tribe.com on or before next Wednesday, February 12. Entries must use Shawnee language. People’s Choice […]

Read More
Feb 6, 2025

BEHAVIORAL & MENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT BRINGS AWARENESS TO TEEN DATING VIOLENCE

February is Dating Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about a serious issue that impacts people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Dating violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors used to gain power and control over a partner in a romantic relationship. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, […]

Read More
Feb 6, 2025

RECORDING STUDIO DEDICATION AT SAAWANWAATOWEEWIKA

2K FOUNDATIONS SUPPORTING SHAWNEE LANGUAGE REVITALIZATION Updated February 20, 2025On February 3, tribal leaders and the Shawnee language team hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiling a newly renovated recording studio at the Emma “Mock” Donaldson saawanwaatoweewika (Shawnee language house) with citizens and staff from Firaxis Games. 2K Foundations, the charitable giving subsidiary of 2K Games, has provided generous support […]

Read More
Feb 6, 2025

WEEMEYAKWE: WHERE WE COME FROM

From “The Ohio Country” Webpage: “This 12–episode series provides a perspective on the history of the region we now call Ohio that very few of us learned in school. It puts the experiences of Miami, Shawnee, Wyandotte, and other American Indian People at the center of a refreshed version of the state’s complicated past and […]

Read More
See All News