License Plate Mix-Up Leads to $2K in Unpaid Tolls for Wisconsin Woman

A license plate mix-up leads to thousands of dollars in unpaid toll invoices for one woman.

License Plate Mix-Up Leads to $2K in Unpaid Tolls for Wisconsin Woman

A Wisconsin woman, Wynn Welch, recently faced an unexpected financial burden of nearly $2,000 due to a license plate mix-up. This incident highlights the complexities and potential pitfalls of vehicle registration systems, as well as the challenges consumers face in correcting administrative errors.

Key Points

The Mix-Up: Welch’s custom license plate “HEABLE,” which symbolizes her faith, was confused with another plate “HE ABLE,” leading to a series of unpaid toll invoices from the Illinois Tollway dating back to 2021.
Attempts to Resolve: Despite Welch’s proactive measures, including contacting the Wisconsin DMV and providing documentation to the Illinois Tollway, the invoices continued to accumulate.
Resolution: After reaching out to local media for assistance, the Wisconsin DMV intervened, resulting in the dismissal of all unpaid tolls associated with the incorrect plate.
Concerns Persist: Welch remains wary about potential future issues, prompting her to order a new license plate to prevent further confusion.
Agency Responses: Both the Illinois Tollway and the Wisconsin DMV acknowledged the error, with the Tollway expressing regret for the inconvenience caused.

Detailed Breakdown

The License Plate Confusion

Wynn Welch, a resident of Glendale, Wisconsin, chose the vanity plate “HEABLE” after overcoming significant health challenges, including cancer. The plate serves as a personal testament to her faith, often sparking conversations about her beliefs. However, the nearly identical plate “HE ABLE” led to thousands of dollars in toll invoices being incorrectly attributed to her.

Unpaid Invoices and DMV Involvement

Welch first received a toll bill in September 2021, prompting her to visit the Wisconsin DMV. The DMV confirmed that her plate was registered first and subsequently invalidated the “HE ABLE” plate. Despite this action, the toll invoices continued to arrive. In 2023, Welch attempted to rectify the situation by sending the Illinois Tollway documentation from the DMV, but the bills persisted.

Media Intervention and Resolution

In 2025, after feeling overwhelmed by the situation, Welch sought help from local news outlet Contact 6. The team contacted the Wisconsin DMV, which then sent a certified letter to the Illinois Tollway, requesting the removal of Welch’s name from the toll violations. Within two weeks, Welch received confirmation that all unpaid tolls, amounting to $1,950.91, had been dismissed.

Ongoing Concerns and Future Actions

Although the immediate issue was resolved, Welch expressed concerns about the potential for future mix-ups, as the other license plate holder still possessed the invalid plate. This situation raises questions about the effectiveness of communication between state agencies and the need for more robust systems to prevent such errors.

Agency Responses

The Illinois Tollway acknowledged the rare nature of such mix-ups, stating that it is unusual for states to issue similar license plate combinations. They expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to Welch and assured her that measures would be taken to prevent future billing errors.

Notable Quotes & Data

Welch stated, “There’s a picture on every one of them. That’s not my vehicle,” referring to the invoices featuring the incorrect plate.
The Illinois Tollway dismissed a total of $1,950.91 in unpaid tolls and fees attributed to Welch.

Context & Implications

This incident underscores the importance of accurate vehicle registration and the potential consequences of administrative errors. As vehicle registration systems become more complex, the risk of mix-ups increases, leading to financial and emotional stress for consumers. The case illustrates the necessity for clear communication between state agencies and highlights the role of media in advocating for consumer rights. Moving forward, it may be crucial for agencies to implement more stringent checks to prevent similar situations from arising, ensuring that consumers are not unjustly penalized for mistakes beyond their control.