![]() Standard version, basically just a white square shaped device.The rest of the article provides more detail on toll roads in general, these automated toll roads, and recommended alternatives on how to pay the toll and avoid fees and fines.įasTrak - This is the transponder that is used to pay automated tolls in California. Just drive normally if you're stuck in the wrong lane and cannot exit safely - do not stop and try to back up! Do not risk your life to avoid a few dollars in fees. You will not be arrested if you do not have FasTrak. Your car will not explode if you drive in a FasTrak Only lane. If you happen to end up in the FasTrak Only toll lane by mistake - don't panic. Use caution and carefully watch for signs and lane designations when travelling on freeways in metro California. This may make sense for regular visitors that expect to pay more than $25 in tolls. Make sure you are buying the "Flex" version, they are the same price as the old standard version. Purchase a FasTrak transponder online or from retail locations in SF Bay Area or Southern California.This option is not available on all Toll Roads/Express Lanes/Bridges. ![]() ![]() This option is usually the most cost effective for visitors who can set up payment within the time limit (typically 48 hours). Set up a one-time electronic payment - typically by entering the license plate # and paying with a credit card.So you would have to deal with the rental car company to dispute any charges. But note, since the Rental Car is owned by the rental company, any viloations will be charged to your credit card, along with additional fees charged by the company. So if you are renting a car and do not want this option, be sure to decline it to avoid being charged. It is a particularly bad value for visitors who stay for many days but only pay tolls once or twice. This is convenient but usually the highest cost option. So if you rent a car for a week, you could be charged $21-$70 in program fees (based on the example) on top of the cost of any tolls. Costs vary and can range from $3 to $10/day + tolls, whether you use it or not. Rent a FasTrak transponder from the rental car company (or check with the agent about their specific options and exact fees).While some visitors won't mind paying the fees for this convenient default "bill me later" option, visitors can avoid the fees by choosing one of the following options for paying electronic tolls: If you use the Fastrak only roads without first setting up an alternative payment option, the toll authority will typically send a bill (including fees) to the address on record for the vehicle license plate. ( Pictures of Fastrak Only lane signage: Example 1, Example 2, Example 3) Visitors who do not have a FasTrak account should avoid using the "FasTrak Only" lanes and use the "Cash", "Fastrak/Cash combo lanes" or unmarked lanes instead. In general, visitors with cash can use most California highways without worrying about fees or fines except for the specific automated toll roads listed above. Select Freeways: Well-marked Express or High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes with "FasTrak" required signs and toll bridges that accept cash payments but may have " FasTrak Only" lanes with shorter lines.Southern California: SR 73, 133, 241 & 261 (Orange County), S R 125 (San Diego County - exact change or credit card OK),.San Francisco Bay Area: Golden Gate Bridge (south-bound).Set up alternative payment options electronically if using the cashless, fully automated toll freeways, bridges and "FasTrak Only" express lanes listed below.Īs of 2016, the following toll roads are fully automated and do not accept cash payments:.Carry United States currency to pay toll for the toll bridges that do not accept credit cards but do accept cash.Drivers just need to be prepared with the following payment methods to avoid paying fines/fees on top of the regular toll charges: ![]() Even though tolls can be avoided by taking alternative routes, paying tolls or using "FasTrak Only" lanes may make sense to avoid longer waits or detours. Although the majority of public roads in California are free, visitors driving in California should know that tolls are charged on some roads and bridges. ![]()
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