How California toll roads work and who collects the money
California has seven toll roads, and each one is run by a different agency. The FasTrak system is the main way to pay — it's an electronic tag you put on your windshield that charges your account when you drive through a toll plaza. You can also pay by mail after you drive, though this costs more. The agencies that run each road are separate from each other, so you cannot use one FasTrak account across all seven roads unless you set it up that way.
The seven toll roads are: the Golden Gate Bridge (Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District), the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge (Bay Area Toll Authority), the Dumbarton Bridge (Bay Area Toll Authority), the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge (Bay Area Toll Authority), the Antioch Bridge (Bay Area Toll Authority), the Livermore Valley Toll Road (Livermore Valley Transportation Authority), and State Route 91 in Orange County (Orange County Transportation Corridor Agencies). Each charges different amounts depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.
Key Takeaways
- FasTrak is an electronic tag system that charges your account automatically when you pass through a toll plaza, and you can set one up online or at a retail location.
- If you do not have FasTrak, you can pay by mail within a set number of days after driving the toll road, but the cost is higher than the FasTrak rate.
- Each toll road is run by a different agency, so you may need separate accounts depending on which roads you use.
- If you do not pay a toll, the toll agency will send you a bill in the mail; if you ignore it, they can refer the debt to a collection agency or suspend your vehicle registration.
Setting up FasTrak for the first time
To open a FasTrak account, go to the website for the specific toll road you use most often. For Bay Area roads, that is the Toll Roads website (www.bayareatollroads.org). For the Golden Gate Bridge, it is www.goldengatebridges.org. For State Route 91, it is www.tcrauthorities.org. You will need a valid driver's license or ID, a vehicle registration number, and a payment method (debit card or bank account).
Once you create an account online, you can order a FasTrak tag to be mailed to you, or you can pick one up when ready at a retail location. The tag itself is free, but you must load money onto your account before you use it. Most people set up automatic replenishment, which means money is added to the account when the balance drops below a certain amount. You can also pay as you go without automatic replenishment if you prefer to add money manually each time.
The tag attaches to the inside of your windshield and lasts about ten years. If you move to a different state or sell your car, you can transfer the tag to a new vehicle or close the account.
Paying by mail if you do not have FasTrak
If you drive a toll road without FasTrak, the toll agency photographs your license plate and sends you an invoice in the mail. The invoice will show the toll amount, a processing fee (usually between $2 and $5), and the important date to pay. You typically have 21 to 30 days to pay, depending on which road you used.
You can pay the invoice online, by phone, or by mail. The website and phone number are printed on the invoice. Paying by mail takes longer and may result in late fees if your payment does not arrive by the important date. If you have a FasTrak account, you can also add the toll to that account retroactively, though you will still pay the processing fee.
The cost of paying by mail is significantly higher than using FasTrak. For example, on the Golden Gate Bridge, a FasTrak toll might be $7.70 during peak hours, but paying by mail costs $12.70 for the same trip. This difference is intentional — the toll agencies encourage people to use FasTrak because it is faster and cheaper.
What happens if you do not pay a toll
If you ignore the invoice and do not pay within the important date, the toll agency will send you a second notice. If you still do not pay, they can refer your debt to a collection agency. The collection agency may contact you by phone, email, or mail to demand payment, and they may add collection fees to the amount you owe.
The toll agency can also report the unpaid toll to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you have multiple unpaid tolls, the DMV may suspend your vehicle registration, which means you cannot legally drive the car. To restore your registration, you must pay the tolls and any penalties in full.
Unpaid tolls can also affect your credit report if they are sent to a collection agency. This can make it harder to get a loan, rent an apartment, or get a job that requires a background check. The best approach is to pay the invoice as soon as you receive it, even if you think there was an error.
Disputing a toll charge or invoice error
If you believe you were charged incorrectly — for example, if you were charged twice for the same trip or if the toll amount is wrong — you can dispute the charge. Contact the toll agency that sent you the invoice and explain the error. Most agencies have a dispute process on their website or a phone number to call.
When you dispute a charge, keep copies of any evidence you have: photos of your receipt, screenshots of your FasTrak account, or records of when you drove the road. The toll agency will investigate and either refund the money or explain why the charge was correct. This process usually takes two to four weeks.
If you believe you were charged because your FasTrak tag malfunctioned, contact the toll agency when ready. They can review the transaction history and may waive the invoice if they can confirm the tag did not work properly.
Discounts and payment plans for low-income drivers
Some California toll roads offer discounts for low-income drivers, but the programs vary by road. The Bay Area Toll Authority offers a 50% discount for drivers who meet income requirements and drive certain routes. The Golden Gate Bridge does not currently offer an income-based discount, but it does offer a 50% discount for carpools (three or more people in the vehicle).
To learn about you may have access to for a discount, contact the toll agency directly or check their website. You will need to provide proof of income, such as a recent tax return or pay stub. The discount is applied to your FasTrak account once you are approved.
If you cannot afford to pay a toll invoice in full, some agencies allow you to set up a payment plan. Contact the toll agency and ask about this option. They may allow you to split the payment into smaller amounts over several months, though interest or fees may explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use one FasTrak account on all California toll roads?
No. Each toll road is run by a different agency, so you need a separate FasTrak account for each one. However, you can link multiple accounts to the same payment method so you only have to manage one credit card or bank account. Check the website for each toll road to see if they offer account linking.
What if I rent a car and drive a toll road?
The rental car company's name will appear on the invoice, not yours. The rental company will contact you to pay the toll and any processing fees. Some rental companies add their own administrative fee on top of the toll. Check your rental agreement to see what you are responsible for before you drive a toll road.
Do I have to pay tolls if I have a disability placard?
No. Drivers with a valid California disabled person placard or license plate are exempt from tolls on most California toll roads. When you drive through the toll plaza, the camera will read your plate and not charge you. If you are charged by mistake, contact the toll agency with a photo of your placard or plate and they will refund the toll.
How long does it take to get a FasTrak tag in the mail?
Delivery typically takes five to ten business days. If you need to use a toll road before your tag arrives, you can pay by mail for those trips. Once your tag arrives and you set up it, future tolls will be charged to your FasTrak account automatically.
Can I transfer my FasTrak account if I move out of California?
Yes. You can close your account and request a refund of any remaining balance. The refund is usually processed within two to four weeks. If you move to another state that uses FasTrak (such as Texas or Florida), you may be able to transfer your account, but you will need to contact both toll agencies to arrange this.