Bay Area bridges charge tolls to fund maintenance and transportation projects, and the amount you pay depends on which bridge you cross, what vehicle you drive, and whether you have a FasTrak account
Seven bridges in the San Francisco Bay Area collect tolls: the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, San Mateo-Hayward Bridge, Dumbarton Bridge, Carquinez Bridge, Benicia Bridge, and Antioch Bridge. Each bridge is operated by a different agency or authority, which means toll rates, payment methods, and rules vary from bridge to bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge and Carquinez Bridge charge tolls in only one direction, while the others charge in both directions during peak hours or all day.
If you cross a toll bridge without paying, you will receive a violation notice in the mail. The notice includes a fine and instructions for payment. If you ignore it, the debt can grow and affect your ability to renew your vehicle registration. Understanding how each bridge charges and how to pay will help you avoid these notices and may save you money if you cross regularly.
Key Takeaways
- The Golden Gate Bridge and Carquinez Bridge charge tolls only when heading into the city; the other five bridges charge tolls in both directions during peak hours or all day.
- FasTrak is an electronic toll payment system that costs less per crossing than paying by license plate or mail, and you can set it up online or at a retail location.
- Toll amounts change based on vehicle type, time of day, and whether you have FasTrak; motorcycles and electric vehicles may have lower rates on some bridges.
- If you receive a violation notice, you have the right to contest it by mail or in person, and you should respond within the important date shown on the notice.
- Some bridges offer payment plans or financial hardship programs if you cannot pay a violation in full.
Which bridges charge tolls and in which direction
The Golden Gate Bridge charges tolls only when you drive southbound into San Francisco. Northbound traffic is free. The Bay Bridge (officially the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge) charges tolls only when you drive westbound into San Francisco. Eastbound traffic is free.
The San Mateo-Hayward Bridge, Dumbarton Bridge, and Benicia Bridge all charge tolls in both directions, though rates may be lower during off-peak hours. The Carquinez Bridge charges tolls only northbound into Solano County. The Antioch Bridge charges tolls in both directions.
Toll collection hours and peak-hour rates vary by bridge. Some bridges charge a single flat rate all day; others charge higher rates during morning and evening commute hours and lower rates at night and on weekends. Check the specific bridge's website or the FasTrak website to confirm current rates and hours before you cross.
How much you pay: vehicle type and payment method
Toll amounts depend on three things: which bridge you cross, what type of vehicle you drive, and how you pay. Most bridges charge different rates for motorcycles, cars, trucks, and recreational vehicles. Electric vehicles and motorcycles often pay less than standard passenger cars on some bridges.
The payment method you choose affects the price. FasTrak is an electronic toll tag that you mount on your windshield. When you drive through a toll plaza with FasTrak, the toll is deducted from your prepaid account automatically. FasTrak rates are typically the lowest available. Pay-by-plate means the toll agency photographs your license plate and sends you an invoice by mail. Pay-by-plate costs more than FasTrak but less than paying cash at a toll booth. Cash payment at a toll booth is the most expensive option and is available only at certain bridges.
As an example, a passenger car crossing the Bay Bridge with FasTrak might pay $5.75 during peak hours, while the same car paying by plate might pay $6.50, and cash payment might be higher. These amounts change periodically, so check the bridge operator's website for current rates before you travel.
Setting up FasTrak and managing your account
FasTrak accounts are managed through the FasTrak website (www.bayareafastrak.org) or by phone at 1-888-FASTRAK. You can open an account online by providing your vehicle information, payment method, and mailing address. You will receive a toll tag in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, you mount it on your windshield, and tolls are charged automatically when you cross.
You can add money to your FasTrak account online, by phone, or at a retail location such as a grocery store or pharmacy. Most accounts require a minimum balance, and you can set up automatic replenishment so your account refills when it drops below a certain amount. If your balance runs low, you will receive a notice, and tolls will continue to be charged; your account will go negative temporarily, but you must repay it.
If you move, change vehicles, or want to close your account, you can manage these changes online or by calling customer service. If your toll tag is damaged or lost, you can request a replacement through your account.
What happens if you don't pay a toll
If you cross a toll bridge without paying, the toll agency will photograph your license plate and send a violation notice to the vehicle owner's address on file with the Department of Motor Vehicles. The notice includes the toll amount, a penalty fee, and instructions for payment. The penalty fee is separate from the toll and is added to your bill.
You have a important date to respond to the notice, usually 21 to 30 days depending on the bridge. If you pay within this window, you may owe only the toll and a smaller penalty. If you ignore the notice, the debt grows, additional penalties are added, and the toll agency can report the debt to a collection agency. This can affect your credit and your ability to renew your vehicle registration.
If you believe the notice is wrong—for example, if you paid but the system did not register it, or if the vehicle was stolen—you can contest it. Most bridges allow you to contest by mail or in person. Include documentation such as a FasTrak receipt, a bank statement showing payment, or a police report if the vehicle was stolen. Submit your response before the important date on the notice.
Payment plans and financial hardship options
If you receive a violation notice and cannot pay in full, some toll agencies offer payment plans. The Bay Area Toll Authority and individual bridge operators have different policies, so contact the agency that issued your notice to ask about options. Payment plans typically allow you to pay the debt in installments over several months.
Some agencies also have financial hardship programs for people experiencing economic difficulty. These programs may reduce or waive penalties, though the toll itself must still be paid. To request hardship consideration, you usually must provide documentation of your financial situation, such as proof of income, unemployment benefits, or participation in a public information program. Contact the toll agency directly to learn what documentation they require and whether you meet their criteria.
Toll rates by bridge: a quick reference
| Bridge | Direction(s) Charged | Toll Charged | Operator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Gate Bridge | Southbound only | All day | Golden Gate Bridge District |
| Bay Bridge | Westbound only | All day | Bay Area Toll Authority |
| San Mateo-Hayward Bridge | Both directions | Peak and off-peak hours | Bay Area Toll Authority |
| Dumbarton Bridge | Both directions | Peak and off-peak hours | Bay Area Toll Authority |
| Carquinez Bridge | Northbound only | All day | Bay Area Toll Authority |
| Benicia Bridge | Both directions | Peak and off-peak hours | Bay Area Toll Authority |
| Antioch Bridge | Both directions | All day | Bay Area Toll Authority |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I dispute a toll violation if I think I already paid?
Yes. If you have a FasTrak receipt, a bank or credit card statement showing the payment, or other proof that you paid, send it to the toll agency with a written explanation before the important date on the notice. Include copies of your documentation, not originals. If the toll agency's system failed to register your payment, they should dismiss the violation.
Do I have to use FasTrak, or can I just pay by license plate?
You do not have to use FasTrak. You can pay by license plate (pay-by-plate), and the toll agency will mail you an invoice. However, pay-by-plate costs more per crossing than FasTrak. If you cross toll bridges regularly, FasTrak will save you money over time.
What if I cross a bridge by mistake and don't want to pay the toll?
You must pay the toll. There is no exception for accidental crossings. However, if you believe you were charged in error—for example, if you were charged twice for one crossing—contact the toll agency with documentation and they will investigate.
Do motorcycles pay a different toll than cars?
Yes, on most Bay Area bridges. Motorcycles typically pay less than passenger cars. Some bridges also offer discounts for electric vehicles. Check the specific bridge's website for current motorcycle and electric vehicle rates.
What happens if I ignore a toll violation notice?
The debt will grow as additional penalties are added. The toll agency can report the debt to a collection agency, which will damage your credit. You will not be able to renew your vehicle registration until the debt is paid. If the debt is large enough, the toll agency may pursue legal action.