What you pay when you drive California toll roads

California has nine toll roads, all in Southern California, plus the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge toll plazas in the north. When you drive one of these routes, you either pay cash at a toll booth, use a prepaid account like FasTrak, or receive an invoice by mail. The amount depends on which road you use, the time of day, and whether you have a discount program — some tolls change hourly during peak traffic periods.

Most California toll roads use congestion pricing, meaning the toll goes up when traffic is heaviest and down during lighter hours. The Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge charge a flat rate regardless of time. If you don't pay within a set window, you'll receive a notice in the mail with a late fee added.

Key Takeaways

  • California toll roads are concentrated in Orange County and San Diego County, with separate tolls for the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge.
  • Most Southern California toll roads charge different amounts depending on the time of day, with higher tolls during rush hour and lower tolls at night.
  • FasTrak is the prepaid account system used on most California toll roads and typically saves you money compared to paying cash or by mail.
  • If you don't pay a toll within 21 days, you'll receive a notice by mail with an additional penalty fee.
  • Some drivers may have access to for discounts through FasTrak programs for low-income households, carpools, or electric vehicles.

Which California roads charge tolls

The nine toll roads in Southern California are all operated by the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) and are located in Orange County and San Diego County. These include the San Diego-Coronado Bridge, the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor (I-15 and State Route 133), the Coastal Transportation Corridor (State Route 73), and the Sunol Valley Transportation Corridor (I-680). Each road has its own toll schedule and payment methods.

The Golden Gate Bridge, which connects San Francisco to Marin County, charges a toll in one direction only — southbound into San Francisco. The Bay Bridge, which connects San Francisco to Oakland, charges tolls in both directions during certain hours. Both bridges have flat rates that don't change by time of day, though the Bay Bridge rate is higher during peak commute hours.

If you use a toll road regularly, check the specific operator's website to see current rates and payment options. Rates change periodically, and some roads adjust tolls annually.

How FasTrak works and why it saves money

FasTrak is a prepaid account system that lets you drive through toll plazas without stopping. You load money into your account, attach a small transponder to your windshield, and the toll is deducted automatically each time you pass through. Most toll roads in California offer a discount for FasTrak users — typically 25 to 50 percent off the cash or mail rate.

To set up FasTrak, you visit the FasTrak website, create an account, and order a transponder. You can pay with a credit card or debit card. The account works across all nine Southern California toll roads and some Bay Area bridges. If your account balance drops below a certain threshold (usually $10 to $25), the system automatically charges your payment method to refill it.

If you don't have FasTrak, you can still drive the toll roads. You'll either pay cash at a toll booth (on roads that still have them) or receive an invoice by mail. The mail invoice rate is higher than the FasTrak rate but lower than the cash rate on most roads.

Toll rates and time-of-day pricing

Most Southern California toll roads use congestion pricing, which means tolls fluctuate based on traffic volume. During peak commute hours — typically 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays — tolls are at their highest. Late night and early morning tolls are lowest. Weekend rates are usually lower than weekday rates.

For example, on the Foothill Transportation Corridor (I-15), a FasTrak toll might range from $1.50 during off-peak hours to $6.00 or more during peak periods. The exact amount changes based on real-time traffic conditions. The system is designed to encourage drivers to shift their travel to less congested times.

The Golden Gate Bridge charges a flat toll of $8.35 for two-axle vehicles as of 2024, with higher rates for larger vehicles. The Bay Bridge toll is $6.15 for two-axle vehicles during off-peak hours and $7.15 during peak hours. These rates are set by the bridge authorities and change less frequently than congestion-priced roads.

What happens if you don't pay a toll

If you drive a toll road without paying and don't have an active FasTrak account, the toll operator will attempt to identify your vehicle using the license plate. You'll receive a notice in the mail within 21 days. The notice includes the original toll amount plus a penalty fee, typically $25 to $50 depending on the road.

If you don't respond to the first notice, a second notice will arrive with an additional penalty. Repeated non-payment can result in registration holds — your vehicle registration may not renew until the toll debt is paid. Some toll operators can also report unpaid tolls to credit agencies, though this is less common in California.

If you received a notice by mistake — for example, your vehicle was misidentified or you had a valid FasTrak account — you can contest it by following the instructions on the notice. Most toll operators allow you to dispute charges online or by mail with supporting documentation.

Discounts and special programs

California toll roads offer several discount programs. The FasTrak Low Income Program provides a 50 percent discount on tolls for households earning below a certain threshold (varies by county). You must provide proof of income to may have access to. The FasTrak Carpool Program offers discounts for vehicles with three or more occupants during designated carpool hours.

Some toll roads also offer discounts for electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles, though these programs vary by road and change periodically. Check the specific toll road operator's website to see which programs are currently available and what documentation you need to enroll.

The Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge do not currently offer low-income discounts, but both accept FasTrak for faster payment. Some Bay Area transit agencies offer toll information programs separate from the bridge operators.

Paying tolls without FasTrak

If you don't have a FasTrak account, you have two options: pay cash at a toll booth or receive an invoice by mail. Most Southern California toll roads still have staffed or unstaffed toll booths where you can pay with cash, credit card, or debit card. The cash rate is higher than the FasTrak rate — typically 30 to 50 percent more.

If you don't pay at the booth, the toll operator will send you an invoice by mail. The mail rate is lower than the cash rate but higher than the FasTrak rate. You'll have a window of time (usually 21 days) to pay the invoice before a penalty is added. You can pay online, by phone, or by mail using the instructions on the invoice.

For the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge, you can pay tolls online at the bridge websites if you don't have FasTrak. Both bridges accept credit and debit cards for one-time payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay tolls on every California highway?

No. Only nine specific toll roads in Southern California, plus the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge, charge tolls. Most California highways, including Interstate 5, Interstate 10, and US Route 101, are free. Check your route before you drive to confirm whether tolls explore.

Can I get a refund if I paid a toll twice by mistake?

Yes. Contact the toll road operator with proof of the duplicate charge (your receipt or FasTrak account statement). Most operators will process a refund within 30 days. You can find contact information on the specific toll road's website.

What if I'm visiting California and don't have FasTrak?

You can pay cash at toll booths or receive an invoice by mail. The mail invoice will be sent to the address registered with your vehicle's license plate. You can pay online using the instructions on the invoice, even if you live out of state.

Do rental cars come with FasTrak transponders?

Some rental car companies offer FasTrak transponders, but many do not. Ask your rental company before you pick up the car. If they don't provide one, you'll pay by cash or mail. Some rental companies charge an additional fee if you use tolls without their transponder.

How do I know what toll I'll pay before I drive?

Visit the toll road operator's website and use their toll calculator tool. Enter your vehicle type, the specific road segment, and the time of day you plan to drive. The calculator will show you the current toll amount. Keep in mind that congestion-priced tolls change throughout the day based on traffic.