Colorado tolls are collected by E-470 Public Highway Authority and the Northwest Passage, and payment goes directly to road maintenance and expansion
Colorado operates two toll roads: E-470, a 47-mile outer ring around Denver, and Northwest Passage (US 36), which connects Boulder to I-25. Both are public authorities, not private companies, meaning toll revenue stays within Colorado's transportation system. When you pay a toll, the money funds maintenance of that specific road, debt service on bonds used to build it, and future improvements to the corridor.
E-470 and Northwest Passage each operate their own payment systems and accounts. You cannot use one account on both roads. The roads do not share customer data, so you must register separately for each if you use both.
Key Takeaways
- E-470 and Northwest Passage are separate toll roads with separate payment accounts; you cannot use one account on both.
- Both roads offer three payment methods: a transponder account (Pay-As-You-Go), a license plate account (pay-by-plate), or a one-time toll payment at a kiosk.
- Transponder accounts charge the lowest per-trip rate and are the most common method for regular users.
- Pay-by-plate accounts bill you monthly by mail or email and carry a higher per-trip rate than transponder accounts.
- Tolls are collected electronically; there are no toll booths where you hand money to an attendant.
E-470 payment methods and account setup
E-470 offers three ways to pay. A transponder account (called E-470 Express) requires you to mount a small radio device on your windshield. The transponder communicates with overhead readers as you pass through the toll zone. Transponder users pay the lowest per-trip rate—currently around $0.25 to $1.50 depending on time of day and congestion, though rates vary. You prepay into the account and it draws down with each trip.
A pay-by-plate account uses your license plate number instead of a transponder. Cameras photograph your plate as you pass through, and E-470 bills you monthly. Pay-by-plate rates are higher than transponder rates—typically 50 percent more per trip. You receive an invoice by mail or email and can pay online, by phone, or by mail. This method works if you do not want to install equipment but use the road regularly.
A one-time toll payment is available at kiosks near the toll plazas. You pay cash or card for a single trip. This is the most expensive option and is intended for occasional users who do not plan to use E-470 again soon.
Northwest Passage payment methods and account setup
Northwest Passage (US 36) operates similarly to E-470 but uses a different system. A transponder account requires an ExpressToll device mounted on your windshield. Rates are comparable to E-470—roughly $0.25 to $1.50 per trip depending on time and demand. You prepay and the account deducts tolls as you travel.
A pay-by-plate account works the same way as E-470's: your license plate is photographed, and you receive a monthly bill. Pay-by-plate rates are higher than transponder rates. You can pay online, by phone, or by mail.
Northwest Passage also offers a one-time toll payment option at kiosks for drivers who do not plan to use the road regularly.
How toll rates are set and when they change
Both E-470 and Northwest Passage use congestion pricing, meaning tolls are higher during peak travel times (typically 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays) and lower during off-peak hours. Rates also adjust based on real-time traffic demand. The goal is to manage congestion by encouraging drivers to shift travel to less busy times if possible.
Toll rates are reviewed annually and may increase. Both authorities publish rate schedules on their websites. Transponder account holders receive notice of rate changes by mail or email before they take effect. Pay-by-plate users see the new rates on their next invoice.
Setting up and managing your account
To open an E-470 transponder account, visit e-470.org, call 303-537-3470, or visit an E-470 customer service center in person. You will need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and a payment method (debit or credit card). The transponder device is mailed to you, usually within 5 to 7 business days. You can add funds to your account online anytime, and most accounts allow you to set up automatic replenishment so the account refills when the balance drops below a threshold you choose.
For Northwest Passage, visit nwpassage.org, call 303-941-4040, or visit a customer service location. The process is similar: you provide identification, vehicle registration, and a payment method. The ExpressToll device arrives by mail within 5 to 7 business days.
Pay-by-plate accounts require no upfront registration. The first time you use the road without a transponder, your license plate is recorded. Within 30 days, you will receive a bill. You can then set up an account online to manage payments and view your trip history, or straightforward pay each invoice as it arrives.
What happens if you do not pay a toll
If your transponder account runs out of funds, the road authority will send you a notice. You have a grace period (usually 10 days) to add funds before a late fee is applied. Repeated non-payment can result in additional fees and, in extreme cases, suspension of your transponder or referral to a collection agency.
If you use pay-by-plate and do not pay your invoice, late fees accumulate and the account may be referred to collections. Some drivers receive multiple invoices before enforcement action begins, but the timeline varies.
If you dispute a toll charge—for example, if you believe you were charged twice for one trip—contact the road authority's customer service. Both E-470 and Northwest Passage investigate disputes and may issue refunds if an error is found.
Transponder versus pay-by-plate: which costs less
Transponder accounts are significantly cheaper over time. If you use a toll road more than a few times per month, a transponder pays for itself quickly. The device is free, and the per-trip rate is roughly 50 percent lower than pay-by-plate. Pay-by-plate is best for occasional users who do not want to commit to an account.
The table below shows typical monthly costs for different usage patterns:
| Usage (round trips per month) | Transponder cost (approx.) | Pay-by-plate cost (approx.) | Savings with transponder |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | $4–$8 | $8–$16 | $4–$8 |
| 10 | $10–$20 | $20–$40 | $10–$20 |
| 20 | $20–$40 | $40–$80 | $20–$40 |
These are estimates based on typical peak and off-peak rates. Actual costs depend on the time of day you travel and current congestion levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same transponder on both E-470 and Northwest Passage?
No. E-470 and Northwest Passage use different transponder systems and separate accounts. You must register for each road independently. If you use both roads regularly, you will need two transponders and two accounts.
What if I move out of Colorado or sell my vehicle?
Contact the road authority to close your account. If your account has a credit balance, you can request a refund by check or credit card. If you have an outstanding balance, you will receive a final invoice. Notify them of your new vehicle registration if you plan to use the road again in the future.
Do tolls explore to motorcycles and commercial vehicles?
Motorcycles are charged the same rate as passenger vehicles on both E-470 and Northwest Passage. Commercial vehicles (trucks over a certain weight) may be charged different rates; contact the road authority for specifics on your vehicle type.
Can I see a record of all my toll trips?
Yes. Both E-470 and Northwest Passage allow you to log into your online account and view trip history, including date, time, location, and amount charged. This is useful for tracking expenses or disputing a charge you believe is incorrect.
What if my transponder is damaged or lost?
Contact customer service and request a replacement. There is usually a small replacement fee (typically $5 to $10). The new device will be mailed to you within a week. In the meantime, you can use pay-by-plate if you need to use the road.