Bay Area toll roads let you pay by invoice instead of at the booth
The Bay Area has six toll bridges and several toll roads. If you cross them regularly, you can set up a payment plan so you do not have to pay cash or use a transponder every time. The most common option is FasTrak, which charges your account automatically each time you use a tolled facility. If you do not want an account, you can also receive a monthly invoice and pay by check or online.
Which option works best depends on how often you cross tolls and whether you want to avoid the toll booth line. FasTrak is faster and slightly cheaper. Invoice billing is simpler if you cross tolls only occasionally or prefer not to maintain an account balance.
Key Takeaways
- FasTrak is an automatic payment account that charges you each time you use a Bay Area toll facility, and you get a small discount compared to paying at the booth.
- You can also receive a monthly invoice by mail and pay by check, credit card, or online banking without opening an account.
- FasTrak requires a transponder (a small device you mount on your windshield) and a prepaid account balance, which you can set to refill automatically.
- If you do not set up either option, you will receive a violation notice in the mail with a higher penalty charge.
- Different toll facilities are run by different agencies, so check which one manages the bridge or road you use most often.
Understanding which agency runs your toll facility
The Bay Area does not have one toll authority. Instead, different bridges and roads are managed by different agencies, and each has its own payment system. The Golden Gate Bridge is run by the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District. The Bay Bridge, San Mateo-Hayward Bridge, Dumbarton Bridge, and Carquinez Bridge are all managed by the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA). The Livermore Valley Toll Road is run by the Livermore Valley Transportation Authority.
Before you set up a payment plan, identify which facility you use most often. If you cross multiple bridges, you may need separate accounts or a unified account depending on the agency. FasTrak works across all Bay Area toll facilities, so one transponder covers them all. Invoice billing, however, is specific to each agency.
How FasTrak works and what it costs
FasTrak is an electronic toll collection system. You buy a transponder (a small device that mounts on your windshield), open an account, and load money into it. Each time you cross a tolled facility, the transponder communicates with a reader, and the toll is deducted from your account automatically. You never stop at a booth.
FasTrak tolls are cheaper than paying at the booth. For example, a car crossing the Bay Bridge costs $6.15 with FasTrak but $7.50 if you pay cash at the toll plaza. The discount varies by facility. You can set your account to refill automatically when the balance drops below a threshold you choose, or you can add money manually online or by phone.
To open a FasTrak account, go to the FasTrak website, provide your vehicle information and a payment method (debit or credit card), and order a transponder. The transponder arrives by mail in about one to two weeks. You can also pick one up in person at a FasTrak customer service center if you need it sooner. There is no monthly fee for the account itself, only the toll charges.
Setting up invoice billing if you prefer not to use FasTrak
If you do not want a transponder or an automatic account, you can request invoice billing. When you cross a toll facility without a transponder or valid FasTrak account, a camera reads your license plate. The toll agency sends you a monthly invoice by mail with all the tolls you incurred that month, plus a processing fee (usually $2 to $3 per transaction). You then pay the invoice by check, online, or by phone.
Invoice billing is slower and more expensive than FasTrak because of the per-transaction fee. However, it requires no upfront purchase or account management. To set up invoice billing, contact the agency that runs the facility you use. For BATA facilities (Bay Bridge, San Mateo-Hayward, Dumbarton, Carquinez), call 1-888-BATA-511 or visit the BATA website. For the Golden Gate Bridge, contact the Golden Gate Bridge toll office. For the Livermore Valley Toll Road, contact the Livermore Valley Transportation Authority.
Some agencies allow you to register your vehicle online so they know to send you an invoice instead of a violation notice. This step is important: if you do not register, the agency may assume you are avoiding payment and send you a penalty bill instead.
What happens if you do not set up a payment plan
If you cross a toll facility without a transponder, valid FasTrak account, or registered invoice billing, a camera captures your license plate. The toll agency looks up your vehicle registration and sends you a violation notice by mail. This notice includes the original toll amount plus a penalty charge, which can be $25 to $70 depending on the agency and whether it is your first violation.
If you ignore the violation notice, the agency may send a second notice with a higher penalty. Some agencies can refer unpaid violations to a collection agency or report them to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, which can affect your vehicle registration renewal. The fastest way to resolve a violation is to contact the toll agency, explain the situation, and ask about payment options or penalty reduction.
Comparing FasTrak and invoice billing side by side
| Feature | FasTrak | Invoice Billing |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Transponder purchase (usually $0 to $25) plus initial account balance | None |
| Per-toll cost | Discounted rate (e.g., $6.15 for Bay Bridge) | Full rate plus $2–$3 processing fee per crossing |
| How you pay | Automatic deduction from prepaid account; can set auto-refill | Monthly invoice by mail; pay by check, online, or phone |
| Setup time | 1–2 weeks for transponder delivery; when ready online registration | Same day if you register online; 1–2 weeks if by phone |
| Best for | Frequent crossers; commuters | Occasional crossers; those who prefer no account |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same FasTrak account for multiple vehicles?
Yes. You can add multiple vehicles to one FasTrak account and order a transponder for each. The tolls from all vehicles are charged to the same account balance. This is useful if you drive different cars or share a vehicle with family members.
What if I move out of the Bay Area but still cross tolls occasionally?
You can keep your FasTrak account active as long as you want. There is no monthly fee, so you only pay when you use it. If you do not cross tolls for an extended period, you can close the account online or by phone and request a refund of any remaining balance.
Do I have to pay a toll if I am carpooling or driving a carpool vehicle?
Toll rates and carpool discounts vary by facility and change over time. Some bridges offer discounts for vehicles with three or more occupants during certain hours. Check the website of the specific toll agency to see current carpool rates and any restrictions.
Can I dispute a toll charge or violation notice?
Yes. If you believe a charge is incorrect or you have a reason the violation should be reduced, contact the toll agency that issued the notice. They have a process for disputes and may reduce or waive the penalty if you provide evidence (such as proof of registration or a broken transponder). Contact information is on the violation notice itself.
What if my FasTrak transponder stops working?
If your transponder is not being read, contact FasTrak customer service. They can troubleshoot the issue, send you a replacement, or temporarily flag your account so you can cross tolls without penalty while waiting for the new transponder to arrive.