California tolls are paid either at the toll plaza when you drive through, or in advance through an online account

California operates toll roads in the San Francisco Bay Area, Orange County, and San Diego County. Each toll facility has its own payment system, and you can pay by cash at some locations, but most tolls now require a prepaid account or a license plate scan that bills you later. The fastest and cheapest way is usually to set up an account with the specific toll operator before you drive, because cash payments often cost more and some facilities no longer accept coins.

The toll operator depends on which road you use. The Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and most Bay Area tolls use FasTrak. The 91 Express Lanes in Orange County use ExpressAccount. The San Diego toll roads use Tolltag or a plate-based system. Each has its own website and account setup process, so you cannot use one account across all California tolls.

Key Takeaways

  • FasTrak covers most Bay Area tolls and requires a prepaid account; you can open one online in about 10 minutes and fund it with a debit or credit card.
  • The 91 Express Lanes in Orange County use a separate ExpressAccount system with its own website and payment rules.
  • San Diego toll roads accept Tollags or automatic plate billing; you can set up plate billing without buying a physical tag.
  • Paying by cash at a toll plaza costs more than an account and is no longer accepted at some facilities.
  • If you do not have an account and drive through a toll plaza, the toll operator will photograph your plate and send you a bill by mail within 30 days.

Setting up a FasTrak account for Bay Area tolls

FasTrak is the prepaid account system for the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and most other Bay Area toll facilities. You create an account at www.bayareafastrak.org, add your vehicle, and fund the account with a debit or credit card. The account balance is what you draw from each time you pass through a toll plaza.

When you set up the account, you will need your vehicle's license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the state where it is registered. You can add multiple vehicles to one account. Once your account is active, you can use it when ready at any FasTrak-compatible toll facility in the Bay Area. The toll amount is deducted automatically when you drive through.

FasTrak also offers a physical transponder — a small device you mount on your windshield — but it is not required. The system now reads your license plate by default, and the transponder is optional. If you want one, you can request it during account setup or add it later; there is usually a small fee.

Paying tolls on the 91 Express Lanes in Orange County

The 91 Express Lanes in Riverside and Orange County use a separate system called ExpressAccount. You set up an account at www.91expresslanes.com with your vehicle information and a payment method. Like FasTrak, the toll is deducted automatically when you drive through.

The 91 Express Lanes are congestion-priced, meaning the toll amount changes throughout the day based on traffic. During peak hours, the toll can be higher than during off-peak times. Your account statement will show the variable toll you paid each time you used the lanes. You can view your account online anytime to see your balance and recent trips.

If you do not have an ExpressAccount and drive the 91 Express Lanes, the system will photograph your plate and send you a bill. However, the bill amount is typically higher than what account holders pay, so setting up an account in advance saves money.

San Diego toll roads and Tollags

San Diego toll roads — including the I-15 Express Lanes, the Coronado Bridge toll, and the State Route 125 — accept Tollags or automatic plate billing. A Tolltag is a small transponder you mount on your windshield, similar to FasTrak. You can purchase a Tollag and set up an account at www.sdcta.org (San Diego County Transportation Authority).

You do not have to buy a physical Tollag. You can instead set up a plate-based account where tolls are charged to your account based on your license plate. This works the same way as FasTrak's plate-reading system. Fund your account with a debit or credit card, and the toll is deducted each time you pass through.

If you drive a San Diego toll road without an account or Tollag, the system photographs your plate and bills you by mail. Like other California toll systems, paying by plate after the fact costs more than having an account set up in advance.

Paying cash at toll plazas

Some California toll plazas still accept cash, but this option is becoming less common. The Golden Gate Bridge and some Bay Area facilities have cash lanes, but the toll amount is higher than the account rate. For example, a FasTrak user might pay $6.15 to cross the Bay Bridge, while a cash payer might pay $7.50 or more.

Cash lanes are slower because an attendant must collect and verify the payment. If you do not have exact change, you may not be able to proceed. Some facilities have stopped accepting cash entirely, so do not rely on it as your primary payment method.

If you are a visitor to California and do not plan to set up an account, ask the toll attendant about your options. Some facilities allow you to pay with a credit card at the booth, though this is not may provide at every location.

What happens if you do not pay a toll

If you drive through a toll plaza without paying and without an account, the system photographs your license plate. Within 30 days, you will receive a bill by mail at the address registered to your vehicle. This bill includes the toll amount plus a processing fee, making it more expensive than paying in advance.

If you do not pay the bill within the stated timeframe, the toll operator may send a second notice with a higher fee. Unpaid tolls can eventually result in a collections action or a hold on your vehicle registration renewal. Paying the bill promptly is simpler and cheaper than letting it accumulate.

If you received a bill and believe it is incorrect — for example, you think you already paid or your vehicle was misidentified — contact the toll operator directly. Each system has a customer service number on the bill. Disputes can usually be resolved by phone or online.

Choosing the right payment method for your situation

If you use California tolls regularly, a prepaid account is the cheapest and fastest option. Set it up before your first trip, and you will not have to think about it again. Account holders also get a small discount compared to cash or plate-billing rates.

If you are a visitor or use tolls only occasionally, you can still set up an account online in about 10 minutes. The account does not expire, so you can keep it active for future trips. Alternatively, you can pay by plate and receive a bill, but this costs more and requires you to remember to pay within the important date.

If you own multiple vehicles, most toll systems allow you to add all of them to one account. This simplifies tracking and payment. Check the specific toll operator's website to see how many vehicles you can register.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use one account for all California tolls?

No. FasTrak covers Bay Area tolls, ExpressAccount covers the 91 Express Lanes, and San Diego has its own system. You will need separate accounts if you use tolls in different regions. Each system has its own website and payment method.

What if I drive through a toll plaza by mistake and do not have an account?

The system will photograph your plate and send you a bill within 30 days. The bill will include the toll amount plus a processing fee. You can pay it by mail, phone, or online using the instructions on the bill. Paying promptly avoids additional fees.

Do I need a physical transponder, or can I just use plate reading?

Plate reading is now the default for most California toll systems. You do not need a physical transponder. If you prefer one, you can request it during account setup, but it is optional and may have a small fee.

Can I get a refund if I overpaid my toll account?

Yes. If your account balance is positive after you stop using the tolls, you can request a refund through the toll operator's website or by phone. Refunds typically take two to four weeks to process.

What if my license plate changes?

Update your account with your new plate number as soon as possible. You can do this online through your toll operator's website. If you do not update it, tolls may be charged to your old plate number, and you could receive bills for trips you made.