What the Colorado 470 toll is and who has to pay it

Colorado 470 is a 47-mile toll highway that runs around the south and west sides of the Denver metro area, connecting I-25 near Castle Rock to I-25 near Boulder. If you drive on it, you owe a toll — there are no free lanes. The toll amount depends on the time of day, the distance you travel, and whether you have a transponder account set up in advance.

You do not have to use 470 at all if you do not want to. You can take I-25, US-85, or other free highways to reach the same destinations, though the drive will take longer. But if you choose to use 470, payment is required before or shortly after you drive.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay Colorado 470 tolls with a transponder account, a one-time toll invoice, or by setting up a pay-as-you-go account without a physical device.
  • Transponder accounts charge the lowest toll rates and are the fastest way through toll plazas, but require buying or renting the device upfront.
  • If you drive 470 without a transponder, you will receive a toll invoice in the mail within two weeks, and you can pay it online, by phone, or by mail.
  • Unpaid tolls accrue late fees and can eventually prevent vehicle registration renewal in Colorado.
  • You can check your account balance and toll history anytime through the E-470 website or customer service phone line.

Paying with a transponder account

A transponder is a small electronic device you mount on your windshield. When you drive through a toll plaza, the device communicates with the toll reader and charges your account automatically. This is the fastest and cheapest way to use 470.

To set up a transponder account, visit the E-470 Public Highway Authority website (e-470.com) or call 303-537-3470. You can purchase a transponder for a one-time fee, or rent one monthly. Once your account is open, you load money onto it — this is called a prepaid balance. Every time you use 470, the toll is deducted from that balance. When the balance gets low, you can add more money online or by phone.

Transponder users pay a lower toll rate than drivers without transponders. The exact amount varies by time of day and distance, but the difference can be significant during peak hours. You can see current toll rates on the E-470 website before you drive.

Paying without a transponder: toll invoices

If you drive 470 without a transponder, the toll plaza cameras will photograph your license plate. Within 7 to 14 days, you will receive a toll invoice in the mail at the address registered with your vehicle's owner. The invoice shows the date you drove, the toll amount, and instructions for payment.

You can pay this invoice online through the E-470 website, by phone at 303-537-3470, or by mailing a check. Payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date. If you pay on time, there are no additional fees beyond the toll itself.

If you drive 470 regularly without a transponder, you will receive multiple invoices. Setting up a transponder account or a pay-as-you-go account (see below) will save you money and reduce the number of invoices you receive.

Pay-as-you-go accounts without a transponder device

E-470 offers a middle option: you can create an online account and provide your license plate number without buying or renting a transponder. When you drive, the cameras read your plate and charge your account automatically. This costs more than a transponder account but less than paying individual invoices, and you avoid the hassle of receiving mail invoices.

To set this up, go to e-470.com and select the pay-as-you-go option. You will need to register your vehicle's license plate and set up a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account). Your account will charge you each time you use 470, and you can check your balance and history online anytime.

What happens if you do not pay

If a toll invoice goes unpaid for 30 days, E-470 adds a late fee to your balance. If the account remains unpaid for several months, E-470 can report the debt to a collection agency, which will appear on your credit report. This can lower your credit score and make it harder to borrow money in the future.

In Colorado, unpaid tolls can also prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration. The state's Department of Revenue will not issue a new registration sticker until the toll debt is paid. This means you cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads.

If you have unpaid tolls and cannot pay the full amount when ready, contact E-470 customer service at 303-537-3470. They may be able to work out a payment plan with you.

Checking your account and toll history

Whether you have a transponder account, a pay-as-you-go account, or you are just tracking invoices you received in the mail, you can see your toll history and current balance on the E-470 website. Log in with your account number or license plate number, and you will see every trip you took, the toll charged, and the date.

You can also call E-470 customer service at 303-537-3470 to ask about your account. They can tell you your balance, explain a specific charge, or help you set up a payment plan if you owe money.

Disputing a toll charge

If you believe you were charged incorrectly — for example, if you were charged twice for one trip, or if the toll amount seems wrong — you can dispute it through the E-470 website or by calling 303-537-3470. You will need to provide the date of the trip and your account number or license plate.

E-470 will review your dispute and respond within 10 to 15 business days. If the charge was an error, they will remove it or issue a credit to your account. If the charge was correct, they will explain why and provide details about the toll calculation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use 470, or can I take a free highway instead?

You do not have to use 470. Free alternatives like I-25, US-85, and local highways connect the same areas, though they take longer. Using 470 is optional.

What if I rent a car and drive 470?

The toll will be charged to the vehicle's registered owner — in this case, the rental company. The rental company will then bill you for the toll, usually adding a processing fee. To avoid this fee, ask the rental company if they have a transponder account you can use, or pay the toll yourself through E-470 if you provide your information upfront.

Can I get a refund if I accidentally drove 470?

If you drove 470 by mistake and want a refund, contact E-470 customer service at 303-537-3470 as soon as possible. They may issue a one-time refund if you explain the situation, but this is not may provide. It is easier to prevent this by planning your route in advance.

How do I know what toll rate I will pay?

Toll rates change based on time of day and traffic conditions. The E-470 website shows current rates before you drive. Transponder users pay less than drivers without transponders. You can also call 303-537-3470 to ask about rates for a specific time and distance.

What if I move out of Colorado and still owe tolls?

You still owe the tolls, even if you no longer live in Colorado. E-470 can report unpaid tolls to a collection agency, which will pursue the debt. If you ever try to register a vehicle in Colorado again, the unpaid tolls will block registration. Contact E-470 to set up a payment plan if you cannot pay the full amount at once.