Colorado tolls are paid through E-470 or Northwest Toll Express, depending on which highway you use

Colorado has two toll road systems, and which one you use depends on where you drive. E-470 operates the E-470 Public Highway Authority roads around the Denver metro area, including the E-470 toll road itself. Northwest Toll Express runs I-25 North and US 36 North between Denver and the Wyoming border. Each system has its own payment methods and account setup, so you cannot pay one bill through the other.

You can pay tolls three ways: with a transponder (a small device mounted on your windshield), by license plate recognition if you have an account, or as a one-time toll if you do not have an account. The method you choose affects how much you pay per trip and how quickly you receive a bill.

Key Takeaways

  • E-470 and Northwest Toll Express are separate systems; you need an account with each one if you use both highways.
  • A transponder costs money upfront but gives you the lowest toll rates and automatic billing to your account.
  • If you do not have a transponder, the toll road will photograph your license plate and mail you an invoice, but you will pay a higher rate.
  • You can set up an account online or by phone with either toll operator and add money before or after you drive.
  • Unpaid tolls accrue late fees and can result in vehicle registration holds, so paying within 30 days matters.

Setting up an E-470 account and transponder

To open an E-470 account, go to e-470.com, click "Account Services," and select "Open an Account." You will need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and a payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account). The account itself is free, but a transponder costs $24.95 and is mailed to you within 5 to 7 business days.

Once your transponder arrives, mount it on your windshield following the included instructions—placement matters because the toll booth sensors need a clear read. Add money to your account before you drive, or the system will charge your payment method automatically when your balance drops below $5. With a transponder, you pay the lowest toll rate. Without one, the toll road reads your license plate and sends you an invoice at a higher rate.

If you lose or damage your transponder, you can order a replacement on the E-470 website for the same $24.95 fee. If you move out of state or no longer need the account, you can close it online and request a refund of any remaining balance.

Setting up a Northwest Toll Express account

Northwest Toll Express serves I-25 North and US 36 North. To open an account, visit nwtolex.com, select "Account Services," and choose "Create Account." You will need the same documents as E-470: a driver's license, vehicle registration, and a payment method.

Northwest Toll Express also charges $24.95 for a transponder, which arrives in 5 to 7 business days. The transponder works only on Northwest roads, not on E-470, so if you use both systems you will need two separate transponders and two accounts. Like E-470, you can pay tolls by license plate if you do not have a transponder, but the rate will be higher and you will receive an invoice by mail.

Paying tolls without a transponder

If you drive a toll road without a transponder and do not have an account, the toll booth camera photographs your license plate. The toll operator looks up your vehicle registration and mails you an invoice within 2 to 3 weeks. You then have 30 days to pay the amount due.

Paying by license plate costs more than using a transponder—typically 50% to 100% higher per trip depending on the road. This is because the toll operator incurs costs to photograph, process, and mail the invoice. If you drive toll roads regularly, a transponder saves money quickly.

If you receive an invoice and do not pay within 30 days, late fees begin to accrue. After 90 days of non-payment, the toll operator can place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal, which means you cannot renew your tags until the toll debt is settled.

How much Colorado tolls cost

Toll rates vary by road, time of day, and whether you have a transponder. E-470 rates change based on traffic congestion—during peak hours, tolls are higher, and during off-peak hours they are lower. The system is designed to manage traffic flow by charging more when demand is high.

Exact rates are posted on each toll operator's website and change periodically. E-470 publishes rates on e-470.com under "Toll Rates," and Northwest Toll Express publishes them on nwtolex.com. Transponder users always pay less than drivers who pay by license plate invoice, and the difference can be substantial if you use the roads frequently.

Some vehicles may be exempt from tolls or receive discounts. Check the toll operator's website for information about low-income discounts, military discounts, or exemptions for certain vehicle types.

What happens if you do not pay a toll bill

If you receive a toll invoice and do not pay within 30 days, the toll operator sends a second notice. After 90 days, they can place a hold on your vehicle registration, which prevents you from renewing your tags. This hold remains until you pay the toll debt in full, including any late fees that have accumulated.

Unpaid tolls can also affect your credit if the debt is sent to a collection agency, though this typically happens only after several months of non-payment. The best course of action is to pay the invoice within the 30-day window or contact the toll operator to discuss a payment plan if you are unable to pay the full amount at once.

If you believe an invoice is incorrect—for example, if you think you were charged twice for one trip—contact the toll operator's customer service within 30 days. Both E-470 and Northwest Toll Express have dispute processes and can review camera footage or transponder records to verify the charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same transponder on both E-470 and Northwest Toll Express?

No. Each toll system uses different transponder technology and requires a separate account. If you use both roads, you need two transponders and two accounts. You can manage both accounts online, but they are billed separately.

What if I move out of Colorado and no longer need my transponder?

You can close your account online through the toll operator's website and request a refund of any remaining balance. The refund is typically issued within 2 to 3 weeks. If you have an outstanding toll debt, it must be paid before the account can be closed.

Can I dispute a toll charge if I think I was charged incorrectly?

Yes. Contact the toll operator's customer service within 30 days of receiving the invoice. Both E-470 and Northwest Toll Express can review camera footage and transponder records. Provide your invoice number and the date of travel, and explain why you believe the charge is wrong.

What happens if my transponder stops working?

If your transponder is not reading at toll booths, the system will begin charging you by license plate at the higher rate. Order a replacement transponder on the toll operator's website for $24.95. In the meantime, contact customer service to flag the issue on your account so you are not charged duplicate tolls.

Do I have to pay tolls if I drive through Colorado on I-25 or US 36?

Only if you use the toll lanes. I-25 North and US 36 North each have both free lanes and toll lanes. You can use the free lanes to avoid tolls, though they may be more congested during peak hours. The toll lanes are optional.