Golden Gate Bridge tolls can be paid in three ways: FasTrak (an electronic tag mounted on your windshield), Pay-as-You-Go (a one-time payment for a single crossing), or a violation notice if you cross without paying

The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District operates the toll plaza and collects fares from vehicles crossing the bridge between San Francisco and Marin County. Most drivers use FasTrak, which is an electronic toll collection system that deducts the toll automatically as you pass through the plaza. If you don't have FasTrak, you can pay for a single crossing through Pay-as-You-Go within 48 hours of crossing. If you don't pay within that window, the District will send you a violation notice with penalties.

The toll amount varies by vehicle type and time of day. Passenger cars pay one rate; motorcycles, trucks, and recreational vehicles pay different amounts. Tolls are higher during peak commute hours (weekday mornings and evenings) and lower during off-peak times. The District adjusts toll rates annually, usually in January.

Key Takeaways

  • FasTrak is an electronic tag that mounts on your windshield and charges your account automatically each time you cross; you set it up online or by phone and fund it with a credit card or bank account.
  • Pay-as-You-Go lets you pay for a single crossing within 48 hours using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal on the Golden Gate Bridge website or through their mobile app.
  • If you cross without paying and don't pay within 48 hours, you will receive a violation notice in the mail with a higher penalty amount.
  • FasTrak accounts require a minimum balance and will charge your payment method when the balance drops below a threshold you set.

Setting up a FasTrak account

To set up FasTrak, you visit the Golden Gate Bridge District website (goldengatebridgecom) or call their customer service line. You will need your vehicle's license plate number, vehicle type, and a valid payment method (credit card or bank account). The District will mail you the FasTrak tag, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

When you receive the tag, you mount it on the inside of your windshield, usually in the upper right corner. The tag must be clean and unobstructed for the readers at the toll plaza to detect it. Once the tag is mounted and your account is active, tolls will be charged automatically each time you cross the bridge.

You choose a minimum balance when you set up your account—this is the threshold at which the District will automatically charge your payment method to replenish your account. For example, if you set the minimum at $25, the system will charge your card when your balance drops to $25 and will add enough funds to bring you back to a higher balance (usually around $100 to $150, depending on your settings).

Paying for a single crossing without FasTrak

If you don't have a FasTrak tag, you can pay for a single crossing through Pay-as-You-Go. You have 48 hours from the time you cross to make this payment. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge website, select Pay-as-You-Go, and enter your vehicle's license plate number and the date you crossed. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or PayPal.

The Pay-as-You-Go toll amount is the same as the FasTrak rate for your vehicle type and time of day. There is no additional fee for paying this way, but you must pay within the 48-hour window. If you miss that window, the District will issue a violation notice.

What happens if you don't pay

If you cross the bridge without paying and do not pay within 48 hours, the Golden Gate Bridge District will send you a violation notice by mail. The violation notice includes the original toll amount plus a penalty. The penalty amount depends on whether it is your first violation or a repeat offense.

You can pay the violation online, by mail, or by phone. If you believe the violation was issued in error—for example, if you did pay within 48 hours—you can contest it by following the instructions on the notice. The District will review your dispute and respond within a set timeframe.

Repeated violations can result in higher penalties and may affect your vehicle registration. Some drivers have had their registration suspended or been unable to renew their registration until outstanding violations were resolved.

FasTrak discounts and account management

FasTrak users receive a discount on tolls compared to Pay-as-You-Go rates. The discount is applied automatically to every crossing. The exact discount percentage varies and is set by the Golden Gate Bridge District; it is typically around 25 to 30 percent off the standard toll rate.

You can manage your FasTrak account online through the Golden Gate Bridge website. You can view your transaction history, update your payment method, change your minimum balance threshold, add or remove vehicles, and check your current account balance. You can also call customer service to make changes over the phone.

If your FasTrak tag is damaged, lost, or stolen, you can request a replacement through your online account or by calling customer service. There is usually a small fee for a replacement tag.

Tolls for different vehicle types and times

The Golden Gate Bridge charges different toll rates based on vehicle classification and time of day. Passenger cars (two axles, four tires) pay one rate. Motorcycles pay a lower rate. Trucks and recreational vehicles with more axles pay higher rates. The District also charges higher tolls during peak commute hours (typically 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays) and lower tolls during off-peak hours.

Toll rates are adjusted annually, usually in January. The District publishes the new rates on its website before they take effect. If you have questions about which rate applies to your vehicle, you can contact customer service or check the rate schedule on the website.

Transponder issues and troubleshooting

Occasionally, FasTrak tags fail to read at the toll plaza. This can happen if the tag is dirty, obstructed, mounted incorrectly, or malfunctioning. If your tag does not read, you will receive a violation notice. You can contest the violation by providing proof that your tag was active and properly mounted.

If you believe your tag is malfunctioning, contact customer service with your account number and the date of the crossing. The District can review whether the tag was detected and can sometimes waive the violation if the tag was registered to your account but failed to read. Keep your account information and tag documentation handy when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use someone else's FasTrak tag on my vehicle?

No. FasTrak tags are registered to a specific vehicle license plate. If you use a tag registered to a different vehicle, the toll will be charged to that vehicle's account, and you may receive a violation notice. Each vehicle needs its own tag or you should use Pay-as-You-Go.

What if I cross the bridge in a rental car?

If the rental car has a FasTrak tag, the rental company's account will be charged. If it does not have a tag, you can pay through Pay-as-You-Go within 48 hours using the rental car's license plate number. Some rental companies charge an additional fee if tolls are charged to their account, so check your rental agreement.

How long does it take to get a FasTrak tag after I order one?

The tag typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your order online or by phone. Your account becomes active when ready, but you cannot use the tag until it arrives and you mount it on your windshield. If you need a tag urgently, some customer service locations may offer same-day or next-day pickup options.

Can I get a refund if I overpay my FasTrak account?

Yes. If your account balance exceeds a certain amount, you can request a refund through your online account or by contacting customer service. The District processes refunds by check or credit card, depending on how you originally funded the account.

Do I need to pay tolls if I'm crossing the bridge on foot or by bicycle?

No. Pedestrians and bicyclists do not pay tolls to cross the Golden Gate Bridge. Only motor vehicles are subject to tolls.