California toll roads charge you at the point of entry, and you can pay by account, one-time payment, or invoice

California operates toll roads through several agencies, each running its own system. The Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and most Southern California toll roads use FasTrak, a prepaid account system that charges your account as you drive. Some roads accept one-time payments by mail or online if you don't have an account. If you drive a toll road without paying, you'll receive an invoice in the mail — and if you ignore it, penalties and collection action follow.

The toll amount depends on the road, the time of day (some roads charge more during rush hours), and your vehicle type. Most passenger cars pay between $2 and $15 per crossing, though express lanes during peak hours can cost more. Motorcycles and some clean-air vehicles may pay reduced rates.

Key Takeaways

  • FasTrak is the main toll payment system in California and works by charging a prepaid account as you pass through a toll plaza.
  • If you don't have FasTrak, you can pay a one-time toll by mail or online within a set window, usually 21 days after crossing.
  • Unpaid tolls result in a notice in the mail; ignoring it leads to late fees, collection referral, and potential vehicle registration holds.
  • Different toll roads are operated by different agencies, so you may need separate accounts or payments for different routes.
  • Some vehicles may have access to for discounts through FasTrak, including motorcycles, clean-air vehicles, and low-income drivers in certain programs.

Setting up a FasTrak account

FasTrak accounts are managed through the FasTrak website or by phone. You'll need a valid driver's license or ID, a vehicle license plate number, and a payment method (debit or credit card). The account itself is free to open; you only pay for tolls and any transponder fees if you need a physical device.

Most newer vehicles don't need a physical transponder — the system reads your license plate and charges your account automatically. If you drive an older vehicle or prefer a transponder, FasTrak will mail one to you, usually at no charge for your first device. Once your account is active, tolls are deducted from your prepaid balance as you drive.

You can add money to your account online, by phone, or by setting up automatic replenishment so your balance never drops below a certain amount. Many people set it to refill when the balance falls below $25.

Paying tolls without a FasTrak account

If you don't have a FasTrak account and drive a toll road, you have a limited window to pay by mail or online. Most toll agencies give you 21 days from the date you crossed to submit a one-time payment. You'll need your vehicle license plate number and the date you used the road.

One-time payments typically cost more than FasTrak rates — often 50% to 100% higher — because the agency has to process the payment manually. For example, a $5 FasTrak toll might cost $8 to $10 as a one-time payment. You can pay through the toll agency's website or by mailing a check, though online payment is faster and more reliable.

If you regularly drive California toll roads, opening a FasTrak account saves money over time, even accounting for the occasional one-time payment.

What happens if you don't pay

If you cross a toll road without paying and don't submit a one-time payment within the window, the toll agency will mail you a notice. This notice includes the toll amount, a late fee (typically $25 to $50), and instructions for payment. You have another window — usually 21 days — to pay the notice amount.

If you ignore the notice, the debt is referred to a collection agency, and additional collection fees are added to your balance. The toll agency can also place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal, preventing you from renewing your tags until the debt is paid. In some cases, the debt may be reported to credit bureaus.

Paying the notice promptly stops the escalation. If you believe the charge is wrong — for example, you paid but the system didn't record it — contact the toll agency directly with proof of payment before the deadline.

Toll roads and agencies in California

California's toll roads are operated by different agencies, and each has its own rules and payment systems. The Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge use FasTrak. The Dumbarton Bridge and San Mateo Bridge also use FasTrak. In Southern California, the Orange County toll roads (I-73, I-133, and the San Joaquin Hills Toll Road) use FasTrak. The Los Angeles County toll roads (I-110 and I-10 express lanes) use FasTrak as well.

Some toll roads, like certain sections of Highway 99 in the Central Valley, may have different payment systems or be operated by regional authorities. If you're unsure which agency operates a road you plan to use, check the California toll roads website or contact the local transportation authority.

If you drive multiple toll roads regularly, you may be able to use a single FasTrak account across all of them, though you'll need to register each vehicle separately if you drive more than one.

Discounts and special programs

FasTrak offers reduced toll rates for motorcycles, which typically pay 50% of the passenger car rate. Some clean-air vehicles, including electric and hybrid cars, may also may have access to for discounts on certain toll roads. may be able to access depends on the specific road and the vehicle's emissions rating.

California also runs a FasTrak Low Income Program in some regions, which provides a 50% discount on tolls for drivers who meet income requirements. This program is available in the Bay Area and some Southern California counties. You'll need to provide proof of income when you register for the program.

Check with the toll agency for your region to see which discounts apply to your vehicle and situation. Discounts are applied automatically once your account is set up correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a California toll with cash?

No. California toll roads do not accept cash at toll plazas. You must pay through FasTrak, a one-time online or mail payment, or an invoice if you receive one. This is why setting up FasTrak or paying within the one-time payment window is important.

What if I cross a toll road by mistake and didn't know it was tolled?

You'll still receive an invoice in the mail. Contact the toll agency as soon as you receive it and explain the situation. While they may not waive the toll itself, they can sometimes waive or reduce the late fee if you pay promptly. Paying within the notice period stops additional collection action.

Do rental cars have FasTrak?

Most rental car companies in California have FasTrak transponders in their vehicles. If you drive a rental on a toll road, the rental company will charge the toll (plus a processing fee) to your rental agreement. Ask the rental company about their toll policy before you drive.

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

Yes. If your FasTrak account has a balance remaining when you close it or if you've overpaid, you can request a refund through the FasTrak website or by phone. Refunds are typically issued within a few weeks.

What if my license plate changes?

Update your FasTrak account with your new license plate number as soon as possible. If you don't, tolls may not be charged to your account, and you could receive invoices instead. You can update your plate online or by calling FasTrak customer service.