How California tolls work and where you'll encounter them

California has toll roads in several regions, and the way you pay depends on which road you're using and which county it's in. The state does not have a single unified toll system — instead, different agencies run different toll facilities, each with its own payment method. The main toll roads are in the San Francisco Bay Area (the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and local express lanes), Southern California (the 91 Express Lanes, I-15 Express Lanes, and the San Diego-Coronado Bridge), and a few others scattered across the state.

Most California toll roads now use electronic payment systems rather than toll booths where you hand over cash. This means you either need a transponder (a small device that mounts on your windshield), a license plate account, or you can pay by mail after the fact. If you drive a toll road without any of these, you'll receive a bill in the mail — but it will cost more than if you'd paid in advance.

Key Takeaways

  • California toll roads use different payment systems depending on the region: FasTrak in the Bay Area and some Southern California roads, ExpressPass in San Diego, and others run by local agencies.
  • You can pay tolls with a transponder account, a license plate account, or by mail after receiving an invoice, though paying in advance is cheaper than paying by invoice.
  • FasTrak is the most common system and covers the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and express lanes in multiple counties.
  • If you don't have an account and drive a toll road, you will receive a bill in the mail with a higher toll rate plus administrative fees.
  • Each toll agency has its own website where you can set up an account, check your balance, and add funds.

FasTrak: The Bay Area and regional toll system

FasTrak is the electronic toll collection system used by the Bay Area Toll Authority and covers the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, the San Mateo Bridge, the Dumbarton Bridge, and the Carquinez Bridge. It also covers express lanes in Alameda, Santa Clara, and Contra Costa counties. FasTrak is the most widely used toll system in California.

To use FasTrak, you set up an account online at www.bayareafastrak.org or by phone at 1-888-FASTRAK (1-888-327-8725). You'll need to provide your vehicle information, a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account), and a mailing address. Once your account is open, you can order a transponder, which is a small device that mounts on your windshield. The transponder costs around $25 to $30, depending on the type, and that cost is added to your account balance.

When you drive through a toll plaza with an active FasTrak transponder, the toll is deducted automatically from your account. You can check your balance and transaction history online anytime. If your balance gets low, the system will automatically charge your payment method to refill it — you set the refill amount when you create your account. The toll rates vary by time of day on some express lanes, with higher rates during peak commute hours.

ExpressPass and San Diego toll roads

The San Diego-Coronado Bridge and some express lanes in San Diego County use ExpressPass, a separate system from FasTrak. You can set up an ExpressPass account at www.sdcta.org or by calling 1-877-EXPRESSS (1-877-397-7377). Like FasTrak, you'll receive a transponder in the mail and can manage your account online.

The I-15 Express Lanes in San Diego also use ExpressPass. These lanes charge variable tolls depending on traffic conditions — during heavy congestion, the toll is higher; during light traffic, it's lower. The system is designed to keep traffic flowing at a steady speed. You can see the current toll rate on overhead signs before you enter the express lane, and if you don't want to pay the current rate, you can stay in the regular lanes.

License plate accounts: Paying without a transponder

If you don't want to order a transponder, some toll agencies allow you to set up a license plate account instead. With this method, cameras photograph your license plate as you drive through the toll plaza, and the toll is charged to your account based on your plate number. This is available for FasTrak and some other systems.

To set up a license plate account, visit the toll agency's website and enter your vehicle's license plate number and payment information. There is usually no charge to set up this type of account. The toll rates are the same as with a transponder, and you can manage your balance online. License plate accounts work well if you drive a toll road only occasionally or if you prefer not to have a device on your windshield.

Paying tolls by mail after you receive an invoice

If you drive a toll road without a transponder or license plate account, the toll agency will photograph your plate and send you an invoice in the mail. This invoice will include the toll amount plus an administrative fee, making it more expensive than paying in advance. The fee varies by agency but typically ranges from $5 to $10 per transaction.

When you receive the invoice, you can pay it by mail, online, or by phone using the instructions on the bill. Payment methods usually include credit card, debit card, or check. If you plan to drive toll roads regularly, setting up an account in advance will save you money compared to paying by invoice each time.

Other California toll roads and agencies

Beyond FasTrak and ExpressPass, California has a few other toll facilities run by different agencies. The Benicia-Martinez Bridge uses a system called BeniciaMartinez.com, where you can set up an account or pay by invoice. The Antioch Bridge (State Route 4) also has its own toll system. Each of these smaller facilities has its own website where you can learn about payment options specific to that road.

If you're unsure which system applies to a particular toll road, search the road name plus "toll payment" online, and you'll find the agency's website. Most toll agencies have customer service phone numbers listed on their sites if you need help setting up an account or have questions about your bill.

What happens if you don't pay a toll

If you drive a toll road and don't pay — either by not having an account set up and ignoring the invoice, or by letting your account balance go negative — the toll agency will continue to send notices. Eventually, the debt can be referred to a collection agency, and it may affect your credit. Some toll agencies can also place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal until the debt is paid.

If you receive a toll invoice you believe is incorrect, contact the toll agency listed on the bill. Most agencies have a dispute process where you can provide evidence (such as proof that you had a valid transponder at the time) and request a review. Keep records of your account statements and transponder purchases in case you need to dispute a charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same FasTrak account in other states?

FasTrak works only in California. If you travel to other states with toll roads, those states have their own systems. Some states participate in reciprocal agreements, meaning your FasTrak transponder may be recognized, but you should check the specific state's toll authority website before traveling.

What if I move to a different county in California?

Your FasTrak account remains active no matter where you move within California. You don't need to close it or open a new one. If you move out of state, you can keep the account open for future trips back to California, or you can close it and request a refund of any remaining balance.

Do I have to use a transponder, or can I always pay by license plate?

License plate accounts are available on most California toll roads, so you don't have to use a transponder if you prefer not to. However, transponders are more reliable because they work even if your plate is dirty or obscured. If you use a license plate account, make sure your plate is clean and clearly visible.

How much do tolls cost in California?

Toll amounts vary by road and location. Bay Area bridges typically charge $5 to $7 for a passenger vehicle, while express lanes charge based on traffic conditions and can range from $1 to $15 or more during peak hours. Check the specific toll agency's website for current rates on the road you plan to use.

What if my transponder stops working?

If your transponder is damaged or not reading properly, contact the toll agency and request a replacement. Most agencies will send you a new one at no charge or for a small fee. In the meantime, set up a license plate account so you're not charged the invoice rate for tolls.