Difference between revisions of "california-toll-roads-bridges-express-lanes-fastrak"

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:California toll roads, bridges, express lanes and FasTrak}}
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{{DISPLAYTITLE: California Toll Roads Complete Guide: FasTrak, Rates & Payment 2025}}
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{{#seo:|title=California toll roads, bridges, express lanes and FasTrak}}
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{{#seo:|title=California Toll Roads Complete Guide: FasTrak, Rates & Payment 2025}}
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{{#seo:|keywords= california toll roads, california tolls, california express lanes, ca tolls}}
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{{#seo:|keywords=California tolls, FasTrak, Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Area tolls, Orange County tolls, toll calculator}}
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{{#seo:|description=Complete 2025 guide to California toll roads, FasTrak requirements, current rates, payment methods for Bay Area, Orange County, Southern California. Calculate tolls now.}}
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{{#canonics: https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/california-toll}}
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== California toll roads ==
 
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The toll roads in California include the following stretches across the state:
 
  
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The South Bay Expressway (SR 125 toll road) <ref>[http://www.southbayexpressway.com/ South Bay Expressway (SR 125 toll road)]</ref> stretches from the Otay Mesa border crossing north through Chula Vista to SR-54, providing access to Downtown San Diego. The road is operated by San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG).
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<h1 style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 10px 0; border-bottom: 3px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 0">California Toll Roads Complete Guide</h1>
  
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Eastern Toll Roads (SR 133), Foothill Toll Road (SR-241), Eastern Toll Roads (SR 241/SR 261), San Joaquin Hills Toll Road (SR 73) are part of the Eastern Transportation Corridor <ref>[https://www.thetollroads.com/ Eastern Transportation Corridor]</ref> system.
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<div style="color: #202122; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6;">
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SR 133 is a freeway (the Laguna Freeway) to I-5, and a tollway (part of the Eastern Toll Road) to SR 241 near the Santa Ana Mountains. SR 241 toll road’s northern half is part of the Eastern Transportation Corridor while its southern half is part of the Foothill Transportation Corridor. The highway currently runs from Rancho Santa Margarita to Yorba Linda. State Route 261 (SR 261) connects State Route 241 with I-5. <br>
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<strong style="font-weight: bold;">System:</strong> FasTrak electronic toll collection (statewide compatibility)<br>
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Cash is '''no''' longer accepted in any of the Eastern Transportation Corridor system roads.
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<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Coverage:</strong> Bay Area bridges, Orange County toll roads, Express lanes statewide<br>
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<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Currency:</strong> US Dollar (USD)<br>
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Calculate tolls for your trip across California toll roads using California Toll Calculator.
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<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Technology:</strong> RFID transponders, license plate recognition, GPS-based payment<br>
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<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Operators:</strong> Multiple agencies - Bay Area Toll Authority, TCA, Metro, SANDAG
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<div style="text-align: center; margin: 20px 0;">
 
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://tollguru.com/california-toll-calculator"><button class="custom-button button-orange" type="button">Calculate California Toll</button></a>
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<a href="https://tollguru.com/california-toll-calculator"><button type="button" class="custom-button button-orange">California Toll Calculator</button></a>
 
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</html>
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</div>
 
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
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<div class="shadowCard">
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<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Do I Need FasTrak for California? 2025 Update</h2>
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== California toll bridges ==
 
  
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">FasTrak is not mandatory for all California driving, but it's essential for certain roads and significantly cheaper than alternatives. FasTrak is the easiest and preferred way to pay tolls throughout California – and in some cases, it's the only way.</p>
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<html><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img alt="Toll booth locations on all the toll bridges of California including Golden Gate bridge and Carquinez Bridge" class="wp-image-7522 size-full" height="1024" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 980px" src="https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/California-Toll-Bridges-Toll-Map-980x1024.jpg" srcset="https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/California-Toll-Bridges-Toll-Map-980x1024.jpg 980w, https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/California-Toll-Bridges-Toll-Map-478x500.jpg 478w, https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/California-Toll-Bridges-Toll-Map-768x803.jpg 768w, https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/California-Toll-Bridges-Toll-Map.jpg 1126w" width="520"/></figure></html>
 
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    </div>
 
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Following is the list of all toll bridges in California.
 
  
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<ul id="block-746287b1-58a2-435e-b87c-c546c1737e02"><li>The Antioch Bridge</li><li>The Benicia–Martinez Bridge</li><li>The Carquinez Bridge</li><li>The Dumbarton Bridge</li><li>Golden Gate bridge</li><li>The Richmond–San Rafael Bridge</li><li>The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge</li><li>The San Mateo–Hayward Bridge</li></ul>
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Key Reality:</strong> Your FasTrak account, regardless of which toll agency your account is with, can be used to pay tolls everywhere in California. Without FasTrak, you'll pay higher toll-by-plate rates plus processing fees.</p>
  
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=== The Antioch Bridge ===
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">2025 Update:</strong> Bay Area bridge tolls increased to $8 for regular vehicles as of January 1, 2025, with additional 50-cent annual increases approved through 2030. Golden Gate Bridge toll rates increased July 1, 2025.</p>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
 
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<html><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img alt="Toll booth location of Antioch Bridge over San Joaquin River between Antioch and Sherman Island in southern Sacramento County" class="wp-image-7539" height="305" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 563px" src="https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Antioch-Bridge-Toll-Map.jpg" srcset="https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Antioch-Bridge-Toll-Map-640x348.jpg 640w, https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Antioch-Bridge-Toll-Map-768x418.jpg 768w" width="520"/></figure></html>
 
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  </div>   
 
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The Antioch Bridge <ref>[http://mtc.ca.gov/about-mtc/what-mtc/bay-area-toll-authority/antioch-bridge Antioch Bridge]</ref> crosses the San Joaquin River linking Antioch with Sherman Island in southern Sacramento County, near Isleton. Tolls are collected in the eastbound direction. The toll rate for passenger cars is $6. During peak traffic hours (Monday through Friday between 5 a.m.-10 a.m. and 3 p.m.-7 p.m), 3+ carpools and motorcycles pay a toll of $3.
 
  
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=== The Benicia-Martinez Bridge ===
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<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">California Toll Costs: Current Rates</h2>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
 
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<html><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img alt="Toll booth location of Benicia Martinez Bridge which is between Benicia on the north side with Martinez on the south" class="wp-image-7545" height="502" loading="lazy" src="https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Benicia-Martinez-Bridge-Toll-Map.jpg" width="520"/></figure></html>
 
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    </div>
 
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The Benicia–Martinez Bridge <ref>[http://mtc.ca.gov/about-mtc/what-mtc/bay-area-toll-authority/benicia-martinez-bridge Benicia–Martinez Bridge]</ref> links Benicia on the north side with Martinez on the south. Tolls are only collected in the eastbound direction. The toll rate for passenger cars is $6. During peak traffic hours (Monday through Friday between 5 a.m.-10 a.m. and 3 p.m.-7 p.m), 3+ carpools and motorcycles pay a toll of $3.
 
  
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=== Carquinez Bridge ===
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">California operates 25 toll facilities throughout the state with costs varying by location, payment method, and vehicle type.</p>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
 
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<html><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img alt="Toll booth location of Carquinez Bridge over the Carquinez Strait, is part of Interstate 80 between Crockett and Vallejo" class="wp-image-7590" height="502" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 563px" src="https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Carquinez-Bridge-Toll-Map.jpg" srcset="https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Carquinez-Bridge-Toll-Map.jpg 1126w, https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Carquinez-Bridge-Toll-Map-640x344.jpg 640w, https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Carquinez-Bridge-Toll-Map-768x413.jpg 768w" width="520"/></figure></html>
 
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    </div>
 
  
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The Carquinez Bridge <ref>[http://mtc.ca.gov/about-mtc/what-mtc/bay-area-toll-authority/carquinez-bridge Carquinez Bridge]</ref> spans the Carquinez Strait, forming part of Interstate 80 between Crockett and Vallejo. Tolls are only collected eastbound, towards Vallejo. The toll rate for passenger cars is $6. During peak traffic hours (Monday through Friday between 5 a.m.-10 a.m. and 3 p.m.-7 p.m), 3+ carpools and motorcycles pay a toll of $3.
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<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 20px 0 10px 0;">Current Toll Rates by Location (2025)</h3>
  
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=== The Dumbarton Bridge ===
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<div style="overflow-x: auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; margin: 20px 0;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table style="width: 100%; min-width: 600px; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; color: #202122; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6;">
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<html><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img alt="Toll booth location of Dumbarton Bridge between Fremont, in San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Menlo Park" class="wp-image-7592" height="313" loading="lazy" src="https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Dumbarton-Bridge-Toll-Map.jpg" width="520"/></figure></html>
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<tr>
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<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Location</th>
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<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">FasTrak Rate</th>
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<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Toll-by-Plate</th>
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<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Recent Changes</th>
 +
</tr>
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<tr>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Golden Gate Bridge</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$9.75</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$10.25</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">July 2025: $0.50 increase</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Bay Area Bridges (7 bridges)</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">$8.00</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">$8.50</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Jan 2025: $1 increase</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Orange County Toll Roads</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$3.00-$11.00</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$3.50-$12.50</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Distance-based pricing</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">91 Express Lanes</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">$2.00-$15.00</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">$2.50-$16.50</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Dynamic pricing by congestion</td>
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</tr>
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<tr>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">405 Express Lanes</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$1.00-$8.00</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$1.50-$9.50</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Opened December 2023</td>
 +
</tr>
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<tr>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">SR 125 South Bay Expressway</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">$2.00-$6.00</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">$2.50-$7.50</td>
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<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Distance-based, 10-mile route</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
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The Dumbarton Bridge <ref>[http://mtc.ca.gov/about-mtc/what-mtc/bay-area-toll-authority/dumbarton-bridge Dumbarton Bridge]</ref> connects Fremont, near Newark in the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge to Menlo Park. Tolls are only collected in westbound direction. The toll rate for passenger cars is $6. During peak traffic hours (Monday through Friday between 5 a.m.-10 a.m. and 3 p.m.-7 p.m), 3+ carpools and motorcycles pay a toll of $3.
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<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 20px 0 10px 0;">Vehicle Classifications</h3>
  
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=== Golden Gate Bridge ===
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">2-Axle Vehicles:</strong> Cars, SUVs, motorcycles, light trucks</p>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">3+ Axle Vehicles:</strong> Tolls rise by $1 on Jan. 1, 2025, at all seven state-owned toll bridges: to $18 for three axles, $23 for four-axles, $28 for five axles, $33 for six axles, and $38 for combinations with seven or more axles</p>
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<html><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img alt="Toll booth location of Golden Gate Bridge between San Francisco and Marin County, along U.S. Route 101 and California State Route 1" class="wp-image-7593" height="298" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 563px" src="https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Golden-Gate-Bridge-Toll-Map.jpg" srcset="https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Golden-Gate-Bridge-Toll-Map.jpg 1126w, https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Golden-Gate-Bridge-Toll-Map-640x339.jpg 640w, https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Golden-Gate-Bridge-Toll-Map-768x407.jpg 768w" width="520"/></figure></html>
 
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</div>
 
  
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The iconic Golden Gate bridge <ref>[http://goldengatebridge.org/ Golden Gate bridge]</ref> connects San Francisco to Marin County, carrying both U.S. Route 101 and California State Route 1 across the strait. The toll is only collected in southbound direction. For passenger cars, it costs $7.35 for FasTrak user, $8.20 for Toll-by-plate user and $8.35 for invoice users to use the bridge. Buses, Carpools (THREE or more people) and Motorcycles with FasTrak toll tags pay discounted toll ($5.35) on weekdays (except holidays) from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">How to Pay California Tolls</h2>
  
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=== The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge ===
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">California uses multiple payment methods depending on the toll facility:</p>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
 
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<html><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img alt="Toll booth location of Richmond San Rafael Bridge linking I-580 between Richmond on the east and San Rafael on the west." class="wp-image-7594" height="319" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 563px" src="https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Richmond-San-Rafael-Bridge-Toll-Map.jpg" srcset="https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Richmond-San-Rafael-Bridge-Toll-Map.jpg 1126w, https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Richmond-San-Rafael-Bridge-Toll-Map-640x364.jpg 640w, https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Richmond-San-Rafael-Bridge-Toll-Map-768x437.jpg 768w" width="520"/></figure></html>
 
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</div>
 
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The Richmond–San Rafael Bridge <ref>[http://mtc.ca.gov/about-mtc/what-mtc/bay-area-toll-authority/richmond-san-rafael-bridge Richmond–San Rafael Bridge]</ref> bridges I-580 from Richmond on the east to San Rafael on the west. Tolls are only collected from westbound traffic headed to San Rafael. The toll rate for passenger cars is $6. During peak traffic hours (Monday through Friday between 5 a.m.-10 a.m. and 3 p.m.-7 p.m), 3+ carpools and motorcycles pay a toll of $3.
 
  
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=== The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge ===
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">1. FasTrak Electronic System:</strong></p>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
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<html><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img alt="Toll booth location of San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge linking I-80 between San Francisco and Oakland" class="wp-image-7595" height="307" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 563px" src="https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/San-Francisco-Oakland-Bay-Bridge-Toll-Map.jpg" srcset="https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/San-Francisco-Oakland-Bay-Bridge-Toll-Map.jpg 1126w, https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/San-Francisco-Oakland-Bay-Bridge-Toll-Map-640x348.jpg 640w, https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/San-Francisco-Oakland-Bay-Bridge-Toll-Map-768x417.jpg 768w" width="520"/></figure></html>
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<li>Standard transponder: Standard sticker transponders are actually free from most agencies</li>
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</div>
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<li>FasTrak Flex: $11 when purchased directly through The Toll Roads for carpool switching</li>
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The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge <ref>[http://mtc.ca.gov/about-mtc/what-mtc/bay-area-toll-authority/san-francisco-oakland-bay-bridge The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge]</ref> bridges I-80 between San Francisco and Oakland. It has one of the longest spans in the United States. The tolls are based on time of travel. Passenger cars pay $7 toll during peak hours (from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday), $5 toll during non-peak hours on Monday through Friday and $6 on weekends. During peak traffic hours (Monday through Friday between 5 a.m.-10 a.m. and 3 p.m.-7 p.m), 3+ carpools and motorcycles pay a reduced toll of $3.
+
<li>Statewide compatibility: Works on all California toll facilities</li>
 +
</ul>
  
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=== The San Mateo-Hayward Bridge ===
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<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">2. Pay-by-Plate (License Plate):</strong></p>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
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<html><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img alt="Toll booth location of San Mateo-Hayward Bridge linking San Francisco Peninsula to East Bay between Foster City and Hayward" class="wp-image-7597" height="306" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 563px" src="https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/San-Mateo-Hayward-Bridge-Toll-Map.jpg" srcset="https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/San-Mateo-Hayward-Bridge-Toll-Map.jpg 1126w, https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/San-Mateo-Hayward-Bridge-Toll-Map-640x349.jpg 640w, https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/San-Mateo-Hayward-Bridge-Toll-Map-768x419.jpg 768w" width="520"/></figure></html>
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<li>Automatic license plate recognition</li>
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</div>
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<li>Higher rates than FasTrak</li>
 +
<li>Invoice sent to registered owner</li>
 +
</ul>
  
−
The San Mateo–Hayward Bridge <ref>[http://mtc.ca.gov/about-mtc/what-mtc/bay-area-toll-authority/san-mateo-hayward-bridge San Mateo–Hayward Bridge]</ref> links the San Francisco Peninsula with the East Bay. The bridge’s western end is in Foster City and the eastern end is in Hayward. Tolls are only collected from westbound traffic. The toll rate for passenger cars is $6. During peak traffic hours (Monday through Friday between 5 a.m.-10 a.m. and 3 p.m.-7 p.m), 3+ carpools and motorcycles pay a toll of $3.
+
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">3. Cash Payment:</strong></p>
−
 
+
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
−
The 17-Mile Drive <ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/17-Mile_Drive 17-Mile Drive]</ref> is a scenic road through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove. The drive serves as the main road through the gated community of Pebble Beach. Inside this community, nonresidents need to pay a toll to use the road.
+
<li>Available at some Bay Area bridges only</li>
−
 
+
<li>Golden Gate Bridge: No cash payment option</li>
−
Calculate the toll and fuel cost to drive through the toll bridges in California using California Toll Calculator.
+
<li>Orange County toll roads: All-electronic, no cash</li>
 +
</ul>
  
 +
<div style="text-align: center; margin: 20px 0;">
 
<html>
 
<html>
−
<div style="text-align: center;">
+
<a href="https://tollguru.com/california-toll-calculator"><button class="custom-button button-orange" type="button">California Toll Calculator</button></a>
−
<a href="https://tollguru.com/california-toll-calculator"><button type="button" class="custom-button button-orange">California Toll Calculator</button></a>
+
</html>
−
</div>
 
−
</html> 
 
−
 
 
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
−
</div><div class="shadowCard">
+
<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Recent Changes (2025)</h2>
−
== California express lanes ==
 
−
<div style="text-align: center;">
 
−
<html><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img alt="Toll booth locations on all the express lanes of California including Contra Costa, I-10 and I-15" class="wp-image-7640" height="301" loading="lazy" src="https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/California-Express-Lanes-Toll-Map-2.jpg" width="563"/></figure></html>
 
−
</div>
 
  
−
Currently, there are the following five express lanes in California:
+
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Bay Area Updates:</strong></p>
−
* 91 express lanes<ref>[https://www.91expresslanes.com 91 Express Lanes]</ref>: It is an 18-mile (29 km) high-occupancy toll road contained entirely within the median of the Riverside Freeway in Orange and Riverside counties. The 91 Express Lanes run from the junction of SR 91 with the SR 55 Freeway (Costa Mesa Freeway) in Anaheim to its junction with I-15 in Corona.
+
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
−
<ul><li>I-10 and I-110 Express lanes<ref>[https://www.metroexpresslanes.net/en/about/howit.shtml I-10 and I-110 Express lanes]</ref></li><li>I-15 Express Lanes<ref>[http://511sd.com/fastrak511sd/I-15ExpLanes I-15 Express Lanes]</ref></li><li>I-580 Express Lanes<ref>[http://www.alamedactc.org/580Express I-580 Express Lanes]</ref></li><li>I-680 Contra Costa Express Lanes<ref>[https://www.bayareafastrak.org/en/support/flexTag.shtml I-680 Contra Costa Express Lanes]</ref></li></ul>
+
<li>Bay Area bridge tolls increased to $8 for regular two-axle cars and trucks on January 1, 2025</li>
−
</div><div class="shadowCard">
+
<li>Additional 50-cent annual increases approved through 2030</li>
 +
<li>HOV policy changes: uniform three-person occupancy requirement for discounted tolls</li>
 +
</ul>
  
−
== How are tolls calculated for trucks in California ==
+
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Golden Gate Bridge:</strong></p>
 +
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
 +
<li>FasTrak rates increased to $9.75 on July 1, 2025</li>
 +
<li>By July 2028, rates will reach $11.25 for FasTrak to $12.25 for invoice customers</li>
 +
</ul>
  
−
Trucks in California pay tolls based on the number of axles. Tolls mainly vary based on the number of axles and how far you have travelled on California toll roads, bridges and express lanes. For 3-4 axles vehicles, you have to pay two times the toll for 2 axle vehicles and 5 axles vehicles pay tolls three times the toll for 2 axle vehicles. 
+
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Express Lanes Expansion:</strong></p>
 +
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
 +
<li>405 Express Lanes opened December 2023, stretching from the 605 Freeway to the 73</li>
 +
<li>Continued expansion of managed lanes throughout Southern California</li>
 +
</ul>
  
−
Trucks are '''not''' allowed on the SR-91 Express lanes.
+
<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Regional Toll Information</h2>
  
−
=== Does Califonia have truck-only lanes  ===
+
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Bay Area - Bridge Network:</strong></p>
−
Currently, California has two truck-only toll road lanes. 
+
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
 +
<li>Golden Gate Bridge - $9.75 FasTrak, international icon crossing</li>
 +
<li>Bay Bridge (San Francisco-Oakland) - $8.00 FasTrak, major commuter route</li>
 +
<li>Six additional state-owned bridges with unified $8.00 tolling</li>
 +
</ul>
  
−
<ol><li>Northbound and southbound I-5 in Los Angeles County at the State Route 14 split.</li><li>Southbound I-5 in Kern County at the State Route 99 junction near the Grapevine.</li></ol>
+
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Orange County - Toll Road Network:</strong></p>
 +
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
 +
<li>SR 73 San Joaquin Hills - Connects I-5 to I-405, coastal route</li>
 +
<li>SR 133 Laguna Freeway - Mountain crossing alternative</li>
 +
<li>SR 241 Foothill - Major north-south corridor</li>
 +
<li>SR 261 Eastern - Connects to I-5 interchange</li>
 +
</ul>
  
 +
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Los Angeles County - Express Lanes:</strong></p>
 +
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
 +
<li>I-405 Express Lanes - 16-mile stretch, newest addition</li>
 +
<li>I-10 and I-110 Metro ExpressLanes - Dynamic pricing system</li>
 +
<li>91 Express Lanes - Original express lane concept</li>
 +
</ul>
  
−
Truckers can calculate toll costs for trucks using '''Truck Toll Calculator''' along compliant routes.
+
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">San Diego County - Limited Network:</strong></p>
 +
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
 +
<li>SR 125 South Bay Expressway - 10-mile route from SR 54 to SR 905</li>
 +
<li>I-15 Express Lanes - 20 miles from SR 78 to SR 163</li>
 +
</ul>
  
−
<html>
+
<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Planning Your Journey</h2>
−
<div style="text-align: center;">
 
−
<a href="https://tollguru.com/truck-toll-calculator"><button type="button" class="custom-button button-orange">Truck Toll Calculator</button></a>
 
−
</div>
 
−
</html>
 
  
−
</div><div class="shadowCard">
+
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Cost Considerations:</strong></p>
 +
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
 +
<li>Bay Area daily: $8-20 for typical bridge crossings</li>
 +
<li>Orange County: $10-25 for full toll road usage</li>
 +
<li>Express lanes: $5-15 for congestion avoidance</li>
 +
</ul>
  
−
== How to pay toll in California==
+
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Toll-Free Alternatives:</strong></p>
 +
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
 +
<li>Interstate highways: I-5, I-10, I-15, I-80 (non-express portions)</li>
 +
<li>State highways: US-101, SR-1 (Pacific Coast Highway)</li>
 +
<li>Surface streets: Available but significantly slower</li>
 +
</ul>
  
−
In California, you can pay tolls via the [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/fastrak-toll-tag Fastrak system], via Pay by plate video toll system, cash, phone or by mail. A [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/national-pass-toll-tag NationalPass] can also be used to pay tolls.
+
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Peak Pricing:</strong></p>
 +
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
 +
<li>Express lanes: Dynamic pricing based on real-time congestion</li>
 +
<li>Bridge discounts: Carpool rates require 3+ occupants during peak hours</li>
 +
<li>Time-of-day variations on some facilities</li>
 +
</ul>
  
−
However, do note that the various [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/pay-toll-california toll payment methods in California] do not apply throughout its toll roads, bridges and other tolled facilities. Like, some may accept cash while others don't. Electronic tag transponder is the preferred method of payment.
+
<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
  
−
</div>
+
<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 15px 0 8px 0;">Can I avoid California tolls completely?</h3>
−
<div class="shadowCard">
+
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">Yes, but with significant time penalties. Bay Area bridges have free alternatives adding 30-60 minutes. Orange County toll roads can be avoided using I-5, though traffic congestion is heavier. Express lanes are always optional.</p>
−
== How to pay missed toll in California ==
 
−
For [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/pay-missed-toll-california toll violation payment or missed toll payment in California], you have to follow the instruction on the invoice received from the tolling authority. If you have a FasTrak account, missed toll can be paid online as well. You may have to pay a fine depending on how late you make the payment though.
 
  
−
</div>
+
<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 15px 0 8px 0;">What happens if I don't pay California tolls?</h3>
−
<div class="shadowCard">
+
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">Unpaid tolls escalate through violation notices, penalty fees, and potential DMV holds. Each toll facility has different penalty structures, but violations typically start at $25-50 plus the original toll amount.</p>
  
−
== What is FasTrak ==
+
<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 15px 0 8px 0;">Do rental cars come with FasTrak?</h3>
−
<div style="text-align: center;">
+
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">Rental car companies charge a TollPass Convenience Charge (TCC) of $3.95 - $4.95 per usage day, not to exceed $30 per rental period. You can avoid fees by paying tolls directly or using toll-free routes.</p>
−
<html><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img alt="FasTrak is accepted in California as three accounts type FasTrak Prepaid, FasTrak Charge and FasTrak Invoice" class="wp-image-6542 size-full" height="716" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 961px" src="https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/FasTrak.png" srcset="https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/FasTrak.png 961w, https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/FasTrak-640x477.png 640w, https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/FasTrak-768x572.png 768w, https://www.tollguru.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/FasTrak-600x447.png 600w" width="520"/></figure></html>
 
−
</div>
 
  
−
The [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/fastrak-toll-tag FasTrak toll tag] is an electronic toll collection system. You can place it on your windshield and the relevant toll payment(s) shall be deducted from your linked bank account every time you cross the toll roads, toll bridges, and high-occupancy toll lanes along the California Freeway and Expressway System. The FasTrak toll tag comes in various account types.
+
<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 15px 0 8px 0;">Are California tolls expensive compared to other states?</h3>
 +
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">California's tolls are among the highest in the US, particularly the Golden Gate Bridge and Orange County toll roads. However, express lanes offer premium time-saving services that justify dynamic pricing.</p>
  
−
</div><div class="shadowCard">
+
<h3 style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 15px 0 8px 0;">Can I use E-ZPass in California?</h3>
−
== California toll roads and other toll facilities agencies and contacts ==
+
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 8px 0;">FasTrak only works on California toll roads, bridges, tunnels etc. E-ZPass is not accepted in California. You need a FasTrak transponder for electronic toll payment.</p>
  
−
The following agencies manage California toll roads, bridges and express lanes. For any questions about toll payment methods or your toll bill, please get in touch with the respective agency.
+
<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">California vs. Neighboring States</h2>
  
−
<ul><li>Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District<ref>[http://goldengatebridge.org/ Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District]</ref></li><li>San Diego Association of Governments<ref>[http://www.sandag.org/ San Diego Association of Governments]</ref></li><li>Bay Area Toll Authority<ref>[http://mtc.ca.gov/about-mtc/contact-us Bay Area Toll Authority]</ref></li><li>Pebble Beach Corporation<ref>[https://www.pebblebeach.com/ Pebble Beach Corporation]</ref></li><li>Eastern Transportation Corridor system<ref>[https://www.thetollroads.com/ Eastern Transportation Corridor system]</ref></li><li>Orange County Transportation Authority<ref>[http://www.octa.net/ Orange County Transportation Authority]</ref></li><li>FasTrak<ref>[https://www.bayareafastrak.org/ FasTrak]</ref></li></ul>
+
<div style="overflow-x: auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch; margin: 20px 0;">
 +
<table style="width: 100%; min-width: 600px; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; color: #202122; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6;">
 +
<tr>
 +
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">State</th>
 +
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">System Type</th>
 +
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Typical Cost</th>
 +
<th style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; color: #ffffff !important; background: #555555 !important;">Coverage</th>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">California</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">FasTrak electronic</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$2-15 per crossing</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">25 facilities statewide</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Nevada</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">No tolls</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">$0</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Toll-free statewide</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Oregon</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">Limited tolls</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">$2-4 per crossing</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #f5f7fa;">2 bridges only</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Arizona</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">No tolls</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">$0</td>
 +
<td style="padding: 12px; outline: 1px solid #dee2e6; background: #ffffff;">Toll-free statewide</td>
 +
</tr>
 +
</table>
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
−
{{tollWikiFooterTripCalculator|California}}
+
<h2 style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin: 25px 0 15px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding-bottom: 2px;">Useful Links & Resources</h2>
  
−
<div class='shadowCard referenceSection'>
+
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Payment & Account Management:</strong></p>
 +
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
 +
<li>[https://www.fastrak.org FasTrak.org] - Statewide FasTrak information and account setup</li>
 +
<li>[https://www.bayareafastrak.org BayAreaFasTrak.org] - Bay Area specific services and customer support</li>
 +
<li>[https://thetollroads.com TheTollRoads.com] - Orange County toll roads account management</li>
 +
<li>[https://www.metro.net/projects/expresslanes Metro ExpressLanes] - Los Angeles County express lanes</li>
 +
</ul>
  
−
== See also ==
+
<p style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Customer Service:</strong></p>
−
<div class="row">
+
<ul style="font-size: 16px; color: #202122; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 5px 0; padding-left: 30px;">
−
    <div class="col-lg-4">
+
<li>Bay Area FasTrak: (877) 229-8655</li>
−
* [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/us-toll US state tolls and toll passes]
+
<li>Orange County Toll Roads: (833) 762-3362</li>
−
* [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki Worldwide tolls]
+
<li>Golden Gate Bridge: (415) 486-8655</li>
−
    </div>
+
<li>SANDAG (San Diego): (619) 688-6740</li>
−
    <div class="col-lg-4">
+
</ul>
−
* [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/nevada-toll-roads Nevada tolls]
+
 
−
* [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/arizona-toll-roads Arizona tolls]
+
<div style="text-align: center; margin: 30px 0;">
 +
<html>
 +
<a href="https://tollguru.com/california-toll-calculator"><button class="custom-button button-orange" type="button">Calculate Your California Toll Cost</button></a>
 +
</html>
 
</div>
 
</div>
−
    <div class="col-lg-4">
 
−
* [https://tollguru.com/toll-wiki/baja-california-cuota-paeje-caseta-de-cobro Baja California (Mexico) tolls]
 
  
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
 +
<div class="shadowCard">
 +
<h3 style="color: #202122; margin: 0 0 10px 0; font-size: 18px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: center;">Found outdated content or toll information? Join us to keep toll information accurate.</h3>
 +
<div style="margin: 15px 0; text-align: center;">
 +
<html>
 +
<a href="https://tollguru.com/contact"><button class="custom-button button-orange" style="margin-right: 10px;" type="button">Report Issue</button></a>
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== References ==
 
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[[Category: Toll roads]]
 
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[[Category: Toll bridges]]
 
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[[Category: Express lanes toll]]
 
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[[Category: States accepting single toll tag]]
 
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[[Category: US tolls]]
 

Latest revision as of 18:06, 4 July 2025



Click on the map to open toll wiki for a country/state

California Toll Roads Complete Guide

System: FasTrak electronic toll collection (statewide compatibility)
Coverage: Bay Area bridges, Orange County toll roads, Express lanes statewide
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: RFID transponders, license plate recognition, GPS-based payment
Operators: Multiple agencies - Bay Area Toll Authority, TCA, Metro, SANDAG

Do I Need FasTrak for California? 2025 Update

FasTrak is not mandatory for all California driving, but it's essential for certain roads and significantly cheaper than alternatives. FasTrak is the easiest and preferred way to pay tolls throughout California – and in some cases, it's the only way.

Key Reality: Your FasTrak account, regardless of which toll agency your account is with, can be used to pay tolls everywhere in California. Without FasTrak, you'll pay higher toll-by-plate rates plus processing fees.

2025 Update: Bay Area bridge tolls increased to $8 for regular vehicles as of January 1, 2025, with additional 50-cent annual increases approved through 2030. Golden Gate Bridge toll rates increased July 1, 2025.

California Toll Costs: Current Rates

California operates 25 toll facilities throughout the state with costs varying by location, payment method, and vehicle type.

Current Toll Rates by Location (2025)

Location FasTrak Rate Toll-by-Plate Recent Changes
Golden Gate Bridge $9.75 $10.25 July 2025: $0.50 increase
Bay Area Bridges (7 bridges) $8.00 $8.50 Jan 2025: $1 increase
Orange County Toll Roads $3.00-$11.00 $3.50-$12.50 Distance-based pricing
91 Express Lanes $2.00-$15.00 $2.50-$16.50 Dynamic pricing by congestion
405 Express Lanes $1.00-$8.00 $1.50-$9.50 Opened December 2023
SR 125 South Bay Expressway $2.00-$6.00 $2.50-$7.50 Distance-based, 10-mile route

Vehicle Classifications

2-Axle Vehicles: Cars, SUVs, motorcycles, light trucks

3+ Axle Vehicles: Tolls rise by $1 on Jan. 1, 2025, at all seven state-owned toll bridges: to $18 for three axles, $23 for four-axles, $28 for five axles, $33 for six axles, and $38 for combinations with seven or more axles

How to Pay California Tolls

California uses multiple payment methods depending on the toll facility:

1. FasTrak Electronic System:

  • Standard transponder: Standard sticker transponders are actually free from most agencies
  • FasTrak Flex: $11 when purchased directly through The Toll Roads for carpool switching
  • Statewide compatibility: Works on all California toll facilities

2. Pay-by-Plate (License Plate):

  • Automatic license plate recognition
  • Higher rates than FasTrak
  • Invoice sent to registered owner

3. Cash Payment:

  • Available at some Bay Area bridges only
  • Golden Gate Bridge: No cash payment option
  • Orange County toll roads: All-electronic, no cash

Recent Changes (2025)

Bay Area Updates:

  • Bay Area bridge tolls increased to $8 for regular two-axle cars and trucks on January 1, 2025
  • Additional 50-cent annual increases approved through 2030
  • HOV policy changes: uniform three-person occupancy requirement for discounted tolls

Golden Gate Bridge:

  • FasTrak rates increased to $9.75 on July 1, 2025
  • By July 2028, rates will reach $11.25 for FasTrak to $12.25 for invoice customers

Express Lanes Expansion:

  • 405 Express Lanes opened December 2023, stretching from the 605 Freeway to the 73
  • Continued expansion of managed lanes throughout Southern California

Regional Toll Information

Bay Area - Bridge Network:

  • Golden Gate Bridge - $9.75 FasTrak, international icon crossing
  • Bay Bridge (San Francisco-Oakland) - $8.00 FasTrak, major commuter route
  • Six additional state-owned bridges with unified $8.00 tolling

Orange County - Toll Road Network:

  • SR 73 San Joaquin Hills - Connects I-5 to I-405, coastal route
  • SR 133 Laguna Freeway - Mountain crossing alternative
  • SR 241 Foothill - Major north-south corridor
  • SR 261 Eastern - Connects to I-5 interchange

Los Angeles County - Express Lanes:

  • I-405 Express Lanes - 16-mile stretch, newest addition
  • I-10 and I-110 Metro ExpressLanes - Dynamic pricing system
  • 91 Express Lanes - Original express lane concept

San Diego County - Limited Network:

  • SR 125 South Bay Expressway - 10-mile route from SR 54 to SR 905
  • I-15 Express Lanes - 20 miles from SR 78 to SR 163

Planning Your Journey

Cost Considerations:

  • Bay Area daily: $8-20 for typical bridge crossings
  • Orange County: $10-25 for full toll road usage
  • Express lanes: $5-15 for congestion avoidance

Toll-Free Alternatives:

  • Interstate highways: I-5, I-10, I-15, I-80 (non-express portions)
  • State highways: US-101, SR-1 (Pacific Coast Highway)
  • Surface streets: Available but significantly slower

Peak Pricing:

  • Express lanes: Dynamic pricing based on real-time congestion
  • Bridge discounts: Carpool rates require 3+ occupants during peak hours
  • Time-of-day variations on some facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I avoid California tolls completely?

Yes, but with significant time penalties. Bay Area bridges have free alternatives adding 30-60 minutes. Orange County toll roads can be avoided using I-5, though traffic congestion is heavier. Express lanes are always optional.

What happens if I don't pay California tolls?

Unpaid tolls escalate through violation notices, penalty fees, and potential DMV holds. Each toll facility has different penalty structures, but violations typically start at $25-50 plus the original toll amount.

Do rental cars come with FasTrak?

Rental car companies charge a TollPass Convenience Charge (TCC) of $3.95 - $4.95 per usage day, not to exceed $30 per rental period. You can avoid fees by paying tolls directly or using toll-free routes.

Are California tolls expensive compared to other states?

California's tolls are among the highest in the US, particularly the Golden Gate Bridge and Orange County toll roads. However, express lanes offer premium time-saving services that justify dynamic pricing.

Can I use E-ZPass in California?

FasTrak only works on California toll roads, bridges, tunnels etc. E-ZPass is not accepted in California. You need a FasTrak transponder for electronic toll payment.

California vs. Neighboring States

State System Type Typical Cost Coverage
California FasTrak electronic $2-15 per crossing 25 facilities statewide
Nevada No tolls $0 Toll-free statewide
Oregon Limited tolls $2-4 per crossing 2 bridges only
Arizona No tolls $0 Toll-free statewide

Useful Links & Resources

Payment & Account Management:

Customer Service:

  • Bay Area FasTrak: (877) 229-8655
  • Orange County Toll Roads: (833) 762-3362
  • Golden Gate Bridge: (415) 486-8655
  • SANDAG (San Diego): (619) 688-6740

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