FasTrak electronically checks your account. Call FasTrak or Pay Toll - your account needs more funds to pay the required amount using FasTrak. Cameras take pictures of the vehicle license plates as they pass through. In case a toll tag is not detected, the pictures are used to identify your vehicle.
Full Answer
Does FasTrak take pictures of the driver?
To meet our obligation to collect tolls for every vehicle that uses The Toll Roads, a violation enforcement process is in place: If a driver passes through a tolled location without paying using FasTrak or our online payment method, pictures of the vehicle are taken.
Does FasTrak lane have cameras?
In the express lanes, toll system cameras mounted roadside will capture images of vehicle license plates. If a valid FasTrak toll tag is not detected, an image of the vehicle license plate will be used to send a violation notice to the vehicle's registered owner through the mail.
How does FasTrak know how many people are in the car?
The toll tag switch positions are used to tell the toll system the number of occupants in the vehicle, so the correct toll amount is collected. The switch positions also assist with California Highway Patrol (CHP) enforcement of express lane use.
What happens if you forget your FasTrak tag?
If a vehicle enters the Metro ExpressLanes on the I-10 and I-110 without a valid FasTrak account/transponder, a notice of toll evasion violation is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle with payment instructions for the toll amount plus a $4 processing fee which must be paid within 30 days to avoid additional ...
What happens if you accidentally get on the express lane in California?
If you use an express lane without a valid FasTrak toll tag, you will receive a violation notice. The following is a schedule of toll evasion penalties: First notice issued: $25 penalty. Second (delinquent) notice issued: $70 ($25 penalty plus $45 late fee).
Can you use someone else's FasTrak?
A FasTrak CAV toll tag may only be used in the eligible CAV to which it is registered. If you have more than one eligible CAV, you must order a separate FasTrak CAV toll tag for each vehicle.
How does FasTrak know if there are 3 people in the car?
FasTrak knows if you are a carpool when you toggle your FasTrak Flex switch from 1 Person to 2 or 3+ people. By doing this, the driver sends a signal to the electronic gantries that there are other occupants in the car.
Is FasTrak free with 3 people?
You will be charged the full toll. CAVs with two occupants can travel at a 50% discount and toll free with 3+ occupants when using a FasTrak CAV or FasTrak Flex toll tag. Set the switch to match the number of people in the vehicle.
Can I use FasTrak and pay later?
You have 48 hours to pay after your recent toll crossing, or we will send an invoice for the toll amount to the registered owner of the vehicle. You can set up payment for future toll crossings that you plan to make within the next 30 days. Specify a date range for planned toll crossing(s) up to 30 days from today.
Does FasTrak need to be visible?
Yes. FasTrak drivers must have a transponder mounted to their vehicle's windshield.
What happens if FasTrak doesn't beep?
It's okay if your FasTrak® transponder occasionally doesn't beep when you pass through a tolling location. Usually when a transponder is silent, it is still working and if it does fail to read, the appropriate toll is deducted from your account based on a reading of the vehicle's license plate number.
Can I use FasTrak without the tag?
If you use an express lane without a valid FasTrak toll tag, you will receive a violation notice. The following is a schedule of toll evasion penalties: First notice issued: $10 penalty. Second (delinquent) notice issued: $30 ($10 penalty plus $20 late fee).
Can I use Express lane without FasTrak?
If you use an express lane without a valid FasTrak toll tag, you will receive a violation notice. The following is a schedule of toll evasion penalties: First notice issued: $10 penalty. Second (delinquent) notice issued: $30 ($10 penalty plus $20 late fee).
Does FasTrak flex beep?
FasTrak Flex® (also known as FasTrak Switchable): Similar to the standard transponder, the FasTrak Flex transponder is a hardcase mounted to the interior of the vehicle's windshield using Velcro strips. It has a battery and may beep when a toll is charged.
What's the difference between FasTrak and FasTrak Flex?
FasTrak Flex toll tags work just like FasTrak Standard toll tags but have a three-position switch that can be adjusted to signal whether you are traveling as a carpool or alone. It is required for most Bay Area express lanes.
How does fasttrack work?
FasTrak drivers affix a transponder to their vehicle's windshield and when they pass through a tolling point the toll is automatically deducted from their account via their preferred payment method: charge, invoice or prepaid.
What is a flex tag?
A flex tag set on “3” allows drivers of cars with three or more people and motorcyclists to ride free. A transponder set on “2” for a carpool of two people will get the driver a discount.
What do tolls do for CHP?
Tolls will help pay for CHP patrols and cameras to deter cheating. All express lane drivers must have a FasTrak transponder, which detects cars in that lane. A flex tag set on “3” allows drivers of cars with three or more people and motorcyclists to ride free.
Has the DMV extended the driver's license?
A: The DMV has extended driver’s license permits that would have expired before December, to give student drivers more time to prepare for and schedule their behind-the-wheel test during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When is it safe to move over a dashed white line?
A: Keep your pace or move over a lane when there is a dashed white line and it is safe to do so.
Why do you have to list all vehicles on your license plate?
It is for this reason that the License Agreement mandates that customers list all vehicles, including motorcycles, motor homes, and trailers of all types on their accounts so that when transponders fail to read the toll can be debited based upon the vehicle's license plate.
What happens if a license plate is registered as belonging to a FasTrak user?
If the license plate is registered as belonging to a FasTrak user, the account is debited only the toll charge, and no penalty is charged. This is a backup in case a transponder fails to read. Otherwise, a toll violation notice is sent to the registered owner of the vehicle.
How does FasTrak work?
Diagram of FasTrak toll collections system. As the vehicle enters the toll lane, sensors (1) detect the vehicle. The two-antenna configuration (2) reads a transponder (3) mounted on the vehicle's windshield. As the vehicle passes through the exit light curtain (4), it is electronically classified by the treadle (5) based on the number of axles, and the ETC account is charged the proper amount. Feedback is provided to the driver on an electronic sign (6). If the vehicle does not have a transponder, or if a transponder is not detected at the toll plaza, the system classifies it as a violator and cameras (7) take photos of the vehicle and its license plate for processing. If the license plate is registered as belonging to a FasTrak user, the account is debited only the toll charge, and no penalty is charged.
What is a fastrak transponder?
Mounted FasTrak transponder. FasTrak is the electronic toll collection (ETC) system used in the state of California in the United States. The system is used statewide on all of the toll roads, toll bridges, and high-occupancy toll lanes along the California Freeway and Expressway System . As with other ETC systems, ...
What is a switchable fastrac?
When the Metro ExpressLanes opened in Los Angeles in late 2012, it introduced FasTrak transponders with a special switch that indicates the number of occupants (1, 2, or 3 or more) in the vehicle.
When did TCA start offering switchable transponders?
For the convenience of their FasTrak customers in the Greater Los Angeles urban area who may also use the Metro ExpressLanes, TCA began offering switchable transponders in 2013, and the 91 Express Lanes followed suit by 2015.
When did FasTrak start?
TCA later deployed the FasTrak system to the two other toll roads they administer as soon as they opened: the San Joaquin Hills Toll Road in 1996 and the Eastern Toll Road in 1998. Also in 1998, the system was then deployed on the high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes along Interstate 15 in San Diego .
What is a fastrak?
Fastrak is basically an electronic system of charging toll fees for bridge crossings and other toll roads that uses a transponder unit that you attach to your windshield. Your account is linked to either a credit card or debit card account, which gets charged when the transponder is activated. The transponder is activated and your credit card charged when you cross toll bridges/roads using the designated Fastrak lanes.
What happens if you don't have a FasTrak transponder?
If you don't have FasTrak transponder you receive a Notice of Violation in the mail and have to go through the hassle of payment of toll (1st offense only). Much easier and the account reflects your rate of use.
Can you register a FasTrak tag without a license plate?
You can't register a FasTrak tag without a license plate number, so if you don't already have FasTrak you can't activate one. If you have an existing account, there is nothing stopping you from taking your transponder into your new car -- without license plates -- and using it.
Can you use a Fastrak lane without a transponder?
Fastrak lanes are to be used only for those with a valid transponder unit. If you don't have one, you need to go old school, and pay your toll at the booth. If you attempt to cross the bridge in a Fastrak lane without a valid transponder unit-the tollbooths have cameras that take pictures of your car, and they would mail you the toll plus a $25 fine.
Does FasTrak work in San Francisco?
Even for short visits to the Bay Area, signing up for a FasTrak account has its benefits. FasTrak allows you to use Express Lanes, qualify for carpool and bridge toll discounts, cross toll bridges without having to stop at the toll booth, and even pay for parking at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). And, FasTrak is recognized statewide. Your FasTrak toll tag can be used anywhere you see the FasTrak logo displayed, including the toll roads in Southern California.
Do you need a transponder for a cat?
You need to have the FasTrak transponder for your cat to register as being legal.
Can a scofflaw get a citation for a fastrak transpond?
But in most cases, FasTrak scofflaws are sent a citation based on the photo of the license plate. No plate, no likellihood of getting a citation. And, of course, if you see the "VALID ETC", you are covered either way. They might send you a notice saying, "Hey, someone appears to have used your FasTrak transponder, do you want to maybe add that car to your account?"
What is a transponder used for?
These transponders are used on vehicles that have metal oxide windshields that prevent sticker and standard transponders from being detected. These transponders are also used commonly with commercial and fleet vehicles. A special kit is needed to install the transponder and to remove it as a deterrent to theft.
What is sticker transponder?
Sticker: Coming soon! A small and unobtrusive transponder that is mounted to the inside of a vehicle’s windshield using an adhesive backing. This model has an internal antennae that passively communicates with the roadside equipment. When the sticker transponder is removed from the windshield, the antennae breaks, so this transponder cannot be shared between vehicles. It can be mounted only once. Drivers with a sticker transponder will always pay the full toll, regardless of the number of occupants in the vehicle.
How does FasTrak work?
With a FasTrak account, drivers register their vehicle’s license plate and affix a FasTrak transponder to their vehicle’s windshield, so that when they pass through a tolling point, the toll is automatically deducted from their account. There are eleven agencies that operate tolled bridges, lanes and roads in California.
What is a fastrak?
FasTrak® | FasTrak Throughout California. FasTrak® is the statewide toll collection system used to pay tolls electronically in California. With a FasTrak transponder and an account, you can pay tolls electronically on every tolled bridge, lane and road in California, eliminating the need to stop and pay cash at toll booths.
What happens if you remove the sticker transponder?
If the sticker transponder is removed, the antennae will break and will no longer work. External. Screw-mount to the front bumper either above or below where the license plate is usually located. Your external transponder is equipped with tamper-resistant screws and a unique wrench for installing these screws.
How many agencies operate tolled bridges, lanes and roads in California?
There are eleven agencies that operate tolled bridges, lanes and roads in California. When you open a FasTrak account, it’s important to do so with the agency that operates the bridges, lanes and roads that you’ll use the most, so you receive the correct transponder model and learn the rules that apply to your travel.
How to position transponder?
Position the transponder so that the provided screws line up with the holes in the front bumper.
