How can I pay tolls if I have a new car with paper plates from the car dealership?
How can I pay tolls if I have a new car with paper plates from the car dealership? If you’re driving a new car with temporary paper plates, paying tolls on The Toll Roads is straightforward but requires a FasTrak transponder. California law mandates that vehicles without permanent license plates must have a properly mounted FasTrak transponder to drive on The Toll Roads (State Routes 73, 133, 241, and 261). Without a transponder, it’s illegal, and the California Highway Patrol monitors compliance. To pay tolls, sign up for a FasTrak account at TheTollRoads.com or via The Toll Roads app, and mount the transponder on your windshield. Tolls will be deducted automatically from your account. Ensure your account is active and funded to avoid violations.
Where can I use my FasTrak transponder?
You can use your FasTrak transponder FasTrak transponders across all tolled bridges, lanes, and roads throughout California, including State Routes 73, 133, 241, and 261. This includes facilities like the Bay Area bridges and Los Angeles metro express lanes. Additionally, FasTrak is interoperable with other states’ toll systems, such as E-ZPass in some eastern U.S. states, depending on the transponder type. Check TheTollRoads.com for a full list of compatible toll facilities. Always ensure your transponder is properly mounted and your account is funded to avoid pay-by-plate fees.
How many transponders do I need?
Generally, you need one transponder per vehicle to ensure seamless toll collection on The Toll Roads. Sticker transponders are non-transferable and must remain in the assigned vehicle, while FasTrak Flex switchable transponders can be moved between vehicles if you update your account with the vehicle details. If you frequently drive multiple cars on State Routes 73, 133, 241, or 261, consider a sticker transponder for each or a single Flex transponder with proper account management.
Where are The Toll Roads?
The Toll Roads are located in Orange County, California: State Route 73, State Route 133, State Route 241, and State Route 261. These roads span key areas, connecting cities like Irvine, Costa Mesa, and Mission Viejo, and provide efficient routes for commuters and travelers. They’re designed to reduce congestion and offer smoother travel compared to non-tolled alternatives. Visit TheTollRoads.com for detailed maps and entry/exit points to plan your trip.
Can I tow a boat or trailer on The Toll Roads?
Yes. You can tow a boat or trailer on The Toll Roads (State Routes 73, 133, 241, and 261), but tolls are calculated based on the total number of axles, including the trailer. Ensure your FasTrak account includes the trailer’s details, such as its license plate, to avoid pay-by-plate charges. Note that towing is not permitted in managed lanes, such as express or HOT lanes, on these routes. Check TheTollRoads.com for axle-based toll rates and update your account before traveling to ensure accurate billing.
Should casual users, tourists, and visitors sign up for a FasTrak account?
Casual users, tourists, and visitors can sign up for a FasTrak account, but it is optional. A FasTrak transponder ensures lower toll rates compared to pay-by-plate, which incurs higher fees and a mailing surcharge. You can pay tolls without an account within five days before or after driving via TheTollRoads.com or The Toll Roads app, but this is less convenient and costlier. Tourists can also check with rental car companies, as many offer toll payment options. For ease and savings, consider a FasTrak account, especially if you plan multiple trips.
I have not received my transponder; can I drive on The Toll Roads?
If you have not received your FasTrak transponder yet, you can still drive on The Toll Roads (State Routes 73, 133, 241, and 261) as long as your vehicle’s license plate is registered to your FasTrak account. Tolls will be collected via license plate recognition until your transponder arrives. Ensure your account is active and funded to avoid violations. Once the transponder arrives, mount it properly on your windshield to ensure accurate toll collection. If you encounter issues, contact The Toll Roads Customer Service at (949) 727-4800 or visit TheTollRoads.com to manage your account.
