If you’ve ever driven on the toll roads, you’ve probably come across signs indicating that FasTrak is the preferred method of payment. But what happens if you go through a toll without FasTrak? You might think it’s just a minor mistake, but the consequences can be more significant than you expect.
Understanding the toll system and what happens if you go through a toll without FasTrak can save you from unnecessary hassles and fines. In this blog, we’ll explore what happens when you don’t use FasTrak at toll booths and how to avoid common mistakes when traveling on thetollroads.
What Is FasTrak?
FasTrak is best defined as an automated toll collection system in the United States, mainly in California, which allows users to pay tolls without the need to queue up at the booths. It constitutes having a small transponder which is placed in your vehicle.
Whenever you drive through a toll plaza, your account is then charged directly. This is a very convenient and effective function as it permits the driver to pay the required fees without the need of starting and stopping their vehicle.
Going Through a Toll Without FasTrak?
Now, the big question is: What happens if you go through a toll without FasTrak? There are several consequences to consider. If you don’t have FasTrak and decide to bypass the system, here’s what you can expect:
- Hefty Administrative Charges: If your vehicle was to cross through a toll without pay with the FasTrak, be rest assured that the plate will be photographed and your address will be billed the required fee that is a direct byproduct of photo identification. Moreover, an accompanying administrative fee would also be attached in case there was an inconvenience that FasTrak incurred.
- Further Payment Charges: If the fee goes unfulfilled or is delayed, the toll that needs to be paid increases with respect to the commercial rates. Other fees will also be added alongside which would multiply the cumulative toll further increasing it in comparison to what it would of been with a FasTrak.
- Risk of Penalties: Failure to make payments for the transponder for multiple occurrences may result in being charged with hefty penalities, in some cases, even legally. Moreover, your vehicle may be registered under flagging, if unpaid penalties and tolls exist, vehicle registration renewal will not be possible.
- Intervening Hiring Collectors: Failure to pay your dues regularly means that there is alot of outstanding dues pending, which may cause the toll authorisation to bring in debt collectors. Now debt collectors affect credit ratings and mess your finances. To prevent problems like this from happening it’s better to pay any of your outstanding dues on time.
- Relations with Rental Cars: Another issue that may arise is if you don’t have a FasTrak transponder and are using a rental car, the situation may be further exacerbated. Paying a toll fee alongside the rental car is oftentimes accompanied by a fee and if there is a journey without the payment of the fee, there is a chance that a fine will be paid.
Other than that, an extra conveyance fee is charged when you pass through the toll gate, and in a majority of instances, the toll fees would later be compensated to you.
Alternatives to FasTrak
Now, let’s see what happens if you are going through a toll with no FasTrak in your possession and how can you tackle the situation:
- Pay-By-Plate: A number of toll roads, particularly in California, have an efficient pay-by-plate option. If a driver crossed a toll without a FasTrak, the system will capture the owner’s license plate details, and then post invoices to their registered addresses. This is one way of addressing the argument made by those who do not wish to use a transponder.
- Temporary Passes or Stickers: A few toll roads might sell you temporary stickers or passes so that you can use them for a few specific days or weeks. If your use of toll roads is very infrequent, it can be a cheaper way without having to get a FasTrak account.
- Paying Toll by Phone: There are times when you have the option of directly paying the toll through your mobile application or website post your use of a toll road. While this feature is active in certain regions only, it makes it possible to pay after crossing the toll without having to carry a FasTrak device.
- Renting a Transponder: It has been observed that some rental car companies are willing to rent out a transponder to their customers at an extra charge. If you do not have your own FasTrak and plan to use toll roads on a regular basis, then this may be an option worth considering.
There are other means of payment when driving in the toll areas apart from FasTrak, which happens to be the most straightforward and practical method of payment, if a transponder is not available to you.
How to Avoid Toll Violations?
Avoiding toll violations is paramount in ensuring your journey , is not only pleasurable but devoid of unnecessary legal fees. Here’s a quick checklist on how to make sure you’re never caught without FasTrak:
- Get a FasTrak Transponder: By getting a Transponder and setting up an account, you are guaranteed not to pass through a toll without FasTrak. You can then drive on the toll roads minus the anxiety of the penalties.
- Ensure Your Account is Active: E-wallets such as FasTrak can be depleted, and if this happens it means you will be unable to pay for any toll roads usage. To avoid this, regularly monitor your account and set up automatic payments.
- Use Pay-By-Plate: Acquaint yourself with the pay-by-plate option if you do not have a transponder, especially in those are where this alternative exists.
- Rental Travel with a Tracker Transponder: In the event of booking a car on rent, make it a point to get a rental’s transponder in order to better plan toll roads.
So, by taking these steps, you are able to avoid tolls to a greater extent and travel in peace. Besides, it’s good to know what occurs when you cross a toll without FasTrak in order to be equipped against penalties.
Conclusion
So, what happens if you go through a toll without FasTrak? It’s important to remember that there are several consequences, ranging from additional charges to legal fines. To avoid these issues, it’s best to get a FasTrak transponder and ensure your account is in good standing.
Alternatively, you can use pay-by-plate or rental options to cover tolls. Knowing the rules and following them will ensure a smoother experience on the toll roads. Stay informed, and always ensure you’re ready to pay the toll before you pass through.
