How do road tolls work?

Question

Hi all,

I'm planning a trip for June and noticed Google is telling me some routes have tolls. I'm guessing these are electronic? Is there any option to pay cash? If not, does it toll by plate or how would that work with a rental car?

Thank you!

Answer

In California, most toll roads, bridges, and express lanes are cashless and use electronic tolling systems. This means you won’t find staffed toll booths that accept cash, and the toll is collected automatically either via a transponder or by photographing your license plate.

Here’s how it works for travelers, including those with rental cars:

Transponder (FasTrak): This is California’s electronic toll collection system. If you have a FasTrak account, the toll is automatically deducted from your account as you pass through the toll point. Some rental car companies offer the option to add a temporary FasTrak device to the vehicle for your trip.
Pay by Plate / License Plate Billing: If there’s no transponder linked to the vehicle, cameras capture your license plate and send a bill to the registered owner. For rental cars, the toll system will bill the rental company, which then passes the charge on to you, usually with an additional administrative fee.
No Cash Option: Unlike some other states, California toll roads do not accept cash. All tolls are collected electronically.

Some tips when using toll roads in California:

Check with your rental car company before your trip. Most companies offer toll coverage plans or provide a temporary transponder, which is usually the easiest option.
If you do not opt for the rental company’s toll plan, be prepared for additional charges and administrative fees when the toll is billed through your rental.
Plan your route in advance to know which roads are tolled. Google Maps often marks these, and toll amounts may be shown.
Keep in mind that express lanes on some freeways (like I-10, I-110, and I-15) also use electronic tolling and are charged variably depending on traffic.

In summary, all California tolls are electronic. You cannot pay cash. Using a FasTrak transponder, either through the rental company or your own, is the easiest method to avoid extra fees. If not, the rental company will handle the bill based on your license plate, often with an added processing fee.

How do road tolls work?

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