FasTrak Toll Tags Guide
Drivers throughout the Bay Area can use toll tags to take advantage of FasTrak’s easy-to-use electronic toll pay system on all Bay Area bridges and in express lanes on several major highways.
How Toll Tags Work
A toll tag (or transponder) is a small, battery-powered device that transmits a radio signal. It allows FasTrak account holders to pay tolls electronically at any FasTrak-designated toll facility located on all Bay Area toll bridges and express lanes.
Equipment at toll plazas or along express lanes reads the tag information and the number of axles on your vehicle. This information determines the correct toll and automatically deducts the amount from the account holder's prepaid balance. (or generates an invoice for the full toll amount if the balance is too low)
As you drive through most bridge toll plazas, you'll hear your toll tag beep. The driver feedback display, located just past the collection booth window, will advise you of your account status.
- If your FasTrak account is valid and has a sufficient balance, it will display "VALID" or "VALID FASTRAK."
- If your FasTrak account has a low balance, it will display "LOW BAL" or "ACCOUNT LOW."
- If your FasTrak account is invalid for any reason, the display will be blank or it will show "CALL FASTRAK."
Note: There are no driver feedback displays in FasTrak lanes at the Benicia-Martinez Bridge, nor are there any in the Bay Area Express Lanes.
The time, date, and location of the driver’s toll crossing are also recorded.
View map of where FasTrak can be used. FasTrak can also be used at some toll locations in Southern California.
Choosing the Right Toll Tag
FasTrak Flex and FasTrak CAV are the two main types of toll tags. Some vehicles will require an exterior toll tag depending on the model or windshield.
All three FasTrak toll tags can be used on all Bay Area toll bridges and express lanes, and to pay for parking at San Francisco International Airport.
[Embedded video: Choosing the right toll tag]
FasTrak Flex
Most vehicles will use a FasTrak Flex toll tag. They have a three-position switch that can be adjusted to signal whether you are traveling as a carpool or alone.
[Imaage: FasTrak Flex Toll Tag]
Carpools and motorcycles receive toll discounts in bridge carpool lanes, and the 101 San Mateo, 101/SR-85 Santa Clara, I-680 Contra Costa, I-880, and SR-237 express lanes. They also travel toll free in the I-580 express lanes.
FasTrak CAV
The FasTrak CAV is a special toll tag issued only to eligible clean air vehicles (CAVs), which qualifies the vehicle for free or reduced tolls.
[Image: FasTrak CAV Toll Tag]
Like the FasTrak Flex toll tag, the CAV also has a three-position switch to signal whether you are traveling alone or as a carpool. The CAV toll tag is required for discounted single-occupant CAV travel in 101 San Mateo, 101/SR-85 Santa Clara, I-680 Contra Costa, I-880 and SR-237 express lanes. Eligible CAVs can also travel on bridge carpool lanes as solo drivers. Learn more about CAV toll tag benefits and usage.
Exterior Toll Tag
An externally mounted (or exterior) toll tag is required for many older model vehicles, or for vehicles with a design or added obstruction that could prevent toll equipment from detecting an internally mounted toll tag.
[Image: FasTrak Exterior Toll Tag]
The exterior toll tag is designed to be screw-mounted on the front bumper, where the license plate is located. It is installed using special tools and tamper-resistant screws to prevent loss or theft.
Many commercial vehicles and some older vehicle models may require an externally mounted toll tag:
If your vehicle is manufactured with a metal oxide windshield, FasTrak recommends an externally mounted toll tag.
If your vehicle has a flat, vertical windshield or if there is any metal hanging over the windshield such as a visor or storage rack, FasTrak also recommends an externally mounted toll tag.
You can also call FasTrak Customer Service at 877-BAY-TOLL (877-229-8655) to determine if your vehicle may need an externally mounted toll tag.
Mounting Your Toll Tag
Once you have the appropriate toll tag, it has to be mounted on the inside of your vehicle’s windshield, so that it will be easily detected and positioned safely and lawfully. It is illegal to hold up a toll tag with your hand while driving through a toll plaza. Use the following steps to properly install your toll tag and ensure proper performance:
Before mounting, check to see if your vehicle has a special windshield that might prevent your tag from being read properly. If so, see Externally Mounted Toll Tags below.
- Clean the mounting area on your windshield with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and allow it to dry completely.
- Remove the plastic tape from the back of the Velcro® mounting strips.
- Position the toll tag horizontally on the windshield as illustrated.
- Press the toll tag firmly against glass.
- Easy account set-up and maintenance
[Image: Mounting placement options inside a vehicle]
Mounting a Toll Tag on a Motorcycle
If you ride a motorcycle, you’ll need to mount the toll tag inside your windshield, so that it will be easily detected and positioned safely and lawfully. Use the following steps to properly install your toll tag and ensure proper performance:
- Identify where to mount your tag inside your windshield. See the illustration.
- Clean the glass on the inside of your windshield for the placement area.
- Remove the plastic tape from the back of the Velcro mounting strips on the toll tag.
- Position and press the toll tag firmly against the glass.
FasTrak is not responsible for a lost toll tag due to the toll tag not adhering to the motorcycle windshield.
[Image: Mounting placement option for motorcycle]
Other secure locations where the toll tag will still be detected on a motorcycle include:
- In your clothing front pocket, since the antennae can read a toll tag through many materials
- Inside a cycle net draped over the gas tank, or elsewhere on the top part of the vehicle
Do not hold up the toll tag. It is illegal to hold a toll tag up by hand while driving through a toll collection point.
Mounting an Exterior Toll Tag
Your exterior toll tag is designed to be attached to the front of your vehicle, on a flat surface. You can attach the exterior toll tag on the front bumper, either above or below where the license plate is usually located, using the tamper-resistant screws and unique wrench that come with the external toll tag. After mounting the toll tag, keep the wrench in a secure place for future adjustment or removal of the toll tag.
To install:
- Remove the top (or bottom) two mounting screws from license plate.
- Put the provided screws through the holes in the toll tag and then through the holes in the license plate from where you removed the original mounting screws.
- Position the toll tag so that the provided screws line up with the holes in the front bumper.
- Tighten the screws with the unique wrench that came with your toll tag to secure both the toll tag and your license plate to your vehicle.
[Exterior toll tag mounted above license plate image]
[Exterior toll tag mounted below license plate image]
[Mounting holes image]
Exchanging & Returning Toll Tags
The easiest way to exchange a FasTrak Standard toll tag for a FasTrak Flex, is through
your
Once logged in, click on "Vehicles & Tags," then "Order A Toll Tag." Enter the number of FasTrak Flex toll tags you would like to order and submit your request. Your toll tag(s) will be mailed by standard shipping within two business days.
If you do not have an online account, you can set one up. You can also call the Customer Service Center at 877-229-8655 or visit a retail center to order your new tag.
Follow the same steps if you need to replace a toll tag that is no longer working. To exchange your toll tag for a FasTrak CAV tag, visit our Clean Air Vehicles Guide.
Once your new toll tag arrives, you can return your old toll tag to the Customer Service Center by mail, or drop it off at FasTrak’s San Francisco Office.
To return a toll tag by mail,, please send it to:
FasTrak Customer Service Center
Toll Tag Return
PO Box 26927
San Francisco, CA 94126
FasTrak recommends that you use certified or registered mail to ensure delivery. If you wish, you also can put the toll tag into the mail without an envelope or postage. The mailing address is already written on the toll tag and the post office will deliver the toll tag to the FasTrak Customer Service Center.
Toll Tag Security Deposit
The toll tag you order may require a security deposit. When the Customer Service Center receives a toll tag back from you, your security deposit will be refunded.