FasTrak Toll Tags

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 automatically at any FasTrak toll facility, like Bay Area bridges and express lanes.

Equipment at toll plazas and along express lanes reads the information from the tag in your vehicle. This information determines the correct toll and automatically deducts the amount from the FasTrak account’s prepaid balance. If the balance is too low, FasTrak generates an invoice for the full toll amount for bridges or a violation notice in express lanes. To avoid having a balance that is too low, set up your account for automatic replenishment.

As you drive through most bridge toll plazas, the driver feedback display(located just past the collection booth window) will inform 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 at the Benicia-Martinez Bridge or 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 offers three types of toll tags: FasTrak Flex, FasTrak CAV (for eligible clean air vehicles) and exterior toll tags.

All three FasTrak toll tags can be used on all Bay Area toll bridges and express lanes.

FasTrak Flex

Most vehicles will use a FasTrak Flex. They have a three-position switch that can be adjusted to signal whether you are traveling as a carpool or alone. 

Carpools and motorcycles may receive a discount on bridge carpool lanes during designated hours, and can use express lanes toll free or at a discount.

FasTrak CAV

The FasTrak CAV is a special toll tag issued only to clean air vehicles (CAVs) that are eligible for free or reduced tolls.

Like the FasTrak Flex toll tag, the FasTrak CAV also has a three-position switch to signal whether you are traveling alone or as a carpool. The FasTrak CAV toll tag is required for discounted single-occupant CAV travel on Bay Area Express Lanes. 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 tolling equipment from detecting an internally-mounted toll tag.

Because exterior toll tags do not have a switch to indicate how many people are riding in the car, they are not eligible for discounts in express lanes. 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 exterior toll tag:

• Vehicles with a metal oxide windshield.
• Vehicles with a flat, vertical windshield or if there is any metal hanging over the windshield such as a visor or storage rack.

You can also call FasTrak Customer Service at 877-BAY-TOLL (877-229-8655) to determine if your vehicle may need an exterior toll tag.

Mounting Your Toll Tag 

FasTrak Flex and FasTrak CAV toll tags must be mounted on the inside of your vehicle’s windshield so they can 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:

1. Clean the mounting area on your windshield with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and allow it to dry completely.
2. Remove the plastic tape from the back of the Velcro® mounting strips.
3. Position the toll tag horizontally on the windshield as illustrated.
4. Press the toll tag firmly against glass.

Mounting a Toll Tag on a Motorcycle

If you ride a motorcycle, you’ll need to mount the toll tag 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:

1. Identify where to mount your tag. See the illustration.
2. If you have a windshield, clean the glass on the inside of your windshield for the placement area.
3. Remove the plastic tape from the back of the Velcro mounting strips.
4. 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.

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

Exterior toll tags are designed to be attached to the front of the vehicle, on a flat surface. You can attach the exterior toll tag on the front bumper, either above or below the license plate, using the tamper-resistant screws and unique wrench that come with the exterior toll tag. After mounting the toll tag, keep the wrench in a secure place for future adjustment or removal.

Use the following steps to properly install your toll tag and ensure proper performance:

1. Remove the top (or bottom) two mounting screws from license plate.
2. Put the provided screws through the holes in the toll tag and then through the holes in the license plate where you removed the original mounting screws.
3. Position the toll tag so that the provided screws line up with the holes in the front bumper.
4. 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.

Exchanging & Returning Toll Tags

The easiest way to exchange a FasTrak Standard toll tag for a FasTrak Flex is through your online FasTrak account. You order a new tag, then return your old tag.

Once logged in, select "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-BAY-TOLL (877-229-8655) or visit a retail center to purchase 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 the FasTrak Walk-in Center. 

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 can put the toll tag into the mail without an envelope or postage. The mailing address is already printed on the toll tag and the post office will deliver the toll tag to the FasTrak Customer Service Center.

Toll Tag Security Deposit

Additional toll tags 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.