California Toll Violation CVC 23302
Paying tolls and fees is a fact of life for traveling on many California highways
They can be an inconvenience, but the monies collected do a lot to keep roadways safe and in good condition. That’s why it’s imperative for the tolls to be paid for every vehicle traveling those highways, and the state has made that very clear in the wording of California Vehicle Code 23302.
How Are Tolls Paid?
Depending on the roadway in question, tolls can sometimes be paid with cash at tollbooths which are situation periodically along the route.
Most roadways which have tollbooths also allow tolls to be paid via an electronic toll payment device, which allows a driver to continue down the roadway without having to stop at a tollbooth. Other roadways only allow payment of tolls through the use of electronic toll payment devices, which can cause issues for some drivers.
Many of those roadways also utilize “pay-by-plate” process, whereby a picture is taken of a vehicle’s license plate and a bill is sent to the address where the license plate is registered. This method adds additional charges to the toll, so it is the more expensive route for drivers.
Electronic Toll Payment Devices
The easiest way to ensure you always pay the tolls on the roadways you travel is to acquire and install an electronic toll payment device and keep it current with enough funds to pay any tolls you may find yourself needing to pay.
In California, this type of device is called a “FasTrak transponder” and one can be purchased at many retailers throughout the state, including many grocery stores and AAA locations.
Funds can be added to a FasTrak transponder using cash, credit card or a personal check. You can choose to have a statement emailed to you monthly or quarterly, and you can maintain your account online or through a free app.
They’re easy to install to a vehicle’s windshield or dashboard, and they can also be mounted to various parts of a motorcycle. The key is ensuring that the device can be read by the electronic monitors installed at the toll collection points.
Getting Ticketed for Tolls
There are a few reasons you may be ticketed for driving on a toll road
- If you do not have an electronic toll payment device
- Your electronic payment device is set to an incorrect setting
- You lack the monetary means to pay the toll at a toll collection booth
That can cost you a lot more than any toll or device (a minimum of $237), and like any other type of traffic ticket, you really do want to everything you can to avoid being issued one.
If you are issued a citation for failure to pay tolls, our team may be able to assist. Reach out today to discuss your options with a knowledgable team member and take advantage of our free ticket review.