How Does FasTrak^® Work?

What is FasTrak^®

FasTrak is California’s electronic tolling system that allows drivers to pay tolls easily on every tolled bridge, express lane and road in the state. Having a FasTrak account is the easiest and preferred way to pay tolls, and accountholders are sometimes eligible for discounts.

Drivers with FasTrak accounts register their vehicle’s license plate to their account and affix a transponder to the vehicle, so that when they pass through a tolling point, the toll is automatically collected from their account.

There are multiple agencies that operate tolled bridges, express lanes and roads in California. When you open a FasTrak account, it’s important to do so with the agency that operates the facility that you use the most, so you receive the correct transponder model and learn the rules that apply to your travel. Learn about your local agency here.

FasTrak Transponders
FasTrak transponders come in different shapes and sizes, but they all work to pay your toll anywhere the FasTrak logo is displayed. Below is a description of the different types of transponders used throughout the state. For specific information about the transponders your local agency issues, please visit their website.

Sticker Transponder
A small and unobtrusive transponder that is mounted to the inside of a vehicle’s windshield using an adhesive backing. This model has an internal antenna that passively communicates with the roadside equipment. It can be mounted only once. When the sticker transponder is removed from the windshield, the antenna breaks, so this transponder cannot be shared between vehicles. Drivers with a sticker transponder cannot declare the number of occupants in the vehicle, full tolls may apply. Sticker transponders are available from some tolling agencies.

FasTrak Flex^® Switchable Transponder
The FasTrak Flex switchable transponder is a hardcase mounted to the interior of the vehicle’s windshield using mounting strips. This transponder can be moved from vehicle to vehicle. The FasTrak Flex transponder has a three-position switch which is used at some toll facilities to receive carpool discounts. The driver sets the switch position to display the number of people in the vehicle. This information is relayed to roadside equipment. It can be used to pay tolls when driving alone and, additionally, you can receive toll discounts when you are travelling as a qualified carpool. Please refer to the specific toll facility for carpool and transponder requirements.

Headlamp Transponder
Traditional sticker transponders that adhere to your vehicle’s windshield may not work with vehicles with metalized windshields. Some agencies offer special headlamp transponders for customers with metalized windshields.

Motorcycle Transponders
Motorcycle transponders are sticker transponders made specifically for motorcycles. They can be mounted to the headlamp lens or cover.

Standard Transponder
A standard transponder is a hardcase transponder with a battery that is mounted to the interior of the vehicle’s windshield using mounting strips. It may beep when it is read by the roadside equipment. Drivers with a standard transponder will always pay the full toll, regardless of the number of occupants in the vehicle. This transponder can be moved from vehicle to vehicle.