FasTrak is an ETC (or Electronic Toll Collection system) implemented statewide in California, United States. With FasTrak, drivers and vehicle owners can pay tolls seamlessly and electronically at bridges, toll roads, and express lanes in the San Francisco Bay Area.
By virtue of the system, FasTrak prevents users from slowing down traffic or eliminating the need to wait in long queues at toll booths. This is accomplished by affixing a toll tag (otherwise known as a transponder) to a vehicle’s windscreen so that when the vehicle passes a toll point, the toll is automatically deducted from the user’s account.
Additionally, drivers and vehicle owners who use FasTrak often also qualify for discounts on tolls. Such is the reason why FasTrak is becoming increasingly popular in the state of California, as it continues to provide convenience and reliability not just to everyday commuters but also to occasional travellers.
What are the Requirements?
To be eligible to apply for a FasTrak account, you need to have a valid driver’s license or California state identification card. Additionally, you will need a valid mailing address in the Bay Area, California, along with a genuine credit card. Lastly, you need to have a valid vehicle license plate number.
Keep in mind that there are three types of FasTrak toll tags that you can opt for. These include Standard, Flex, and CAV (Clean Air Vehicle). The Standard toll tag is great for users who only plan on using FasTrak on toll bridges. However, for motorcycles and carpools, the Flex variant is better since you will receive toll discounts and it can be used for parking at the San Francisco International Airport. Lastly, if you drive an electric vehicle, then opting for the CAV variant will be useful.
How to Buy a FasTrak Pass?
FasTrak allows you to enjoy cost-effective, quick, and easy travel across express lanes and bridges in California while also providing parking facilities at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). To sign up today, follow the below-mentioned steps carefully.
- Start by first visiting the official FasTrak sign-up web page here.
- On the landing page, provide your account details. These include your contact name, mailing address, email address, and phone number. Keep in mind that if you enter your company name, you are automatically signing up for a business account.
- After that, you also have to enter your custom username, password, PIN, and security question and answer. Additionally, you will also have the option to be included in the SFO parking programme.
- In the next step, you have to enter information regarding your vehicle(s). These include your vehicle’s make, model, and year of purchase, along with its licence plate number. In addition to that, you have to select the type and number of toll tags you require.
- Once done, you have to enter your payment details. If you are selecting the automatic account balance replenishment method, then you have to provide your credit card information (credit cards from major vendors such as Visa, American Express, MasterCard, and Discover are supported). On the other hand, manual replenishment is done by cash, cheque, or money order.
- Finally, your order will be placed, and you will receive your FasTrak toll tags within the subsequent business days.
- Remember that if you are using automatic replenishment, then you have to pay $25 per toll tag (up to 3 tags) as a prepaid balance with no refundable security deposit. For more than 3 tags, you have to pay a refundable security deposit of $5 per toll tag along with the $25 per toll tag as a prepaid balance. Alternatively, for manual replenishment, you have to pay $30 per toll tag, of which $25 will be for the prepaid balance and $5 as a refundable security deposit.
Besides ordering your FasTrak toll tags online, you can also purchase them at a retail location, via mail, or by phone at 877-229-8655. Toll tags can also be obtained by visiting the FasTrak Walk-In Centre at 375 Beale Street, San Francisco, from Monday to Friday between 9 AM and 5 PM.
How to Add Money to a FasTrak Account?
If you have selected a credit card as your primary mode of payment, then your FasTrak account will be automatically replenished whenever the balance falls below $15 or the minimum threshold. The amount that will be charged to your credit card will be $25 or your average toll usage in the last 90 days (whichever is greater).
However, if you have selected cash, cheques, or money orders as your mode of payment, then you will be responsible for depositing funds into your account. Your account must be replenished when the balance falls below $30 or the minimum threshold.
What are the Steps to Pay For Violations?
If you have received a toll violation notice, you can pay for it by following the suggested steps below.
- Proceed to first visit the official website here.
- Enter your “Notice Number” and “Licence Plate” numbers, and then click on “Submit”. If you already have a FasTrak account, then you will have the option to transfer the unpaid toll amount to your account.
- After that, proceed to pay for the due amount using your credit card, and once done, obtain a receipt as proof.
For any additional queries, you can reach the FasTrak customer support team through the Contact Us page.
