Many drivers across the United States rely on electronic toll collection systems to make their highway travel faster and more convenient. One of the most well-known toll payment systems is E-ZPass, which operates in various states, primarily in the eastern and midwestern parts of the country. However, if you are a driver in California, you may be wondering: Is E-ZPass used in California? Let’s explore how toll systems work in the state and whether E-ZPass is accepted.
How E-ZPass Works
E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system that allows drivers to pay tolls without stopping at a booth. Vehicles equipped with an E-ZPass transponder automatically deduct toll fees from the owner’s prepaid account as they pass through toll plazas. This system helps speed up traffic flow and reduce congestion on toll roads.
E-ZPass is widely used in the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and midwestern states, including:
- New York
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Ohio
- Virginia
Currently, over 35 toll agencies in 19 states participate in the E-ZPass network. But does that include California?
Does California Accept E-ZPass?
The short answer is: No, E-ZPass is not accepted in California. California has its own separate electronic toll collection system, known as FasTrak. If you intend to drive on toll roads, bridges, or express lanes in California, you will need a FasTrak transponder, as E-ZPass is not compatible with the state’s system.
FasTrak operates similarly to E-ZPass, allowing drivers to pay tolls electronically. However, the two systems do not work together, meaning an E-ZPass transponder will not work on California toll roads and vice versa.
California’s FasTrak System
California drivers who frequently use toll roads benefit from FasTrak. Like E-ZPass, FasTrak uses a small device mounted on the vehicle’s windshield to communicate with toll sensors, automatically deducting payments from the driver’s account.
The FasTrak system covers a wide range of roads, bridges, and express lanes, including:
- San Francisco Bay Area bridges
- Orange County toll roads
- Los Angeles express lanes
- San Diego’s I-15 express lanes
Travelers coming to California from states with E-ZPass must either pay tolls manually (where available) or obtain a FasTrak transponder.
What Should E-ZPass Users Do in California?
If you are traveling to California from an area where E-ZPass is used, here are your best options:
- Get a FasTrak Transponder: If you plan to use California toll roads frequently, it is best to sign up for a FasTrak account and install a FasTrak transponder in your vehicle.
- Use Toll-By-Plate: Some bridges and roads allow license plate-based billing, where the registered vehicle owner receives a bill in the mail.
- Pay Online: Some toll facilities in California allow drivers to pay online after using a toll road, providing a short window to make the payment.
Will E-ZPass and FasTrak Ever Be Compatible?
There has been ongoing discussion about nationwide interoperability between various toll systems, including E-ZPass and FasTrak. While some progress has been made, such as interoperability between certain systems in Texas and Oklahoma, a full nationwide tolling network has not yet materialized.
For now, California remains separate from the E-ZPass network, meaning drivers must use FasTrak when traveling in the state.
Conclusion
Although E-ZPass is a convenient toll payment system, it is not used in California. Instead, the FasTrak system is in place for electronic toll payments. If you plan to drive on toll roads in California, make sure you have the proper payment method to avoid unexpected bills and fines.
As the push for nationwide interoperability continues, there may come a time when a single transponder can be used across the country. Until then, drivers should be aware of the different toll systems in each state and prepare accordingly.
