Toll roads in California vary in style of both toll collection and transponders. One thing that does connect them all is a system known as FasTrak. All tolling agencies use this system even though their cost and use varies. Any FasTrak transponder can be used on any California toll road or bridge. Most agencies also have a minimum charge each month or some form of monthly fee. The 91 Express Lanes, for example, has a no-fee account for motorcycles and HOV-3 vehicles. This page includes detailed information about how to contact each one in Southern California and what the basics are regarding use of their roadways.
Future “express lane” and toll road construction projects will be included on this site once they come online. So far, it looks like I-10 for a portion in San Bernardino County, and State 11 in San Diego County will have tolled sections. For I-10 and I-405, the tolls will only apply in the median lanes. These lanes, which are currently standard HOV lanes will be converted to HO/T lanes. HO/T stands for High Occupancy / Toll lanes which basically means HOV traffic is free and solo drivers pay a toll. Rules may vary per roadway. State 11 will likely be entirely tolled once it is completed to the international border.
Make sure to visit the appropriate tolling agencies website for updated and more detailed information.
FasTrak Agencies in Southern California
Los Angeles County
I-10 / I-110
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Transponder required.
On the El Monte Busway along US 101 and I-10 and I-10 HOV to near I-605, and I-110 from Adams Ave to State 91, transponders are required for ALL vehicles except motorcycles. As toll rates vary depending on vehicle occupancy, the transponders issued are adjustable to ensure the proper toll is charged. With motorcycles, there is one issue, and that is with personalized plates. Motorcycles with personalized plates are required to report the plates to MTA so that they can pass without charge.
Orange County
I-405 / State 73 / State 91 / State 133 / State 241 / State 261
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Transponder required.
Transponders are required for use of the 91 Express Lanes, which extend from State 55 to I-15 (crossing into Riverside County). Motorcycles and HOV-3 are given special accounts which are toll free except during peak hours where there are reduced rates. Special lanes are used for the HOV-3 and motorcycles where applicable.
Transponder required.
I-405 has two Express Lanes in both directions from I-605 to State 73. These will be an augmentation of the former HOV lanes which ran along the same route. Direct connectors will be open from I-405 SB to State 22 EB / State 22 WB to I-405 NB and from I-605 SB to I-405 SB / I-405 NB to I-605 NB. Tolls will vary based on traffic conditions and time of day.
Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA)
Transponder optional.
Otherwise known as “The Toll Roads”, there are a few toll freeways in southern Orange County which are run by the Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA). The roadways include all of State Routes 241 and 261, and portions of State 73 and 133. TCA has different rates for FasTrak and vehicles without a transponder. Toll rates are lower if you have a transponder. If you do not have a transponder, you can still traverse the toll roads, but there is a “one-time” toll payment option, which is posted on numerous roadside signs in addition to their website.
Riverside County
I-15 / State 91
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91 Express Lanes (OCTA) (State 91)
Transponder required.
The bulk of the 91 Express Lanes are located in Orange County. A recent (2017) extension into Riverside County has brought these toll lanes, which partly converted existing free HOV lanes, to I-15. At I-15, a direct connector was also constructed for 15N to 91W and 91E to 15S Express Lane traffic. The same rules apply to these lanes as the Orange County section including mandatory transponder use.
Riverside Express (RCTC) (I-15)
Transponder required.
I-15 has four express toll lanes from State 60 to Cajalco Road. Expansion work will be underway in the near future to build additional direct connections from the 91 Express Lanes to I-15. Currently, there is a connector from 15 North to 91 West and 91 East to I15 South.
San Bernardino County
I-10
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San Diego County
I-15 / State 125
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Transponder optional.
The South Bay Expressway, a name which formerly applied to another nearby freeway, is the newest toll road in Southern California. Running along State 125 from State 54 south to State 905, it is a part of the “Outer Loop” bypass of San Diego from the international border to points north. There are mainline toll booths, albeit not manned, just north of State 905. Cards and cash are accepted at all toll booths along the route. Vehicles with transponders get a discounted toll and are not required to stop. There is also a “pay-by-plate” option available when you do not pay the toll on the roadway itself.
Transponder required for Single Occupancy Vehicle (SOV) ONLY.
The Express Lanes in the median of I-15 are generally HOV lanes with a transponder requirement ONLY for vehicles with single occupancy. Any vehicle that has more than one person traveling within it, as well as motorcycles, can travel these lanes without paying a toll. These lanes are managed by SANDAG and are have variable tolls based on traffic conditions. The Express Lanes also have a movable barrier that runs from Del Lago Blvd / Beethoven Dr south to State 163.