California Toll Roads: What to Know About Fines for Unpaid Tolls

California Toll Roads: What to Know About Fines for Unpaid Tolls

Missing a toll in California isn’t just an oversight, it’s a violation with potential fines and registration holds.

Por Eric Sanchez el August 8, 2025

If you’re driving on a California toll road, it’s important to know that skipping the toll isn’t just a small oversight: it’s a violation that can lead to fines and even legal trouble, no matter if your car has Mexican plates.

California’s toll roads use cameras that automatically snap photos of every vehicle passing through. If a vehicle doesn’t pay the toll, the system captures its license plate and forwards the information to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). From there, a notice of violation, along with a fine, is sent to the vehicle’s registered owner.

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The law is clear: according to California Vehicle Code Section 23302, driving on a toll road without paying is illegal. The typical penalty starts around $57 on top of the unpaid toll, but letting these fines pile up can lead to increased penalties and could even prevent you from renewing your vehicle’s registration.

In San Diego County, the situation is slightly different: the FasTrak system and the SR-125 tolls are managed by SANDAG, which issues a smaller initial fine (usually $40 plus the unpaid toll) if payment isn’t made within the first 10 days after using the road.

For drivers with vehicles registered in the United States, the DMV typically mails violation notices within two to three weeks. But for vehicles registered in Mexico, California authorities often can’t send these notices directly across the border. Still, the fines don’t disappear; they remain in the system, and if you return to California driving the same vehicle, they can cause complications.

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How to Avoid Fines and What to Do If You Miss a Toll

If you accidentally drove on a toll road without paying, you can still avoid higher fines by paying what you owe. To do this, visit official platforms like The Toll Roads or SANDAG FasTrak and enter your license plate number and the date of travel to complete the payment.

Another good option is to get a FasTrak transponder, an electronic device that allows for automatic toll payments. It should be installed in the upper middle section of the windshield, just behind the rearview mirror. SANDAG is also working on introducing sticker-based transponders for easier use.

If you have more questions, visit My FasTrak to avoid fines.

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