Golden Gate Bridge Toll Violation
Received a toll violation notice? The first penalty is $25 on top of the $9.75 toll. You can pay online, request a first-time waiver, or file an appeal. Here is everything you need to know.
How Violations Escalate
Unpaid Toll
0-21 days after crossingYou crossed the Golden Gate Bridge without FasTrak and did not pay within 48 hours. An invoice for $9.75 is mailed to the registered vehicle owner. You have 21 days from the invoice date to pay without penalty.
First Violation Notice
~42 days after crossingThe invoice went unpaid. A violation notice is issued adding a $25 penalty to the original toll. This is the most common stage where people receive their first notice, often because the invoice was sent to an old address or was overlooked.
Second Violation Notice
~100 days after crossingThe first violation went unpaid. An additional $70 penalty is added. At this stage, you should pay immediately or contact FasTrak to discuss payment options. Continued non-payment leads to collections and DMV holds.
Collections & DMV Hold
120+ days after crossingThe account is referred to a collections agency, which may impact your credit score. The California DMV places a registration hold on the vehicle, preventing registration renewal until all outstanding tolls and penalties are resolved.
How to Pay a Violation
Pay Online
Go to bayareafastrak.org and click "Pay Toll or Violation." Enter your violation number and license plate. Pay with credit card, debit card, or e-check.
Processed immediately
Call (877) BAY-TOLL
Call (877) 229-8655. Have your violation number ready. Automated system available 24/7 for credit/debit payments. Live agents available Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.
Processed within 1-2 business days
Mail a Check
Detach the payment slip from your violation notice and mail it with a check or money order to the address printed on the notice. Include your violation number on the check.
Allow 7-10 business days
First-Time Penalty Waiver
If this is your first toll violation on any Bay Area bridge, you can request a one-time penalty waiver. The $25 penalty (or $70 second penalty) is removed, and you only pay the original $9.75 toll. This courtesy is available once per account/vehicle.
How to Request a Waiver
Tip: Open a FasTrak account at the same time. The account is free (you just need a $25 prepaid balance), and you will pay $8.75 per crossing going forward instead of $9.75. See our FasTrak setup guide.
How to Appeal a Violation
If you believe the violation was issued in error, you can file a formal appeal. Common reasons for appeal include:
Appeal Process
Gather documentation
Collect any evidence supporting your appeal: bill of sale, police report, payment confirmation, DMV transfer records, etc.
Submit your appeal
File online at bayareafastrak.org under 'Contest a Violation,' or mail a written appeal to the address on your violation notice. Include your violation number and all supporting documents.
Wait for review
Appeals are typically reviewed within 30-45 days. You will receive a written decision by mail. During the review period, no additional penalties are added.
Request a hearing if denied
If your written appeal is denied, you can request an in-person or phone hearing before an independent hearing officer. This must be requested within 21 days of the denial letter.
Common Situations
"I never received an invoice"
This is the most common reason people receive a violation notice instead of paying on time. Invoices are mailed to the address on file with your state DMV. If you recently moved, the invoice may have gone to your old address. Contact FasTrak, explain the situation, and request a first-time penalty waiver. They are generally accommodating when there is a legitimate address issue.
"I had FasTrak but it did not read"
If your FasTrak transponder was in the car but failed to register (low battery, improper mounting, windshield tint blocking the signal), you may receive a pay-by-plate invoice instead. Log in to your FasTrak account and check if the crossing appears. If it does not, contact customer service with your transponder number and crossing date. They can often retroactively apply the FasTrak rate and remove any penalty.
"I was in a rental car"
Rental companies typically pay the toll and charge you through their toll program (PlatePass, TollPass, etc.). If the rental company did not handle the toll and you received a violation, contact the rental company first. If they confirm the toll was not processed through their system, pay the violation and request documentation from the rental company. See our rental car toll guide for details.
"I sold the car before the violation date"
If you sold the vehicle before the crossing date shown on the violation, you are not responsible for the toll. File an appeal with a copy of the bill of sale, DMV release of liability form (REG 138), or transfer paperwork showing the sale date. The violation will be transferred to the new owner or dismissed.
Payment Plans for Multiple Violations
If you have accumulated multiple unpaid violations and the total amount is difficult to pay at once, the Bay Area Toll Authority offers payment plans. To qualify:
- - You must owe at least $50 in outstanding tolls and penalties
- - Contact FasTrak at (877) BAY-TOLL to set up a plan
- - Plans typically require a 25% down payment with the balance over 3-6 months
- - Low-income drivers may qualify for reduced penalties through the Toll Violation Amnesty Program (when available)
- - Once a payment plan is in place, DMV registration holds are typically released
Prevent Future Violations
Get FasTrak
A FasTrak account ensures tolls are automatically deducted. No invoices, no missed payments, no violations. The transponder is free with a $25 prepaid balance, and you save $1.00 per crossing vs pay-by-plate.
FasTrak setup guide →Update Your DMV Address
If you moved recently, update your address with the California DMV (or your state's DMV). Toll invoices are mailed to the address on file. An outdated address is the number one reason invoices turn into violations.
Pay Within 48 Hours
If you cross without FasTrak, pay the toll within 48 hours at bayareafastrak.org/paytoll. This skips the invoice process entirely and costs only $9.75 with no risk of penalties.
Pay-by-plate guide →Set Up Auto-Replenish
If you have FasTrak, enable auto-replenish so your account never runs out of funds. A depleted FasTrak account is treated the same as no FasTrak, and you will be charged the $9.75 pay-by-plate rate.