South Bay Expressway

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Click the questions below for their answers

About FasTrak®

About South Bay ExpresswaySM

About Tolling

About Toll Fees

Miscellaneous Questions about South Bay Expressway

Questions?

Answers

About FasTrak

Q: What is FasTrak®?
A: FasTrak® is an electronic toll collection system that consists of a small electronic device called a transponder, which is placed on the inside of your vehicle's windshield. The transponder works together with electronic readers that are installed over the Expressway. When traveling in the FasTrak lane, an overhead antenna reads the data stored in the FasTrak transponder, and the toll is automatically deducted from your prepaid FasTrak account. Simple? You bet. FasTrak is fully electronic-no tollbooths or gates-and above all, there's no need to slow down or stop at tollbooths. Just drive on through!
Q: How do I sign up for a FasTrak account?
A: Signing up for FasTrak couldn't be easier. Simply log on to complete the online application. To speed things, have a major credit card and the license plate numbers of your vehicles handy. The Web site will guide you through the application process. Or, call our friendly customer service representatives at 619-661-7070 and open your account over the phone.
Q: Why should I sign up today?
A: FasTrak is the easiest, most convenient way to pay tolls on South Bay Expressway, allowing you to bypass tollbooths at full highway speeds. FasTrak customers receive significantly discounted toll rates and special offers.
Q: Are there special promotions?
A: Open your prepaid FasTrak account today and drive FREE on South Bay Expressway*
Q: How do I pay?
A: The easiest, most convenient way to pay tolls on South Bay Expressway is to use FasTrak, the electronic toll collection system that allows motorists to bypass tollbooths at full highway speeds. With FasTrak, tolls are deducted automatically from your prepaid FasTrak account. Or, you can stop at a tollbooth or automated toll payment machines and pay cash. For cash-paying customers driving the full length of the road, our friendly toll attendants at the Otay Mesa toll plaza are happy to provide change and a receipt. At the on/off ramps, simply toss your coins into the basket, watch for the green light, and drive on through! For additional convenience, South Bay Expressway's on/off ramps feature bill acceptors. Be sure to have the correct change available since no change is given at on/off ramps.
Q: Can I use my FasTrak in multiple vehicles?
A: Yes. We just ask that when you open your account you register the license plate of each vehicle.
Q: Can I use my FasTrak on other toll roads? How about the I-15 Express Lanes?
A:You can use FasTrak on any California toll road or bridge that displays the FasTrak symbol, including the I-15 Express Lanes, Orange County toll roads such as the SR-73-even the Golden Gate Bridge!
Q: Can I buy a month/year pass?
A: No. However, FasTrak users receive significantly discounted toll rates - and it's also the easiest way to pay tolls since there is no stopping. You sign up with a credit/debit card that allows your account to be automatically replenished when funds get low, so you never have to worry about carrying change. You can manage your account easily/anytime online.
Q: When will I receive my FasTrak transponder?
A: We have now started shipping out transponders. You should receive your transponder in the mail soon. Once you receive your transponder, simply follow the easy installation instructions, get in your car and go!
Q: When will you charge my credit/debit card?
A: When you open your FasTrak account at South Bay Expressway with a credit or debit card, the card is charged $40 in prepaid tolls for each transponder. The account balance is automatically replenished as you use South Bay Expressway or other California toll roads and bridges. If you decide to close your FasTrak account, simply notify us that you want to close your account, return your FasTrak transponder in good condition, and we will be happy to refund the unused balance that you prepaid (Promotional credits are non-refundable).
Q: I might move in two months, will this be a problem?
A: No problem at all. If are moving to the Bay Area or Orange County, you may wish to keep your FasTrak account with us. You can use FasTrak wherever you see the FasTrak symbol displayed, including the Golden Gate Bridge and other Caltrans bridges in the San Francisco Bay Area, toll roads in Orange County and the I-15 Express Lanes here in San Diego County.
If you are moving somewhere where you won't use FasTrak, simply notify us that you want to close your account, return your FasTrak transponder in good condition, and we will be happy to refund the unused balance that you prepaid (promotional toll credits are non refundable).
Q: I just received my transponder; can I use it on other California toll roads right now?
Yes. Your South Bay Expressway FasTrak transponder may be used immediately on all other California toll roads and bridges wherever the FasTrak symbol is displayed.

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About South Bay Expressway

Q: What is South Bay Expressway?
A: Tired of sitting in gridlock on South Bay roads and highways? South Bay Expressway provides a stress-free solution. The new 10-mile express toll road extends from SR-54 in Spring Valley through eastern Chula Vista, to Otay Mesa Road/SR-905 in Otay Mesa near the International Border. This new connection gives drivers convenient access to Downtown, Sorrento Valley, Santee, I-8 and I-15, Otay Mesa, Mexico and more, providing a fast, reliable, scenic commute every time. South Bay Expressway is a first-class, four-lane express toll road that utilizes cutting-edge technologies, including FasTrak, an electronic toll collection system that allows customers to bypass toll plazas at full highway speeds-no stopping necessary.
Q: Where will South Bay Expressway take me?
A: Ever imagine how much faster it would be to get to Downtown, Santee, Sorrento Valley, Otay Mesa, I-15, I-8 or La Jolla if only there was a more direct route or better connections? No need to imagine any longer! South Bay Expressway fills a gap in San Diego's highway network, providing drivers with a fast, easy route and connections to all of the places you want to go.
South Bay Expressway extends from the SR-54 in Spring Valley through eastern Chula Vista to the Otay Mesa Road/SR-905 intersection near the Otay Mesa Border Crossing. Whether you're headed to shopping, work or home, you'll find that South Bay Expressway is convenient and closeby.
Check out our maps.
Q: Where can I get on and off the Expressway?
A: You may enter South Bay Expressway from the north at SR-54 and at Otay Mesa Road/SR-905 from the south. The Expressway features several convenient on/off ramps located at San Miguel Ranch Road, East H Street, Otay Lakes/Telegraph Canyon Road, Olympic Parkway and Birch Road. At each of these locations, you can use FasTrak to pay the toll electronically or stop and pay with cash. The choice is yours.
Check out our maps

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About Tolling

Q: Why is it a toll road?
A: South Bay Expressway is a "user-pay" road-a toll road rather than a taxpayer-funded road. It is financed, built, operated and maintained with tolls collected from the people who choose to use it to save time and reduce stress in their daily lives.
This project has been in the region's plans since 1959. However, with all of the needed transportation projects in San Diego County (both improvements and new roads), this project did not make it to the top of anyone's list of priorities, and there has never been funding available to construct it. Because it is being built as a toll road, it is available to people who choose to use it decades earlier than would have been possible without private funding.
Q: How does the local community benefit from a toll road?
A: As the owners of South Bay Expressway, we are committed to the local community and to enhancing the quality of life for Chula Vista, Bonita and South Bay residents. By funding improvements such as the Sweetwater Valley Little League fields and park and trail enhancements, taking exceptional measures to preserve the sensitive environment, and donating funds for valuable community services such as the new Bonita Historical Museum, we are, and will continue to be, an active and supportive community partner.
Q: Are trucks allowed to use the road?
A: Yes. South Bay Expressway provides a reliable, stress-free ride for cars and commercial vehicles, including trucks. The Expressway has been designed to accommodate these vehicles.
Q: How long will the South Bay Expressway be a toll road?
A: The road operates as a toll road for 35 years, at which time the state takes ownership and can decide whether it remains a toll road.

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About Toll Fees

Q: How much are the tolls on South Bay Expressway?
A: Tolls are based on the distance traveled and the number of axles on your vehicle. For 2-axle vehicles with FasTrak, neighborhood trips within Chula Vista are just 75 cents, medium trips are $1.50 to $2.50 and through trips are just $3.50. To determine the toll for trucks and other commercial vehicles, or for the cash toll, visit our Toll Wizard to quickly calculate your toll.
Q: How were toll amounts determined?
A: South Bay Expressway's toll schedule was determined based mainly on two factors:
  1. Extensive research, including interviews, discussions and surveys with our future customers about appropriate toll levels.
  2. A financial model to repay the $635 million cost to build the road, plus the millions of dollars required to operate and maintain it over the next 35 years.
Q: What is the toll for trucks and other commercial vehicles?
A: Tolls vary based on how far you are traveling and the number of axles on your vehicle. Vehicles with 3-4 axles pay two times the 2-axle toll rate, and vehicles with 5 axles pay three times the 2-axle toll rate. To quickly and easily determine the toll for trucks and commercial vehicles or for the cash toll, visit our Toll Wizard to quickly calculate your toll.
Q: What is the toll for RVs, cars towing trailers and motorcycles?
A: Tolls vary based on how far you are traveling and the number of axles on your vehicle. Motorcycles pay the same toll as other 2-axle vehicles.
Vehicles towing trailers (such as boat trailers) and RVs pay according to the number of axles. Vehicles with 3-4 axles pay two times the 2-axle toll rate, and vehicles with 5 axles pay three times the 2-axle toll rate. To quickly and easily determine the toll, visit our Toll Wizard.
Q: Do carpoolers and environmentally friendly vehicles pay a toll?
A: Yes. South Bay Expressway is a toll road, and all drivers and vehicles choosing to use the road must pay a toll. Tolls are based on the distance you are traveling and the number of axles on your vehicle. To quickly and easily determine your toll, use our Toll Wizard.
Q: What discounts are available to residents?
A: By opening a FasTrak account and paying your toll electronically, you receive a significant discount over paying your tolls with cash on South Bay Expressway.
In addition, short trips within Chula Vista-between East H Street and Birch Road and the two exits in between (Otay Lakes Road/Telegraph Canyon and Olympic Parkway)- cost just 75 cents per trip using FasTrak.
Q: When do tolls begin on South Bay ExpresswaySM?
A: Our introductory toll-free period has ended and tolling for both FasTrak and cash customers has begun. If you have a FasTrak® account please make sure your transponder is properly mounted and use the "FasTrak" lanes. The correct toll will be deducted automatically from your account.
Otherwise, you must use the "CASH" lanes, stop and pay the posted toll, no exceptions.
Q: How much are the cash tolls?
A: Cash tolls for two-axle vehicles (autos, light trucks and motorcycles) on South Bay Expressway range from $2.00 to $3.75. Vehicles with 3-4 axles pay two times the 2-axle toll rate.
To calculate the correct toll, visit southbayexpressway.com/tollwiz.
Q: What happens if I do not pay the toll?
A: If you fail to pay the toll, a camera will take a photo of your license plate and you will be issued a citation. The minimum penalty for nonpayment of a toll is $37.50 plus the amount of the toll and any applicable fees. If you fail to pay the required toll, you may receive a violation notice under California Vehicle Code _4770 and any other applicable law. If a violation occurs, you will be subject to all fees, fines and penalties as provided by law.
Q: I didn't have the correct change to pay the toll, what do I do?
A: At the ramps, your options are to: 1) pay the correct change; 2) put in more than the correct change to make sure your toll is paid; 3) call South Bay Expressway Customer Service Center (619-661-7070) within 48 hours and pay your toll plus an administrative fee of $2.50 over the phone with a credit/ debit card, or; 4) walk into the Customer Service Center and pay in person. If you fail to pay the required toll, you may receive a violation notice under California Vehicle Code _4770 and any other applicable law. If a violation occurs, you will be subject to all fees, fines and penalties as provided by law. The minimum penalty for nonpayment of a toll is $37.50.
Q: I paid the toll but I received a violation notice in the mail, what do I do?
A: Please follow the specific instructions on the notice/citation for resolving a dispute.
Q: The automated cash machine was not working properly. I called from the coin machine and was told to drive through. Why did I receive a violation notice?
A: Occasionally, our cash customers will experience problems using the automated cash machines. Follow the any verbal instruction you are given and if you receive a violation notice, call our Customer Service Center at 619-661-7070.
Q: I have a FasTrak account. Why did I get I violation?
A: If you have a valid FasTrak account, we apologize for the inconvenience. There are a number of reasons why you may have received a notice.
  • Did you mount your transponder as outlined in the instruction sheet?
  • Did you update your vehicle license plate information?
If you answered YES to these questions then contact the Customer Service Center at 619-661-7070.
Q: I was told that the FasTrak lanes were "free", I didn't understand.
A: We understand that toll roads are new to San Diego and some of our customers may have been confused by our early "toll free with FasTrak" offer.
In order to use FasTrak lanes you must have a valid FasTrak account and a FasTrak transponder properly installed in your vehicle - no exceptions. If you do not have a FasTrak transponder you must stop and pay the toll at our automated cash machines, or at our main toll plaza located on Otay Mesa.
Q: What happens if I don't pay the fine?
A: Failure to pay the toll violation penalty will result in escalating toll penalties and may result in a hold being placed on your vehicle registration by the DMV.

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Miscellaneous Questions about South Bay Expressway

Q: Will there be a bike lane on the new toll road?
A: While there is not going to be a specific bike lane, bikes are allowed on the road shoulder between the Birch interchange and Otay Mesa Road. There are no exits in this stretch. No toll payment is required.
Q: What happens if I have a flat tire or I break down while on the Expressway?
A: South Bay Expressway offers customers complimentary roadside assistance. Run out of gas? Our courtesy patrol will get you on your way. Break down or get a flat tire? We'll change it for you or tow you to a safe location. Our goal is to provide a fast, stress-free drive that takes you where you need to go.
Q: Who maintains and polices the road?
A: Our priority is to provide a safe, well-maintained road for our customers. We contract with Caltrans to maintain the road and with the California Highway Patrol to provide routine patrol services and incident management.
Q: I was an eligible property owner and opened a FasTrak account under the Chula Vista Toll Credit Program. If I close my account, will those toll credits be refunded to me?
A: No. Toll credits under the Chula Vista Toll Credit Program have no cash value and any toll credits from that program remaining in a closed account will not be refunded.
Q: Are bicycles allowed on South Bay Expressway?
A: South Bay Expressway is closed to bicycles. Cyclists are never allowed on South Bay Expressway north of Birch.  South Bay Expressway is closed to cyclists south of Birch until Spring 2008 due to ongoing construction activity along this stretch of road.

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Questions?

Q: Whom do I call if I have questions?
A: We want to hear from you! For information on signing up for FasTrak or other questions, visit the Contact Us page or call us at 619-661-7070.

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*This Promotion is good for New Accounts only and cannot be applied to customers who close an account and re-open a new account. This Promotion also does not apply to transponders added to existing FasTrak accounts. Two (2) weeks of free travel begins on the first day of sign up.

South Bay Expressway and Put The Fun Back In Driving are service marks of SBX, all rights reserved.