Common Questions

The following are some of the more common questions asked by our customers. If you don't find the answer to your question here, please contact us and we'll be happy to get the answer for you.

1. What is "FasTrak™"?
2. What is a "Transponder" and how does it work?
3. Do I need a FasTrak™ transponder on my vehicle?
4. What happens if my transponder is lost or stolen?
5. Can my transponder be moved between vehicles?
6. Can I use my 91 Express Lanes FasTrak™ transponder on other toll roads?
7. Do special promotions and discounts offered to 91 Express Lanes customers apply to travel on other toll facilities?
8. When can I use the 3+ Carpool Lane?
9. What is the speed limit on the 91 Express Lanes?
10. Who enforces traffic laws on the 91 Express Lanes?
11. What happens if my car breaks down on the 91 Express Lanes?
12. Can large trucks use the 91 Express Lanes?
13. Can I tow my trailer or boat on the 91 Express Lanes?
14. Why do you need my vehicle's license plate number?
15. What are my responsibilities as a 91 Express Lanes account holder?
16. What happens if the balance in my prepaid toll account falls below the minimum balance?

1. What is "FasTrak™"™?

FasTrak™ is the name of the electronic toll collection system that enables you to drive on the 91 Express Lanes without having to stop at toll booths. The FasTrak™ system is made up of an electronic transponder that is mounted on the inside of your vehicle's windshield, toll recording equipment located on the road, and an enforcement system. You can use your FasTrak™ transponder anywhere you see the FasTrak™ name or symbol.

2. What is a "transponder" and how does it work?

The FasTrak™ transponder is a small battery-powered radio device, which is mounted inside the vehicle on the windshield and identifies the customer's prepaid toll account. When traveling through the toll zone, the transponder is read by an overhead antenna, and the posted toll amount is automatically deducted from the customer's account. The transponder can be easily moved from one vehicle to another. Just make sure it's properly mounted on the inside windshield of the vehicle you're traveling in.

3. Do I need a FasTrak™ transponder on my vehicle?

Yes. Since there are no toll-collection booths on the 91 Express Lanes, California state law requires that all vehicles be equipped with a properly mounted FasTrak™ transponder allowing tolls to be collected electronically.

Traveling on the 91 Express Lanes without a transponder properly mounted on your vehicle could result in toll-evasion fees from $100 for the first violation; $250 for the second violation, to $500 for each additional violation within one year.

4. What happens if my transponder is lost or stolen?

Please notify us immediately if your transponder is lost or stolen. Your only liability is your transponder deposit and any tolls charged to your account prior to you notifying us.

5. Can my transponder be moved between vehicles?

Yes, the 91 Express Lanes transponder can be moved to another vehicle. However, the account holder must notify the 91 Express Lanes to add the new vehicle, including the license plate number, to the account. If you're adding another vehicle to your account, please use our convenient vehicle update form right here on our Website. You may also contact one of our representatives at the customer service center.

6. Can I use my 91 Express Lanes FasTrak™ transponder on other toll roads?

Yes. You can use your FasTrak™ transponder anywhere you see the FasTrak™ name or symbol. Toll facilities currently using the FasTrak™ system include the 91 Express Lanes, the Foothill (SR-241), the San Joaquin Hills (SR 73), and the Eastern (SR-241, 133 and 261) Transportation Corridors; all located in Orange County. FasTrak™ is also accepted on the I-15 Express Lanes in San Diego, and the Carquinez, Benicia-Martinez, Richmond-San Rafael, San Francisco-Oakland Bay and Golden Gate bridges in the San Francisco Bay area.

PLEASE NOTE: Discounted tolls and special offers are limited to travel on the 91 Express Lanes only. All 91 Express Lanes customers will be charged the full toll amount for travel on all other FasTrak™ toll facilities.

7. Do special promotions and discounts offered to 91 Express Lanes customers apply to travel on other toll facilities?

Unfortunately no. The 91 Express Lanes offers discounted tolls to 3+ carpoolers, motorcycles, zero-emission vehicles, and vehicles with disabled persons license plates that travel on the 91 Express Lanes. Any special offers and promotions apply to travel on the 91 Express Lanes only and are offered exclusively to our customers.

8. When can I use the 3+ Carpool Lane?

Effective May 19, 2003, when you travel on the 91 Express Lanes with 3 or more people in your vehicle, you can use the 3+ Lane and you will travel toll-free, except when traveling eastbound, Monday through Friday between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. During that peak time, when traveling through the 3+ Carpool Lane you will receive a 50% discount on the posted toll. This policy also applies to individuals on a motorcycle.

If you have a Standard Plan, Convenience Plan, or Express Club account, on days when you have fewer than 3 occupants in your car, please stay in one of the lanes marked “Toll Lanes” as you travel through the toll zone.

As a reminder, California State Law requires motorists traveling on the 91 Express Lanes, whether traveling alone or with others, to have a Transponder properly mounted on their vehicle, and a valid FasTrak™ account. This law is enforced by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and can carry fines up to $500.So please be sure your account is always in good standing and your transponder is properly mounted in your vehicle. We want your commute to be fast, safe and reliable each time to travel the 91 Express Lanes.

9. What is the speed limit on the 91 Express Lanes?

65 miles per hour, the same as the speed limit posted for the adjacent freeway. As a part of the California State Highway system, the 91 Express Lanes are subject to the same laws that apply to other California State Highways, and are enforced by the California Highway Patrol.

10. Who enforces traffic laws on the 91 Express Lanes?

As a part of our agreement with the state of California, we contract with the CHP for their enforcement services. The 91 Express Lanes are officially designated as part of the California State Highway system, therefore, traffic laws that apply to all other California state highways also apply to the 91 Express Lanes, including speed, carpool, and toll evasion violations.

11. What happens if my car breaks down on the 91 Express Lanes?

Whenever possible, pull over in one of the enforcement areas (the widened areas in the median) and turn on your flashing hazard lights. There are three enforcement areas along the Express Lanes; one between Coal Canyon Road and Gypsum Canyon Road; one at the toll zone – just beyond the overhead sign structure; and one between Imperial Highway and Weir Canyon Road.

If you can't reach an enforcement area, pull over to the far left shoulder and turn on your flashing hazard lights. There are 35 cameras located along the 10-mile length of the 91 Express Lanes to monitor traffic and safety conditions. If your vehicle becomes disabled, a Customer Assistance Patrol Specialist (CCAPS) will be dispatched to assist you.

Our Customer Assistance Specialists generally patrol the Express Lanes Monday through Friday between the hours of 5am and 9pm, and during peak hours on weekends.

12. Can large trucks use the 91 Express Lanes?

Unfortunately, no. The only oversized vehicles that are allowed on the 91 Express Lanes are motor homes and buses. Large trucks may not use the 91 Express Lanes for several reasons: (1) Caltrans has approved a maximum vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds for the 91 Express Lanes; (2) under California law, a variety of vehicles, including vehicles towing a trailer, and trucks with more than two axles, may only use the right two lanes of a four-lane limited-access highway such as the 91 freeway. Therefore, these vehicles may not use the 91 Express Lanes, and; (3) most larger trucks using the SR-91 freeway must stop at one of the weigh stations located near Weir Canyon Road, which is not accessible from the 91 Express Lanes. Therefore, trucks required to stop may not use the Express Lanes.

13. Can I tow my trailer or boat on the 91 Express Lanes?

Unfortunately, no. As with larger trucks, California law limits vehicles towing trailers to the right two lanes of a four-lane limited-access highway such as the SR-91 freeway. Therefore, vehicles towing trailers may not use the 91 Express Lanes.

14. Why do you need my vehicle license plate number?

In the unlikely event that your transponder is not read properly, with your correct license plate number listed on your account, we would be able to identify your vehicle and be sure that the correct toll amount is properly charged to your account. Without the correct information, it is impossible for us to identify you as a 91 Express Lanes account holder and so you could be charged with a violation. If you should purchase or sell your vehicle, it is important that you give us a call and we'll be happy to update your information.

15. What are my responsibilities as a 91 Express Lanes account holder?

Your responsibilities are contained in the 91 Express Lanes Application and Agreement that is completed when you sign up for your 91 Express Lanes account. Please be sure you read this agreement carefully and understand the terms and conditions. You will be notified whenever there is a change in the terms and conditions contained in the Agreement. Likewise, if any of your information changes, such as name, address, credit card, or vehicle information, it is your responsibility to notify us immediately. As a 91 Express Lanes account holder, you are also responsible for maintaining a minimum balance in your account as described in the Application and Agreement.

16. What happens if the balance in my prepaid toll account is low?

Each time your account falls below the minimum required balance, your prepaid toll account will be automatically replenished by debiting your credit card with the amount specified on your application, or the average of your monthly toll usage; whichever is greater. The minimum required balance is equal to your average toll usage for a ten day period as calculated by the 91 Express Lanes, or $10, whichever is greater.

FasTrak™ is a registered trademark of the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA).