Colorado toll roads use a prepaid account system, not cash booths

Colorado's toll roads—primarily I-25 in the Denver metro area and sections of I-270—do not have toll booths where you hand over cash. Instead, you need a prepaid toll account linked to your vehicle's license plate. When you drive through a toll zone, cameras read your plate and charge your account. If you don't have an account set up before you use a toll road, you'll receive a bill in the mail with a penalty added to the toll amount.

The system is run by CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation) through a program called ExpressToll. You can set up an account online, by phone, or by mail. Most drivers set one up before they need it, but you can also open an account after receiving a toll bill.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado toll roads charge by license plate, not by toll booth, so you must have a prepay account or you will receive a bill with a penalty.
  • You can open an ExpressToll account through CDOT's website, by calling 1-877-764-7623, or by mail before or after you drive a toll road.
  • Your account balance is deducted each time you pass through a toll zone, and you can set up automatic reloads so the account never runs empty.
  • If you receive a toll bill in the mail without an account, you can still set one up and pay what you owe, though a penalty will be added to the original toll charge.
  • Rental cars, commercial vehicles, and motorcycles have different toll rules and may not be may be able to access for standard ExpressToll accounts.

How to open an ExpressToll account

The fastest way to open an account is online at expresstoll.cdot.gov. You will need your vehicle's license plate number, your Colorado driver's license or ID, and a payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account). The account opens when ready and you can start using toll roads right away.

If you prefer not to set up an account online, you can call CDOT's ExpressToll customer service at 1-877-764-7623. They can open an account over the phone and take payment the same way. You can also request a paper process by mail, though this takes longer and you won't be able to use toll roads until the process arrives, is processed, and your payment clears.

You do not need to register your vehicle with the Colorado DMV or your vehicle registration to open an ExpressToll account—only your license plate number and a way to pay.

How tolls are charged and how to reload your account

When you drive through a toll zone, the system photographs your license plate and deducts the toll amount from your account balance. Tolls on Colorado roads vary by location and time of day; peak-hour tolls are higher than off-peak tolls. You can see your toll history and current balance anytime by logging into your ExpressToll account online.

You can reload your account manually whenever you want, or you can set up automatic reloads. With automatic reload, your account will charge your payment method whenever your balance drops below a threshold you choose (usually $10 to $25). This prevents your account from running empty and triggering a penalty bill. Most drivers set automatic reload and never think about it again.

If your account balance reaches zero and you drive through a toll zone, you will receive a bill in the mail. That bill will include the toll amount plus a penalty. You can pay the bill online, by phone, or by mail, and your account will be current again.

What happens if you receive a toll bill in the mail

A toll bill arrives when you drove a toll road without an active account or when your account balance was zero at the time you passed through. The bill shows the toll amount, the penalty (which varies but is typically $25 to $50 per toll event), the date you drove, and the toll zone. You have a important date to pay, which is printed on the bill.

You can pay the bill online at expresstoll.cdot.gov, by phone at 1-877-764-7623, or by mail. Paying the bill does not automatically open an ExpressToll account—you still need to set one up separately if you plan to use toll roads again. If you believe the bill is wrong (for example, you think you had an active account at the time), you can dispute it by contacting CDOT customer service with proof of your account status on that date.

If you do not pay a toll bill by the important date, CDOT can refer the debt to a collection agency or pursue other collection methods. Unpaid toll debt can also affect your ability to renew your vehicle registration in Colorado.

Tolls for rental cars, commercial vehicles, and motorcycles

If you are renting a car in Colorado, the rental company is responsible for setting up toll payment, not you. Most major rental companies have agreements with CDOT to pay tolls automatically. Check your rental agreement or ask the rental company before you drive—some charge a daily toll fee on top of the rental rate, while others include toll costs in the rental price. Do not assume the rental car has an active toll account.

Commercial vehicles and trucks may have different toll rates or may not be allowed on certain toll roads. Motorcycles are generally charged the same toll as passenger cars, but some toll zones have specific rules. If you drive a commercial vehicle or motorcycle regularly on Colorado toll roads, contact CDOT customer service to confirm the toll rules for your vehicle type.

Keeping your account current when you move or change vehicles

If you move out of Colorado or sell your vehicle, you should close your ExpressToll account or update it with a new license plate. If you leave an account open with an old plate and someone else registers that plate, tolls may be charged to your account instead of theirs, creating confusion and disputes.

To update your account with a new license plate, log in online or call customer service. If you are moving out of Colorado and will not use toll roads again, you can request a refund of any remaining balance. CDOT will refund the balance to your original payment method, though the refund may take several weeks to process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a toll road without an account?

No. You must have an active ExpressToll account or you will receive a bill in the mail with a penalty added. The system reads your license plate automatically, so there is no way to pay at the time you drive through.

What if I have a new license plate but the same vehicle?

Log into your ExpressToll account online or call 1-877-764-7623 and update your plate number. Do this before you drive a toll road with the new plate, or tolls will be charged to your old plate and you will receive a bill.

Can I get a refund if I overpay my toll account?

Yes. If your account has a balance remaining and you no longer need it, you can request a refund through your online account or by calling customer service. Refunds are sent to your original payment method and typically take two to four weeks.

Do I have to use ExpressToll if I only drive toll roads occasionally?

You do not have to set up an account in advance, but you will receive a bill with a penalty if you do not. It is cheaper and easier to set up an account before you drive, even if you only use toll roads a few times a year.

What if my payment method is declined when my account tries to reload?

If automatic reload fails, your account balance will drop to zero. You will receive a notice and can update your payment method online or by phone. If you drive through a toll zone before you fix it, you will receive a bill with a penalty.