Colorado tolls are charged on specific highways, and you can pay them through a transponder account, a toll-by-plate invoice, or cash at certain locations

Colorado operates toll roads on I-25, I-270, US-36, and I-76 in the Denver metro area through a system called ExpressToll. When you drive these roads, the toll is either charged to a transponder mounted on your windshield, billed to your vehicle's license plate, or collected at a toll booth. The amount you pay depends on the time of day, traffic congestion, and the distance traveled—prices are higher during peak hours and lower during off-peak times.

You do not have to set up an account before driving a toll road. If you do not have a transponder, the state will photograph your license plate and send you an invoice. However, having an account set up in advance gives you better rates and prevents late fees from unpaid invoices.

Key Takeaways

  • ExpressToll transponders give you the lowest toll rates and are the fastest way through toll plazas; you can order one online or pick one up at a service center.
  • If you drive without a transponder, the state photographs your plate and mails you an invoice within 30 days, which you must pay to avoid late fees and collection action.
  • Toll rates change based on traffic and time of day, with peak-hour rates higher than off-peak rates on the same road.
  • You can pay tolls online through your ExpressToll account, by phone, by mail, or in person at a service center.
  • Rental cars, commercial vehicles, and motorcycles have different toll rules and payment methods in Colorado.

Setting up an ExpressToll transponder account

An ExpressToll transponder is a small electronic device that mounts on your windshield and communicates with toll readers as you pass through. It is the fastest and cheapest way to pay tolls in Colorado. You can order a transponder online at expresstoll.com, by phone at 303-537-3470, or in person at an ExpressToll service center in the Denver area.

When you order online, you provide your vehicle information, license plate number, and payment method. The transponder is mailed to you within 5 to 7 business days. You then mount it on your windshield according to the instructions included in the package. Once it is active, tolls are deducted from your prepaid account balance automatically each time you drive a toll road.

The transponder itself is free, but you must maintain a prepaid balance in your account. You can add money online, by phone, or at a service center. Many accounts are set up to replenish automatically when the balance drops below a certain amount, which prevents the account from running empty while you are driving.

Understanding toll-by-plate invoices and payment

If you drive a toll road without a transponder, the state's camera system reads your license plate and creates a toll-by-plate record. Within 30 days, you will receive an invoice in the mail with the toll amount, the date and time you drove, and the road you used. The invoice includes instructions for payment.

You can pay a toll-by-plate invoice online at expresstoll.com, by phone at 303-537-3470, or by mail. Payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date. If you do not pay within 30 days, a late fee is added to your bill. If the invoice remains unpaid for 90 days, the state may refer the debt to a collection agency, which can affect your credit and may prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration.

If you drive toll roads frequently without a transponder, setting up an ExpressToll account will save you money. Transponder rates are lower than toll-by-plate rates on the same roads, so the savings add up quickly.

How toll rates are calculated and when they change

Colorado toll rates are congestion-based, meaning they change throughout the day based on traffic volume. During peak commute hours—typically 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays—tolls are at their highest. During off-peak hours, nights, and weekends, tolls are lower. The state adjusts rates in real time to manage traffic flow and keep the roads moving.

Rates also vary by distance. A short trip on I-25 costs less than a longer trip on the same road. The toll readers calculate the distance between entry and exit points and charge accordingly. You can see current toll rates for any trip on the ExpressToll website before you drive, which helps you decide whether to use the toll road or take a free alternative.

Transponder users pay a lower rate than toll-by-plate users on the same trip. This discount is built into the system to encourage people to set up accounts and reduce the administrative cost of mailing invoices.

Paying tolls by phone, mail, or in person

If you received a toll-by-plate invoice and want to pay it, you have several options. The fastest method is online at expresstoll.com, where you can pay with a debit card or credit card and receive confirmation when ready. You can also call 303-537-3470 to pay by phone with a card.

To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to ExpressToll, include the invoice number, and mail it to the address shown on your invoice. Payment by mail takes longer to process, so allow extra time before the 30-day important date.

You can also pay in person at an ExpressToll service center in the Denver area. Service centers are open during business hours and accept cash, checks, and cards. Paying in person is useful if you have questions about your account or need a receipt when ready.

Tolls for rental cars, commercial vehicles, and motorcycles

If you are renting a car in Colorado, the rental company is responsible for paying tolls. Most rental agencies add a daily toll fee to your rental agreement or charge tolls to your credit card after you return the car. Read your rental agreement carefully to understand how tolls will be handled. Some companies charge a processing fee on top of the actual toll amount.

Commercial vehicles and trucks are charged different toll rates than passenger cars, and some commercial vehicles may be required to use specific lanes. If you operate a commercial vehicle in Colorado, contact ExpressToll directly to set up a commercial account, which has different rules and payment terms.

Motorcycles are charged the same toll rates as passenger cars and can use transponders or toll-by-plate payment. If you own a motorcycle, you can set up an ExpressToll account the same way a car owner would.

What to do if you receive a toll violation notice

A toll violation notice is different from a regular toll invoice. It is issued when the state cannot read your license plate clearly, when a transponder is not working, or when a toll goes unpaid for an extended period. Violation notices include a fine in addition to the unpaid toll amount.

If you receive a violation notice, read it carefully to understand what toll or tolls are in question. You can dispute the notice if you believe it was issued in error—for example, if your transponder was malfunctioning or if you have proof you paid the toll. Contact ExpressToll at 303-537-3470 to discuss your options. If you do not dispute it, you must pay the amount shown by the important date listed on the notice.

Unpaid violation notices can prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration in Colorado. The state will not issue a new registration until all toll-related debt is resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I paid a toll by mistake?

Yes, you can request a refund through your ExpressToll account online or by calling 303-537-3470. You will need to provide details about the trip, such as the date, time, and road. Refunds are processed within 7 to 10 business days if the request is approved.

What happens if my transponder stops working?

If your transponder is not reading properly, tolls will be charged to your license plate instead and you will receive an invoice. Contact ExpressToll to report the problem and request a replacement transponder. They will send you a new one at no charge and can help you avoid late fees if tolls were missed during the malfunction.

Do I have to use the toll roads in Colorado?

No, toll roads are optional. Free alternatives exist for most toll routes in the Denver area, though they may take longer. You can choose to use free roads and avoid tolls entirely, or use toll roads when time is more important than cost.

Can I set up an ExpressToll account if I do not live in Colorado?

Yes, you can set up an account online from anywhere. You provide your vehicle information and a payment method, and the transponder is mailed to your address. Out-of-state drivers can also pay toll-by-plate invoices online or by phone.

What if I lose my transponder?

Contact ExpressToll when ready at 303-537-3470 to report it lost. They will deactivate the old transponder and send you a replacement. Until the replacement arrives, tolls will be charged to your license plate. There is no charge for a replacement transponder.