Colorado's toll roads and how payment works

Colorado has three toll roads you may encounter: Interstate 25 between Denver and Castle Rock (T-Rex), U.S. 36 between Denver and Boulder (Northwest Corridor), and Interstate 270 between I-25 and I-76 (I-270 Express). All three use E-470 Public Toll Authority to manage tolls and collect payments. You do not have to pay tolls on these roads — you can use parallel free routes instead — but if you use them, payment is required.

Payment happens in one of two ways: through a transponder account (the fastest method) or through a photo-based bill sent to your vehicle's registered address. Most drivers set up a transponder account before they drive, but you can also pay after the fact if you receive a bill. The amount you pay varies by time of day on some roads and by distance on others.

Key Takeaways

  • E-470 manages all Colorado toll roads and sends bills to the address on your vehicle registration if you do not have a transponder.
  • A transponder account costs nothing to open and saves money because tolls are lower for transponder users than for drivers who pay by bill.
  • You can set up a transponder online at e-470.org, by phone at 303-537-3470, or in person at E-470 customer service locations.
  • If you receive a toll bill in the mail, you have 30 days to pay before late fees explore, and you can dispute the charge if you believe it is wrong.
  • Rental cars, commercial vehicles, and motorcycles have different payment rules — check with your rental company or E-470 before you drive.

Opening and funding a transponder account

A transponder is a small device that mounts on your windshield and communicates with toll readers as you drive. Setting up an account is free and takes about 10 minutes online. Go to e-470.org, click "Open an Account," and enter your vehicle information, email, and phone number. You will receive the transponder in the mail within 5 to 7 business days.

Once you have the transponder, you need to fund your account with a prepaid balance. You can add money online using a credit card, debit card, or bank account. Most drivers set up automatic replenishment, which adds funds when the balance drops below a certain amount. This prevents your account from running empty and incurring late fees. You can also call 303-537-3470 to set up an account by phone if you prefer not to use the website.

If you are renting a car in Colorado, ask the rental company whether the vehicle has a transponder already installed. Some rental agencies include transponder use in the rental agreement; others charge a daily fee or require you to set up your own account. Check before you drive to avoid unexpected charges.

Paying tolls without a transponder

If you drive a toll road without a transponder, E-470 will photograph your license plate and send a bill to the address on your vehicle registration. The bill arrives within 2 to 3 weeks and includes the toll amount plus a processing fee. The total cost is higher than what transponder users pay for the same trip.

When you receive a bill, you have 30 days to pay. You can pay online at e-470.org, by phone at 303-537-3470, or by mail. If you do not pay within 30 days, a late fee is added to your bill. If you still do not pay after 60 days, E-470 may report the debt to a collection agency or place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal.

If you believe a toll charge is wrong — for example, if you did not drive that road or if you were charged twice for the same trip — you can dispute it. Contact E-470 within 30 days of receiving the bill with details about the trip. You will need to provide your account number or license plate number and explain why you think the charge is incorrect.

Toll rates and time-of-day pricing

Toll amounts on Colorado roads depend on which road you use and, on some roads, what time of day you drive. T-Rex (I-25 between Denver and Castle Rock) uses congestion pricing, which means tolls are higher during rush hours and lower during off-peak times. Tolls can range from about $1 to $10 for a single trip depending on the time and distance. The Northwest Corridor (U.S. 36) and I-270 Express have fixed rates that do not change by time of day.

Transponder users always pay less than drivers who receive bills. For example, a trip that costs $5 with a transponder might cost $7 or $8 when paid by bill. E-470 publishes current toll rates on its website, and you can use the toll calculator to estimate what a specific trip will cost before you drive.

If you drive a commercial vehicle, motorcycle, or oversized vehicle, different rates may explore. Commercial vehicles and motorcycles sometimes have their own toll schedules. Contact E-470 or check the website to confirm rates for your vehicle type before you drive.

What to do if you lose or damage your transponder

If your transponder stops working, is damaged, or is lost, contact E-470 to request a replacement. Call 303-537-3470 or visit e-470.org and log into your account. A replacement transponder is free, and E-470 will mail it to you within 5 to 7 business days. Until the new one arrives, tolls on your account will be charged to your prepaid balance if you drive, so make sure your account has funds.

If your transponder was damaged in an accident or by weather, take a photo of the damage and contact E-470 with the photo. They may replace it faster if you can show the damage. If your transponder was stolen, report it to E-470 so they can deactivate it and prevent someone else from using your account.

Tolls and your vehicle registration

Unpaid toll bills can affect your vehicle registration renewal. If you owe E-470 more than $100 and have not paid after 60 days, they can report the debt to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles. The DMV may place a hold on your registration renewal until the debt is paid. This means you cannot renew your registration online or at the DMV until you settle the toll bill.

If you have a registration hold due to unpaid tolls, contact E-470 first to pay the bill or set up a payment plan. Once E-470 confirms payment, the hold is lifted and you can renew your registration normally. If you are unsure whether you have unpaid tolls, you can check your account online at e-470.org or call 303-537-3470.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a toll road if I do not have a transponder?

Yes. You can drive any toll road without a transponder, and E-470 will photograph your license plate and send you a bill. However, you will pay more than transponder users for the same trip because a processing fee is added to the toll amount.

What happens if I do not pay a toll bill?

After 30 days, a late fee is added. After 60 days, E-470 may report the debt to a collection agency or place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal. You will not be able to renew your registration until the bill is paid.

How long does it take to receive a transponder?

E-470 mails transponders within 5 to 7 business days of account opening. Until it arrives, you can still drive toll roads, but you will receive bills by mail instead of using the transponder account.

Do I need a separate transponder for each vehicle?

Yes. Each vehicle needs its own transponder. You can manage multiple transponders under one account at e-470.org, and you can set up automatic replenishment for all of them at once.

What if I was charged for a toll I did not drive?

Contact E-470 within 30 days of receiving the bill with your account number or license plate and an explanation of the error. E-470 will investigate and refund the charge if they confirm the mistake.