Are motorcycles permitted to use it on 580 in the Pleasanton - Livermore area without having FasTrak toll tag?
So I got a ticket in the mail for ($31, incl other charges) running the bridge without paying toll. (my 1st time, I wasn't aware of this)
I am told by a friend that I could buy a FastFlex for $25 and have the toll charge to it ($6). Question - can I do this? Can I buy the Fastrak/FasFlex now and have a previous toll charged to it?
Thanks!
So I got a ticket in the mail for ($31, incl other charges) running the bridge without paying toll. (my 1st time, I wasn't aware of this)
I am told by a friend that I could buy a FastFlex for $25 and have the toll charge to it ($6). Question - can I do this? Can I buy the Fastrak/FasFlex now and have a previous toll charged to it?
Thanks!
I was charged once that I'm aware of, and cleared it up I think by sending a message from the Fastrack website.I have a few bikes that don't get charged in the HOV lane, and a few that do. So now, I don't risk it and ride in the regular lanes of travel like the rest of the people.
When HOT lanes first were getting built in Northern California there were media blitzes emphasizing that folks have to have a Flex transponder (converting a standard one if necessary) and motorcyclists should have it set to 3 when riding.
"A FasTrak toll tag is required to receive discounted tolls."
One time got dinged with normal auto rates when I forgot to have my transponder in my jacket pocket when crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. I would have contested it but a subsequent time I never saw a charge on my account so I'm considering it even. Don't commute enough over bridges so my sample size is limited.
While CHP generally are looking for carpool evaders in HOV/HOT, VC 23002 pretty much says you have to have a transponder on you or be cited for not having one and motorcyclists have been stopped for that in the past.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=23302
23002(a)(3) If a motorcyclist uses a transponder or other electronic toll payment device to lawfully enter a vehicle crossing or toll highway, the motorcyclist shall use any one of the following methods as long as the transponder or device is able to be read by the toll operator’s detection equipment:
(A) Place the transponder or other electronic toll payment device in the motorcyclist’s pocket.
(B) Place the transponder or other electronic toll payment device inside a cycle net that drapes over the gas tank of the motorcycle.
(C) Mount the transponder or other electronic toll payment device on license plate devices provided by the toll operator, if the toll operator provides those devices.
(D) Keep the transponder or other electronic toll payment device in the glove or storage compartment of the motorcycle.
(E) Mount the transponder or other electronic toll payment device on the windshield of the motorcycle.
the vehicle code said:(c) For vehicular crossings and toll highways where the issuing agency, as defined in Section 40250, permits pay-by-plate payment of tolls and other charges, in accordance with policies adopted by the issuing agency, it is prima facie evidence of a violation of this section for a driver to drive a vehicle onto the vehicular crossing or toll highway without at least one of the following:
...
(3) Valid vehicle license plates properly attached pursuant to Section 4850.5 or 5200 to the vehicle in which that driver enters onto the vehicular crossing or toll highway.
You are technically inaccurate however. Your statement earlier about needing the transponder for discounted tolls alludes to this.
VC 23002 also contains the following section:
this section makes it legal to operate as long as your plates are properly attached. If motorcyclists are being stopped this would also be a consideration... I never carry my transponder on any motorcycle while riding
edit: i don't like the code tags... switching them to quote tags
two dan's.... overwhelming power!That's my point as well. The law being enforced is about toll evasion- there is no law against using the Flex lane without a transponder, just no guarantee of not being charged if they deem you a "single occupancy car" instead of a "motorcycle" when they review the encounter. These days it's all automated, so the ALPR system does the plate lookup and just doesn't charge (or applies the discount rate) if it's a registered M/C.
Because a M/C is always considered HOV under CVC, it should not require a transponder to be treated as a HOV within Flex lanes or at bridge crossings. That's my interpretation, at least.
Has anyone themselves ever been pulled over and accused of violating the HOV for being in the lane without a transponder? If yes, did you take it to the judge? Just curious here- if you've got a story to share I'd love to hear it.
two dan's.... overwhelming power!
Watch out, we'll get @DataDan to join in with some data on HOV lane violations issued per year, and instead of Double Dan, you'll have a Triple Dan situation.
One dan appears
A second dan arrives
if we had another...
Solution: dont carry it on the bike. Register bike at Fastrack and forget about it.