Fastrak Express lane with a trailer?

[OldFatGuy]

This question is about the Benicia bridge specifically, but applies to any others that are similar.

Am I allowed to use the Fastrak Express lanes when towing a trailer? I ask because I know I'm supposed to stay to the right when towing, but the Fastrak lanes are all the way to the left. Is it ok to get over to the left a reasonable distance before crossing the toll plaza then get back to the right afterward, or do I need to stay in the right lanes with the people paying cash?

I've always used the express lanes, but it recently occurred to me that I might be breaking the law. :confused

 

[orbframe]

the requirement to stay to the right is codified as VC 22406 and VC 21655. I wont include 22406 since it just says you gotta drive 55 and since you're subjected to 22406 you 21655 applies to you... so here is 21655

V C Section 21655 Designated Lanes for Certain Vehicles

Designated Lanes for Certain Vehicles

21655. (a) Whenever the Department of Transportation or local authorities with respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that the designation of a specific lane or lanes for the travel of vehicles required to travel at reduced speeds would facilitate the safe and orderly movement of traffic, the department or local authority may designate a specific lane or lanes for the travel of vehicles which are subject to the provisions of Section 22406 and shall erect signs at reasonable intervals giving notice thereof.

(b) Any trailer bus, except as provided in Section 21655.5, and any vehicle subject to the provisions of Section 22406 shall be driven in the lane or lanes designated pursuant to subdivision (a) whenever signs have been erected giving notice of that designation. Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, when a specific lane or lanes have not been so designated, any of those vehicles shall be driven in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right edge or curb. If, however, a specific lane or lanes have not been designated on a divided highway having four or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction, any of those vehicles may also be driven in the lane to the immediate left of that right-hand lane, unless otherwise prohibited under this code. When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, the driver shall use either the designated lane, the lane to the immediate left of the right-hand lane, or the right-hand lane for traffic as permitted under this code.

This subdivision does not apply to a driver who is preparing for a left- or right-hand turn or who is entering into or exiting from a highway or to a driver who must necessarily drive in a lane other than the right-hand lane to continue on his or her intended route.

I've marked the interesting section. I'm not totally sure about your questions since, i believe, the vehicle code does not specifically address your concern. Personally i would allow for it because of the bolded section above, but thats my interpretation.

Also the speed limit for all vehicles around the toll crossing drops, and is the same for all vehicles, making vc 22406 no longer apply...

I'm not a CHP or work where there is a toll crossing so I'm just going off general VC knowledge

 

[OldFatGuy]

Thank you. That section in bold certainly does seem to be open to interpretation. Hmm...

 

[orbframe]

Thank you. That section in bold certainly does seem to be open to interpretation. Hmm...

I have to drive in the oncoming lane or i'll never make it to my destination!!!!

 

[CykoKlr]

I don't think fast track accounts for the extra axles. You would need to pay more in the cash lanes.

 

[limey]

I've towed a trailer across the bridge a few times, and Fastrak has always billed me the appropriate amount (3 axles).

 

[orbframe]

I don't think fast track accounts for the extra axles. You would need to pay more in the cash lanes.

it does, as limey attests to...

 

[Oh My Sack!]

I make passes over the Benicia bridge at least once a week during duck season (Oct-Feb). Sometimes towing a 2 axled trailer, a 1 axle ATV trailer, riding my m/c, or driving my truck. All the trailers and vehicles I own are registered with Fastrak. I have never been billed incorrectly.

 

[OldFatGuy]

My trailer isn't registered with Fastrak, but all my other vehicles are. I figure if I get a ticket with the trailer, I'll just choose the "Add this vehicle to my account and pay the regular toll charge" option.

 

[Tharkûn]

OFG, You're ok in those lanes on the bridge with the trailer. CHP won't stop you.

As far as how the account works, I don't know. But I do see truckers going through there all the time so I assume you can set it up for a certain amount of axles.

 

[Marco_82]

My trailer isn't registered with Fastrak, but all my other vehicles are. I figure if I get a ticket with the trailer, I'll just choose the "Add this vehicle to my account and pay the regular toll charge" option.

I think the Trailer doesn't need to be registered with Fastrack .
I went trought with a Trailer that wasn't registered and still billed me right ($6).
And always through the express lane. Never had any issues ...

You could pull a U-haul for example nobody in his right mind would ask you to add it to your account. At least thats what I think ;o)

 

[stovepipe]

Look again. All lanes Benicia bridge at toll booth fast trac.
Unless noted, combination vehicles can use the two left lanes on approach.
Carquinez Bridge bridge is different. Big sign reads, ALL TRUCKS USE RIGHT LANES.

 

[Gawernator]

I think the Trailer doesn't need to be registered with Fastrack .
I went trought with a Trailer that wasn't registered and still billed me right ($6).
And always through the express lane. Never had any issues ...

You could pull a U-haul for example nobody in his right mind would ask you to add it to your account. At least thats what I think ;o)

Fastrak seems to detect u haul trailers now.. I just got two violation letters for three track days in June when I rented a u haul. $15 a pop. $30... Literally highway robbery. F**kers

 

[shouldnthave]

When hauling my race car over the bridge, I specifically asked the attendant if I could just use my FastTrack account next time. He said "absolutely.", so ever since I run through the FT lane and get billed correctly every time.

 

[NorCalBusa]

With all this automated axle counting going on- do wheelies then getcha half off?

 

[motomania2007]

Legally, trailers are not allowed out of the right two lanes.

On HOT lanes like the toll lanes on 580 and 680, trailers are not allowed in the toll lanes.

Trailers are also not allowed in most carpool (HOV) lanes.

 

[OldFatGuy]

Fastrak seems to detect u haul trailers now.. I just got two violation letters for three track days in June when I rented a u haul. $15 a pop. $30... Literally highway robbery. F**kers

I'm not sure why you would get a violation notice. I have three trailers, none of which are listed on my account, and I've never had an issue using the Fastrak lane with any of them (unless you consider having to pay 20 bucks to tow a car trailer across a bridge an issue).

 

[Gawernator]

I'm not sure why you would get a violation notice. I have three trailers, none of which are listed on my account, and I've never had an issue using the Fastrak lane with any of them (unless you consider having to pay 20 bucks to tow a car trailer across a bridge an issue).

Fastrak sends you a toll evasion notice. For some reason they went off the trailer plate instead of my truck license plate. The trailer wasn't registered on my account naturally... So I have to add the plates to my account to pay the $15 fee instead of $80 in penalties

 

[packnrat]

fast track is good to go for any motor (car/truck/bike) towing a trailer. through the tax collection area.
unless posted: keep to the two right lanes while traveling down the hwy.
(some hyp-ed up chp motor officers believe trucks only belong in the very right lane).--many on and off ramps and up and down hills all within a mile say get out of the very rt lane for safety.--
ok to use left lane (carpool/tax lane) if a left turn needs to be made or you just turned left on to said road.
note: some carpool tax lanes are the right lane (s) same rules apple here.

 

[NorCalBusa]

I still don't understand why this entire notion of bridge tolls exists. Add a penny (or a nickel- whatever) to the price of gas* and let people drive unfettered. Apologies to all the toll takers that would need new jobs.

*yes, I know not everyone travels on the bridges- but you benefit from those that do so just pay up and stop whining.