Buzz
If you find yourself traversing Sydney, brace yourself for toll payments! Sydney boasts numerous toll roads, including the renowned Harbour Bridge and the M7 Westlink. For frequent drivers, consider procuring an automatic toll tag to affix to your vehicle. However, if you're merely a transient visitor, opt for a 30-day pass, which necessitates no special apparatus. Failure to acquire a tag or pass will result in a toll notice dispatched via mail.
Steps
Purchasing a Tag
Acquiring the tag is a breeze with online options from four providers. Secure your pass through E-Toll, Transurban Linkt, E-way, or Roam. Navigate to the respective provider's website, furnish your personal information including name, driver’s license, plate number, vehicle specifics, and email. Payment can be made via direct debit or credit card. Expect a 3-business day turnaround for tag delivery. International orders may incur longer processing times.
- E-Toll: https://www.myrta.com/wps/portal/extvp/myrta/etoll/product-tag/!ut/
- Transurban Linkt: https://www.linkt.com.au/sydney/before-you-travel/tag-account
- E-way: https://www.tollpay.com.au/
- Roam: https://manage.roam.com.au/retailweb/openaccount/consumeretag/roam?
- You can obtain a tag within 3 days of your initial toll road excursion without incurring a toll notice. It’s advisable to plan up to a month ahead to ensure timely tag acquisition.
- When purchasing online, a deposit may suffice, typically ranging between $15-40 AUD. Depending on the provider, this deposit may cover the tag expense.
Opt for in-store purchase to swiftly activate your account. Tags are available at select petrol stations, service centers, and retailers such as 7-Eleven. Upon purchase, the cashier will facilitate the account setup, allowing immediate tag usage.
- When buying from a retail outlet, anticipate a potential service fee in addition to the deposit, varying depending on the purchase location.
Select between automated and manual payment methods. Your tag operates on a prepaid balance to cover toll charges. Automatic payments replenish low balances through direct debit or credit card transactions. Manual payments require self-replenishment using a credit card.
- This decision is made during the initial tag purchase, but can be modified online at any time via the provider’s website.
- Depending on the provider, a nominal monthly fee may apply, typically ranging from $1-2 AUD per month.
Position the tag behind your rear-view mirror on the window. Placement should be approximately 7 centimeters (2.8 inches) from the top of the interior window. Prior to attachment, clean the area with a damp cloth and allow it to dry. Peel off the adhesive strip, hold the tag horizontally, and firmly press it against the window for 10 seconds.
- Ensure the interior car temperature is at least 15°C (59°F) for proper attachment. Utilize a thermometer to gauge temperature and activate the car heater if necessary.
Pass through toll points on the motorway. As you drive through, the tag emits a beep indicating successful payment. One beep signifies payment completion, while a trill indicates a low account balance. Multiple beeps may signal account deactivation.
- If no sound is emitted or multiple beeps are heard in error, contact the tag provider for troubleshooting instructions. Failure to do so may result in toll charges via mail.
Utilize the tag on any Australian roadway. Tags are universally accepted on all toll roads nationwide, eliminating the need for separate tags when traveling between states or cities.
Establishing a Pass
Secure a pass up to 30 days prior or within 3 days post your inaugural trip. It's advisable to procure the pass beforehand for toll road usage. Nonetheless, you have a grace period of 3 days post the initial trip to obtain a pass before receiving a toll notice.
- If registering your car plate from overseas, utilize the online portal, ensuring familiarity with the Australian plate number.
Purchase the pass online via one of three designated providers. This option may offer expediency for certain individuals. Furnish your personal details including name, address, email, plate number, and credit card information for payment. This automatically registers your plate into the system. Online pass setup incurs a fee of $1.50 AUD. Available passes include:
- Transurban Linkt Sydney Pass: https://www.linkt.com.au/sydney/before-you-travel/sydney-pass
- Roads and Maritime E-Toll eMU Pass: https://www.myrta.com/wps/portal/extvp/myrta/etoll/product-pass/!ut/
- Roam Visitor’s e-Pass: https://www.roam.com.au/before-you-travel/visitors-e-pass
Utilize phone services with a provider if internet access is unavailable. Follow the prompts on the recorded menu to procure a pass. Phone setup incurs a fee of $3.30 AUD. Provide your personal details including name, address, email, plate number, and debit or credit card information. Provider phone numbers are as follows:
- E-toll (eMU pass): 13 18 65
- Transurban Linkt: 13 76 26
- Roam: 13 86 55
Visit a petrol station or service center. Certain retail outlets like 7-Eleven or United Petroleum may also offer passes. The cashier will facilitate plate enrollment into the system, incurring a fee of $5.95 AUD.
Access any lane marked with an “E” while driving. When approaching a toll point, merge into any designated “E” lane. The system will capture an image of your plate and process the toll charge to your card.
- In certain instances, your card may not be charged until toll fees reach $10 AUD.
- If an error occurs resulting in a toll notice being mailed to you, you can dispute it. Contact the provider listed on the notice and furnish evidence of your pass purchase.
Utilize the pass on all roads in New South Wales for a maximum of 30 days. Post the 30-day period, your plate is automatically removed from the system. For durations exceeding 30 days, consider purchasing a tag instead.
- Each toll passage incurs an additional charge of 0.75c when using the pass.
- Transurban Linkt’s Sydney Pass is valid on all toll roads across Australia, whereas other passes are restricted to New South Wales.
Handling a Mailed Toll Notice
Pass through toll points to receive a toll notice. As you approach a toll point, observe the “TOLL E” signage on road lanes. Proceed through any lane. In the absence of a tag or pass, the toll point will photograph your license plate and dispatch a notice to the registered address.
- If driving a rental vehicle, be mindful that the rental service may later charge you for any tolls received via mail.
Settle the toll payment within 14 days. Upon non-payment of tolls with a pass or tag, a toll notice will be dispatched by mail. You are allotted 14 days from the issuance date to remit the toll payment.
- Additionally, an administration fee of $10 AUD is applicable alongside the toll charge.
Access the toll payment portal online for immediate settlement. Your toll notice will specify the relevant toll provider or website. Enter the toll notice number, your plate number, and the route traveled. Complete payment using a credit or debit card.
- The designated provider for payment varies depending on the route taken. For instance, for Sydney Harbour Bridge or Tunnel tolls, payment is directed to Roads and Maritime Services.
Visit a participating newsagent with the notice to settle the toll. In-person payment requires a toll balance of at least $20 AUD. Participating outlets include 7-Eleven, United Petroleum, and other designated newsagents. Present the notice at the counter and pay using cash or card.
- The $20 minimum encompasses the $10 administration fees.
Initiate payment via phone using the number provided on the notice. Follow the prompts on the automated menu during the call. You may need to provide the notice number and your plate number. Payment can be made using a credit or debit card.
Insights
-
Estimate your toll expenses beforehand by utilizing an online toll calculator.
-
Various toll roads implement differing fee structures, ranging from time-of-day tariffs to distance-based charges, and some entail a flat fee.
Cautions
- Failure to settle a toll notice will result in a penalty notice imposing a fine of $165 AUD on top of the original toll amount.
