FasTrak offers a 50% discount on tolls for disabled drivers, but you must register your vehicle and meet specific requirements

If you have a disability placard or license plate issued by California, you can receive a 50% discount on tolls through the FasTrak Disabled Persons Discount Program. The discount applies to most Bay Area toll bridges, the Golden Gate Bridge, and some other toll facilities in California. You are not required to pay for the discount itself — it is built into your FasTrak account once you register.

The discount is not automatic. You must register your vehicle with FasTrak and provide proof of your disability placard or plate. The process takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on how you submit your documents. Once approved, every toll you pay through FasTrak will be half the standard rate.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid California disability placard or disabled person license plate to receive the FasTrak discount.
  • Registration requires you to set up a FasTrak account, provide your vehicle information, and submit a copy of your disability placard or plate.
  • The 50% discount applies automatically to all tolls once your account is approved, with no additional fees or paperwork at toll plazas.
  • You can register online, by mail, or by phone, but online registration is fastest and typically takes 3 to 5 business days.

Who qualifies for the FasTrak disabled discount

You must have a current California disability placard or a disabled person license plate issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The placard is the temporary permit you hang from your rearview mirror; the license plate is permanent and replaces your regular plate. Both are issued only to people with disabilities that significantly limit mobility.

Your disability placard or plate must be valid and not expired. If your placard expires, you lose the discount until you renew it with the DMV and update your FasTrak account. The discount applies only to the vehicle registered with FasTrak under your name — you cannot transfer it to a different car without re-registering.

How to register your vehicle for the discount

You have three ways to register: online through the FasTrak website, by mail, or by phone. Online registration is the fastest route and usually takes 3 to 5 business days. You will need your vehicle's license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a digital image or scan of your disability placard or plate.

If you register by mail, send a completed FasTrak process form along with a photocopy of your disability placard or plate to the FasTrak Customer Service Center. Processing by mail typically takes 2 to 3 weeks. Phone registration requires you to speak with a FasTrak representative, provide your vehicle and disability information verbally, and mail in your documents afterward — this route is slower than online but faster than mail-only if you call first.

Once your account is set up and approved, you can use your FasTrak transponder (the small device that mounts in your vehicle) or pay by license plate at toll plazas. The 50% discount applies automatically to both payment methods.

What tolls are covered by the discount

The discount covers tolls on most Bay Area bridges: the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, San Mateo-Hayward Bridge, Dumbarton Bridge, and Carquinez Bridge. It also applies to the Benicia-Martinez Bridge and some other regional toll facilities. However, the discount does not cover tolls on all California toll roads — some private toll roads and newer toll lanes may not participate in the program.

Before you register, check the FasTrak website or call FasTrak Customer Service to confirm that the toll facilities you use most often are included. If you travel on tolls outside the Bay Area, ask whether those facilities honor the disabled discount through FasTrak or require a separate registration.

Keeping your discount active

Your discount remains active as long as your disability placard or plate is valid and your FasTrak account is in good standing. If your placard or plate expires, you must renew it with the DMV and then notify FasTrak of the renewal. You can update your account online, by phone, or by mail — online updates take effect within 1 to 2 business days.

If you let your FasTrak account balance drop to zero or become delinquent, the discount does not disappear, but you will not be able to use the transponder until you add funds or pay your balance. If you switch vehicles, you must register the new vehicle separately with FasTrak and provide proof of your disability placard or plate again.

What happens if you lose your placard or plate

If your disability placard or plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must obtain a replacement from the DMV before your FasTrak discount can continue. During the time you are without a valid placard or plate, you will not receive the 50% discount on tolls — you will pay the full rate. Once you have the replacement, contact FasTrak to update your account, and the discount will resume.

The DMV typically issues replacement placards or plates within 1 to 2 weeks of your request. If you need the replacement urgently, some DMV offices offer expedited service for an additional fee. Contact your local DMV office for details on how to request a replacement and whether expedited options are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay anything to get the FasTrak disabled discount?

No. The discount itself is free. You only pay the discounted toll amount when you cross a toll bridge or facility. You may need to pay a one-time FasTrak transponder fee if you do not already have one, but many toll agencies waive this fee for disabled drivers — ask when you register.

Can I use the discount if someone else is driving my car?

Yes. The discount is tied to your vehicle's license plate, not to you personally. Anyone driving your registered vehicle will receive the 50% discount automatically. If you lend your car to someone else, they do not need to do anything — the discount applies at every toll.

What if my disability placard is temporary?

Temporary placards are valid for the period issued by the DMV, usually 6 months. You can register for the FasTrak discount with a temporary placard. When your temporary placard expires, you must renew it with the DMV and update FasTrak before the discount stops working.

Can I get the discount on tolls outside the Bay Area?

Some California toll facilities outside the Bay Area honor the FasTrak disabled discount, but not all. Check with the specific toll authority or call FasTrak to confirm. Some toll roads require separate registration or have their own disabled discount programs.

What if I have a disability but no placard or plate yet?

You must obtain a disability placard or plate from the DMV first. The FasTrak discount requires proof of one or the other. Contact your local DMV office to learn about the process process and what documentation you need to provide.