Mountain Project Logo

Denver Toll Roads

Original Post
GnarthVader · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2008 · Points: 105

Last August I drove from the Southeast to spend a week in Colorado. After spending the night in a hotel on the southwest side of Denver I drove to pick up a friend from the airport and took E-470 to get there. When I got to a toll area it looked like the booths were under construction, because no one was staffing the booths and the booths did not go across all the lanes of traffic. I did not know who to pay so I just followed the flow of traffic. I passed through 3 toll areas on the way to the airport and 3 on the way back before I left E-470 and took 25 toward Colorado Springs. I have never seen such a confusing toll arrangement and there were not any signs to help me.

Today I received $490 worth of fines from the State of Colorado ($81 and change for each of the 6 infractions). I was shocked and I have no clue how I will pay for it. I am a student and barely had enough money to afford gas to drive out west.

Can someone who is familiar with the toll system give me some advice as to how to handle this? Has anyone ever been granted leniency by the state with toll fines? Or do you think I'll have to sell the rack to pay for this?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

SAL · · broomdigiddy · Joined Mar 2007 · Points: 790

I would call them. Sounds like you drove through during the transition. It is now cashless and they send a bill to your house where your car is registered. MOstly they are trying to get you to buy a transponder for the toll road. They used this tatic with my buddy. He called in and they said they would wipe it clean if he ordered one. Since you are out of state i would give them the story, tell them you wanted to pay the tolls all along and are happy to do so. That should clear it up. Did you not get any bills? Been traveling the whole time?
Ignoring it may not be the best way. Could end up getting you in trouble in CO if you ever return and are pulled over. Could be a traffic offense and a warrant or whatever.
Hope this helps.

Mike Slavens · · Houston, TX · Joined Jan 2009 · Points: 35

Tim-

If you don't pay the fine, I think worst case scenario is they put out a warrant for your arrest, but its only in Colorado, and it would only matter if you got pulled over in Colorado.

I would try to contact somebody from the state, should be a number on the ticket. Every time I have been to traffic court, they knock down the infraction and the fine a few notches but thats if you go to the court hearing. A phone call wouldn't hurt though.

E-470 went booth-less I think, meaning that you have a pass or they take a picture of your license plate and send a bill to the address listed for the plate. That may have something to do with the confusion.

Next time just use I-225, it goes right to the airport exit of I-70. I-225 is just as quick (unless its prime time traffic) but more importantly, its free. I don't hear much about people using E-470 unless they have the annual pass.

SAL · · broomdigiddy · Joined Mar 2007 · Points: 790
Mike Slavens wrote:Tim- ) I don't hear much about people using E-470 unless they have the annual pass.
I use it a lot actually and do not have the transponder. It's pretty simple as they just mail you a bill or you can just log in and pay it online and keep up to date.

Everything is online so you can log on with your ticket number for more info too.

Like we said worst case they will issue a warrant for the unpaid ticket here in CO. Would mean jail if you got pulled over though on your next visit. your call. hope you get it worked out. I doubt they will make you pay the full balance with the passed dues. Chances are y ou'll just get off paying the 12 bucks round trip.
Malcolm Daly · · Hailey, ID · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 380

I've had to call them a few times for various infractions and they've always been really reasonable and waived the fines if I give them a CC# over the phone to pay the tolls. The roads have been in transition for the last 6 months or so, so confusion is a good excuse. Phone is 888-946-3470 and website is e-470.com. Lot's of good links and info on the website.

The toll transponders are free (not that it matters to the OP)and you get a small discount for using them instead of the photo-pay.

Good luck,
Mal

Chad M · · Castle Rock, CO · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 35

I've run into a similar situation with the E470 folks.
It's very simple to fix - just call them and they'll grant you a "one time" waiver, so to speak. You'll probably just end up paying the original toll amount, not the fines.
They were very friendly people when i called and had no issues - actually was pleasantly surprised. Good luck.

GnarthVader · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2008 · Points: 105

Thanks to all. I was given a first time violation waiver and paid the toll and an "administrative" fee, whatever that is. Anyway I ended up paying just over $60 instead of $480. I really appreciate everyone's help.

Mike Slavens · · Houston, TX · Joined Jan 2009 · Points: 35
SAL wrote: I use it a lot actually and do not have the transponder. It's pretty simple as they just mail you a bill or you can just log in and pay it online and keep up to date.
Thanks for the info! Do you have to sign up first before they just mail you the bill? Do you have to have Colorado State plates?
flynn · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2002 · Points: 25

Hey, Mike, you don't have to sign up, and you don't have to have a Colorado plate. They'll find you. Just watch for the envelope that says something about a bill being enclosed. Some folks mistake it for junk mail. And yes, they really do just want the tolls, not the fines.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Colorado
Post a Reply to "Denver Toll Roads"

Log In to Reply

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.