HELP! Got fined for not paying toll on Southbay Expressway, think it's a mistake (San Diego: DMV, authority)

[thechoson]

I was recently on a trip in San Diego, and took the Southbay Expressway toll roads (125?). I got on on Olympic in Chula Vista.

That was my first time on the road. I saw an automated toll machine, but it said $0.00, so I thought I did not have to pay a toll. I was under the impression this was one of those roads that varies toll by traffic load, and since traffic was very light, I figured there was no toll.

Alas, I got a citation for $50 plus $3 (what the toll should have been). I got two of these citations (the other one for my return trip).

Did I make some dumb mistake, or is the mistake on their end?

Thanks!

[Fontucky]

If the toll authority is anything like the one in OC, you can call them and negotiate a lower fine. I was able to get 800 bucks in fines down to 75 bucks with one 10 minute phone call.

[JohnAlt]

I think the amount on the machine, in your case $0.00, is the amount paid that it adds up as you put money in. So yes it was your mistake. I doubt that toll road is ever free.

You can call them and explain and maybe get the fines removed.

[thechoson]

Originally Posted by JohnAlt

I think the amount on the machine, in your case $0.00, is the amount paid that it adds up as you put money in. So yes it was your mistake. I doubt that toll road is ever free.

You can call them and explain and maybe get the fines removed.

Thanks, that makes sense. Dumb mistake on my part I guess. I could swear I did not see posted toll amounts ANYWHERE though.

[MissNM]

But if the gate was down - how did you go through?

[thepinksquid]

Originally Posted by MissNM

But if the gate was down - how did you go through?

I don't think the 125 has an arm/gates that prevent drivers from going through at toll plazas.

...I could be wrong, however.

[MissNM]

Originally Posted by thepinksquid

I don't think the 125 has an arm/gates that prevent drivers from going through at toll plazas.

...I could be wrong, however.

You are right - I forgot. Southbound has no gate getting on, just getting off. Northbound will make you go through the gate first.

[jkoz]

Originally Posted by thechoson

I was recently on a trip in San Diego, and took the Southbay Expressway toll roads (125?). I got on on Olympic in Chula Vista.

That was my first time on the road. I saw an automated toll machine, but it said $0.00, so I thought I did not have to pay a toll. I was under the impression this was one of those roads that varies toll by traffic load, and since traffic was very light, I figured there was no toll.

On this particular road, if that was the case, they'd be in trouble as traffic is generally extremely sparse at any given time of the day.

The road was free for only a couple of weeks after opening to all drivers and during the holiday season that year ('07?)they had a couple of "freebie weekends" but don't believe they've had these since. When it is free, as I recall, they put a cover over the toll basket with a note to the effect of "free toll today, complements of South Bay Expressway".

[lrineha]

Sat the money machine was broke - no dollars..........what do I do?

[slh22]

Toll roads are NEVER free!! Call them and explain you are not from this area and didn't know how it worked blah, blah, blah, and pay whatever fee they want. You don't want this on your DMV record, and believe me it will be. You won't be able to renew your license until the fine is paid. They may let you get away with just paying the toll amount, it is worth a try!