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I am an Oregon resident and DH got caught in the wrong lane approaching the Martinez bridge and we couldn't pay the toll with cash. A couple months later we got letter just like you did. We paid with an explanation and got back the fine less a modest processing fee and the toll.
If this is the first time this has happened I suggest you do as we did. Mention how confusing it is for tourists who are confronting those bridges for the first time. Ask for pity.
I wish that there was one toll paying system up and down the west coast (at least). Put a sensor on your window and have the toll trolls deduct the right $ from a bucket the car owner fills from time to time.
Actually what is total BS is trying to get out of paying a ticket that you earned. IF you had been paying attention while driving you would have seen the signs and been in the proper lane.
I assure you I was paying perfect attention. I do not trust California drivers so I am extra vigilant when there. I was driving on I80 legally in the carpool lane during was hour (about 4:30 I think), when without any warning the lane dividers switched from the standard white dashes to solid white lines and right after the bend the toll booth popped up and the carpool lane turned into the express lane. So apparently California would rather have me attempt to swerve through a couple lanes of heavy rush hour traffic than go through the express lane when there are no other options? I do not mind paying the $2.50 toll, I understand they need it to maintain roads, I just find it ridiculous that they are trying to fine me for this BS. Put up a sign "EXPRESS LANE ONLY", my fine will pay for at least 6 of them.
I am an Oregon resident and DH got caught in the wrong lane approaching the Martinez bridge and we couldn't pay the toll with cash. A couple months later we got letter just like you did. We paid with an explanation and got back the fine less a modest processing fee and the toll.
If this is the first time this has happened I suggest you do as we did. Mention how confusing it is for tourists who are confronting those bridges for the first time. Ask for pity.
I wish that there was one toll paying system up and down the west coast (at least). Put a sensor on your window and have the toll trolls deduct the right $ from a bucket the car owner fills from time to time.
I wish instead of tolls booths they just tack on the fees at the DMV when people renew their liscense, register a car, ect. It seems like the state would be collecting a lot more money as they wouldn't have to pay all the people working the toll booths and the companies that collect the money from the express lane..... It also just adds to congestion....
i would mail them the original toll cost with an explanation of what you said in the op.
either they'll close it or they will credit you towards the balance.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nell Plotts
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I wish that there was one toll paying system up and down the west coast (at least). Put a sensor on your window and have the toll trolls deduct the right $ from a bucket the car owner fills from time to time.
But CA ez-passes don't work in Washington and frankly we encounter toll roads so rarely we would need an event driven program, not a monthly program. Just sell me a transponder I can put on the dash as needed - maybe buy it at the Vacaville Costco (they sell regular ez-passes).
Wait wait wait, this can't seriously increase my insurance premiums can it?....... Glad Oregon doesn't use that point system, that would by BS^2.
No, it's not a moving violation which is what Insurance companies use. Howeer, it can count towards losing, restricting or suspending your license which would impact your insurance.
I am an Oregon resident and DH got caught in the wrong lane approaching the Martinez bridge and we couldn't pay the toll with cash. A couple months later we got letter just like you did. We paid with an explanation and got back the fine less a modest processing fee and the toll.
If this is the first time this has happened I suggest you do as we did. Mention how confusing it is for tourists who are confronting those bridges for the first time. Ask for pity.
I wish that there was one toll paying system up and down the west coast (at least). Put a sensor on your window and have the toll trolls deduct the right $ from a bucket the car owner fills from time to time.
Something fairly similar happened to me about 10 years ago in Florida. I got home, mailed the state office the money with an explanation and went on my way. I even lived in Florida for a time after that and no problems at all. I actually got pulled over one time while living there. No mention of it. I'd just pay it.
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