How to Pay for Using a Sydney Toll Road

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If you drive through Sydney, be prepared to pay tolls! There are many toll roads in the city, including the Harbour Bridge and the M7 Westlink. If you’re a frequent driver, invest in an automatic toll tag that you can attach to your car. If you’re just visiting the city, however, you can buy a 30-day pass, which doesn't require any special equipment. If you don't buy a tag or pass, you will receive a toll notice in the mail.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Purchasing a Tag

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  1. You can get the pass online from E-Toll, Transurban Linkt, E-way, or Roam. Go to the website of the provider. Provide your name, driver’s licence, plate number, vehicle details, and email. You can pay by direct debit or credit card. It will take 3 business days to receive your tag. If you are ordering from abroad, it will take longer. [1]
  2. You can also buy a tag at some petrol stations, service centres, or stores like 7-Eleven. If you do this, the cashier will set up the account for you. You can immediately use your tag.
    • If you buy the tag at a retail outlet, you may need to pay a service fee in addition to the deposit. This can vary based on where you bought the tag from.
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  3. Your tag will will pay tolls with a prepaid balance. Automatic payments will refill a low balance automatically through direct debit or a credit card. If you do manual payments, you will top up the balance yourself using a credit card.
    • You will make this decision when you first buy the tag. You can change this option at any time by going online to the provider’s website.
    • Depending on the tag’s provider, you may need to pay a small monthly fee. This will usually be around $1-2 AUD every month.
  4. It should be about 7 centimetres (2.8 in) from the top of the window on the inside of the car. Clean the area first with a damp towel and let it dry. Remove the adhesive strip. Hold the tag horizontally and press it to the window for 10 seconds to attach it. [2]
    • The temperature of the inside of the car should be at least 15 °C (59 °F) to attach it properly. You can measure the temperature with a thermometer, and use the car's heater to warm it up if necessary.
  5. When you drive through, the tag will beep to note that you have successfully paid. One beep means that you have paid. A trill means that your account balance is low. Multiple beeps may mean that your account has been deactivated.
    • If there is no sound or you mistakenly hear multiple beeps, call the provider that you bought the tag from. Follow their instructions for fixing it. If you do not call, you may be charged a toll in the mail.
  6. A tag is good on any toll road in the country. You do not need to buy a new tag when you travel to a different state or city.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Setting up a Pass

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  1. It is usually best to buy the pass before using the toll roads. That said, if you used the toll roads, you have up to 3 days after the initial trip to buy a pass before a toll notice is issued.
    • You can register your car plate from abroad using the online portal, but you will need to know the plate number that you will be using in Australia.
  2. This may be a faster option for some people. You will need to provide your name, address, email, plate number, and a credit card for payment. This will automatically register your plate into the system. It costs $1.50 AUD to set up the pass online. The different passes available are:
  3. Follow the instructions on the recorded menu to buy a pass. Setting up a pass by phone costs $3.30 AUD. You will need to state your name, address, email, plate number, and a debit or credit card. The phone numbers for each provider are:
    • E-toll (eMU pass): 13 18 65
    • Transurban Linkt: 13 76 26
    • Roam: 13 86 55
  4. Some other retail outlets, like 7-Eleven or United Petroleum, may also carry passes. In this case, the cashier will enroll your plate into the system. It costs $5.95 AUD to do this. [3]
  5. When you see a toll point, get into any of the “E” lanes. The point will photograph your plate and match it to the system. It will then charge your card. [4]
    • In some cases, your card will not be charged until you have reached $10 AUD in toll fees.
    • If there is an error and you receive a toll notice in the mail, you can contest it. Call the provider listed on the notice and provide proof that you had bought a pass.
  6. After 30 days, your plate automatically expires from the system. If you need a pass for longer than 30 days, you may want to buy a tag instead.
    • Every time you go through a toll, you will be charged an extra 0.75c for using the pass.
    • Transurban Linkt’s Sydney Pass is good on all Australian toll roads. All other passes are only good in the state of New South Wales.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Paying a Mailed Toll Notice

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  1. When a toll point is coming near, you will see the words "TOLL E" on the lanes of the road. Drive through any lane. If you do not have a tag or pass, the toll point will take a picture of your licence plate and send a notice to the address registered with the plate. [5]
    • If you are driving a rental car, be aware that your rental service may charge you afterwards for any tolls they received in the mail.
  2. You will receive a toll notice in the mail if you did not pay the toll with a pass or tag. You will have 14 days from the date it was issued to pay the toll.
    • In addition to the toll, you will also have to pay $10 AUD in administration fees.
  3. The toll notice will tell you which toll provider or website to visit. Enter the toll notice number, your plate number, and the road you were traveling on. Pay with a credit or debit card. [6]
    • Which provider you pay depends on which road you were travelling on. For example, if you were on Sydney Harbour Bridge or Tunnel, you will pay Roads and Maritime Services.
  4. If you want to pay in person, you must owe at least $20 AUD in tolls. You can go to 7-Eleven, United Petroleum, or other participating newsagents. Take the notice to the counter and pay with cash or card.
    • This $20 minimum includes the $10 in administration fees.
  5. Follow the directions on the menu when you call. You may have to provide the notice number and your plate number. You can pay using a credit or debit card.
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      Tips

      • You can calculate the cost of your toll ahead of time by using an online toll calculator.
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      • Some toll roads charge based on the time of day while others are based on how far you travel. Some just have a flat fee.
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      Warnings

      • If you do not pay a toll notice, you will receive a penalty notice with a fine of $165 AUD in addition to your toll.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/open-e-toll-account
      2. ↑ http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/about/forms/45071696-install-your-e-toll-tag.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.myetoll.transport.nsw.gov.au/emu-casual-pass
      4. ↑ https://www.myetoll.transport.nsw.gov.au/emu-casual-pass
      5. ↑ http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/sydney-motorways/toll-charges/index.html
      6. ↑ https://www.linkt.com.au/pay-for-tolls/sydney

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