Something to watch in SoCal...like Newport [toll roads]

[Bill4728]

I was just in Costco in Fountain Valley and they are selling a transponder with $50 credit on it for $45, that is another option.

That sounds like a deal

 

[klpca]

I seem to remember a sign warning that indicates the last exit before the toll begins. We have the fastrak transponder so I don't usually pay too much attention and I'm not 100% sure. For us it shaves about 20-30 minutes off of our trip to Redondo Beach and we feel that it is worth it. We use the toll road about 6 times a year. Before they were built we spent a good deal of time parked on the 405. I appreciate the convenience.

Here's a link to the visitor's page on the TollRoads website: https://www.thetollroads.com/ontheroads/for-visitors.php

 

[hotellier]

Ah, yes the Toll Roads of Orange County...


They come up very quickly so unless you are a very skillful driver / not alot of traffic around you, you may be able to exit before the toll road begins, but it is seldom the case

I was stuck on the toll road by accident and forgot to pay the bill online within the five days and got a lovely letter from them for a $100+ bill for toll violation, along with a threat that it would block me from renewing my vehicle registration if I did not pay it.

I disputed the toll with them and a few days later they send me an email asking me to pay the original toll fees, came to around $6.

 

[amisco]

Using your GPS system to avoid toll roads

For those of you who use Garmin brand GPS systems, there is a setting where you can block all Toll Roads when using the directions on the unit. I think there is probably similar setup instructions on other GPS units.

After going to NCV a few times I learned to take the MacArthur exit off Hwy 73 and drive to PCH (Pacific Coast Hwy) then turn left to Newport Coast Drive turning left and driving up the hill to Marriott Newport Coast Villas... a little longer but no toll.

 

[Ty1on]

For those of you who use Garmin brand GPS systems, there is a setting where you can block all Toll Roads when using the directions on the unit. I think there is probably similar setup instructions on other GPS units.

After going to NCV a few times I learned to take the MacArthur exit off Hwy 73 and drive to PCH (Pacific Coast Hwy) then turn left to Newport Coast Drive turning left and driving up the hill to Marriott Newport Coast Villas... a little longer but no toll.

Google Maps has that feature, and my Land rover built-in GPS has it.

 

[dmharris]

We also experienced this in February 2015 and we JUST got it resolved! We paid right away online and they kept sending violation notices in the US mail. I think they hope we're not very smart and pay the fine and penalty. Ha Ha, we're smart!

 

[davidvel]

Update to NCV Tolls

Here's an update from the toll roads about rental cars:

CONTRACTS WITH RENTAL CAR AGENCIES
TO EASE TOLL PAYMENT FOR VISITORS
In November, the TCA Boards of Directors approved commercial toll accounts
for major rental car agencies in order to better process rental car tolls and
payments. By early spring, accounts for select rental car agencies will be
established.

Entering into agreements with rental car agencies will streamline the
processing of toll transactions; eliminate issuance of violations and
related penalties for rental cars; and improve the experience for drivers of
rental cars on the 73, 133, 241 and 261 Toll Roads.

 

[dmharris]

So in a week we'll be driving from Phoenix to Newport Coast. And we'll be there for two weeks. Is the toll road with the exit for Newport Coast available to accept I-Pass devices from other states? I'll bring ours with us anyways, but if it doesn't work at this exit, I'll go a different route.

 

[SmithOp]

So in a week we'll be driving from Phoenix to Newport Coast. And we'll be there for two weeks. Is the toll road with the exit for Newport Coast available to accept I-Pass devices from other states? I'll bring ours with us anyways, but if it doesn't work at this exit, I'll go a different route.

No, it will not accept i-pass.

https://www.thetollroads.com/


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[dmharris]

Thank you very much for that valuable information.

 

[Karenann]

Happened to me too

I was caught in this "no toll both toll" when at Newport Coast this past year. When it happened, i asked the bell man at Marriott and he told me what website to go on to pay the toll. The toll was small, but the rental car company agreement states that if you utilize the transponder there will be a charge on top of the actual toll which was the $30 fee talked about in the original post. To avoid this fee, don't use the transponder - pay online.

 

[SmithOp]

Rental car companies do charge an additional "convenience" fee, and they charge it for every day of the rental, not just the days you pass through the toll system. Its best to avoid using them.

I have a tollroads account, doesnt use a transponder, so its easy to add a rental car license plate number. It uses the camera photo systems to register the tolls.

There is a federal govt mandate for all toll system to be interoperable by Oct 2016.

The toll road to Newport Coast is not worth the cost IMO, its not much further to go around it. Once you get to Orange County take the toll road to MacArthur and then left on San Joaquin Hills Rd. The tolls dont start until Bison Ave after MacArthur.


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[Bill4728]

The toll road to Newport Coast is not worth the cost IMO, its not much further to go around it. Once you get to Orange County take the toll road to MacArthur and then left on San Joaquin Hills Rd. The tolls dont start until Bison Ave after MacArthur.

The toll road at NCV is for two miles and the side streets you take instead are 40- 50 mph. SO I agree the $3 toll is not worth it at all. PLUS driving thru the area is very scenic and the toll road is ugly. Spend the extra 5 minutes and save the $3 and enjoy the views.