Common questions

Sydney Orbital Network

Tolling

What's the difference between a tag and a pass?

A tag is an electronic device that you purchase from a tag provider and attach to the inside of your vehicle's windscreen. All tags work on all motorways in Australia. Different tag products are available from each of the motorway operators, all with different setup and running costs. When you travel through a toll collection point, sensors detect the tag and the toll is automatically charged to your toll account. There are no additional costs for using most tag products.

A pass is an arrangement between you and a motorway to use that motorway for an agreed period of time. You provide your number plate details to the motorway operator and they will charge the toll and any applicable setup and administration fees to your credit card or bank account. There may be additional charges for using a pass. You need to contact the relevant motorway operator for more details.

For details about the payment options for each motorway, go to the Payment options page.

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How do I get an electronic tag or pass?

There are a range of electronic tag and pass products available through different providers. Each operator may apply different charges, deposits and top-up amounts. To find out more about the different products available, contact the relevant motorway operator from the list in the About Sydney motorways section.

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Which roads are the toll roads in Sydney and what are the tolls?

The toll roads in Sydney are the M2, M5, and M7, the Lane Cove Tunnel, Military Road E-Ramps, Eastern Distributor, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel and the Cross City Tunnel. Use the map on the Maps & tolls page on this site to determine the tolls.

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Does it cost any more to use a tag or a pass?

Most tag providers offer tag products with a tag security deposit. Once you pay the deposit, all you pay for is the tolls (providing your tag is used correctly). However some tag providers offer different tag products, for example, a monthly tag fee rather than an upfront security deposit.
If you use a pass, you will be charged an additional administration fee for each trip.

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Can I use any tag on any toll road?

Yes, which ever tag you have - RTA E-Toll, Roam Express E-Tag, E way, Roam e-TAG, or any tag within Australia - you can use it on every toll road in Australia. Your tag will beep as you drive past toll collection points and the toll will be charged to your account.

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Can I use a pass on any toll road?

Yes, you can use a pass on any toll road in Sydney. For more information please contact your pass provider.

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Do I have to stop at toll booths if I have an electronic tag?

No. You don't need to come to a complete stop, but please slow down and drive carefully as some booths have boom gates and tolling staff may be crossing a lane. When approaching and travelling through 'E' only lanes, you should drive to the posted speed limit to ensure your electronic tag can be scanned.

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What should I do if I drive through an 'E' lane or use a fully electronic toll road without an electronic tag?

On fully electronic toll roads - the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, Cross City tunnel, Westlink M7, Lane Cove Tunnel and Military Road E-Ramps - you will need to arrange a pass by contacting the toll road operator within 48 hours of your trip. For all other toll roads, call the number on the signs at the toll collection points to report the trip. If you do not contact the motorway, you will receive a toll notice in the mail which you will need to pay. There will be additional fees or charges.

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Is there a fine for using an 'E' lane or a fully electronic toll road without having an electronic tag?

There are additional fees and charges for using a fully electronic toll road or lane without a tag. You will need to contact the relevant toll road operator. If you receive a toll notice and do not pay the toll and any applicable administration fees, you can be fined.

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I don't have a tag or a pass, can I still use a fully electronic road?

Yes, you can use a fully electronic motorway at any time, but you will need to arrange a pass either before or shortly after your trip. Road signs on the motorway will show the phone number and website details. Contact the relevant fully electronic motorway for details. Sydney's fully electronic motorways are the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, Cross City Tunnel, M7, Lane Cove Tunnel and Military Road E-Ramps.

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Can I claim the cash back for travel on Sydney toll roads?

Cash back for the M4 (for tolls paid before 16 February, 2010) and M5 is only available to holders of an electronic tag product who drive a privately registered vehicle. Electronic pass holders are not eligible to claim the cash back. Cashback claims can be made within 12 months after the M4 toll has been removed. If you wish to make a claim, you will need to complete a form available from the RTA website. For more information about the M4/M5 cash back, visit www.rta.nsw.gov.au.

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Can I use an electronic tag from another state on Sydney Motorways?

Yes. Whether you’re visiting Sydney or another state, your electronic tag can be used to pay for travel on any toll road in Australia. Electronic tag interoperability makes it easier for you to travel from one state to another and manage your tolls using your normal electronic tag account. Visit Payment options for more information about NSW electronic tag products and electronic tag providers.

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I am a motorcycle rider. Can I still use an electronic tag product?

Yes. Motorcycle riders can use electronic tag products on all of Sydney tollroads. Some electronic tag product providers offer special pouches/armbands which motorcyclists can place their electronic tag product in and use when travelling. If you’re a motorcycle rider and are considering using an electronic tag product, always consider your safety and that of other road users. Also, bear in mind if your electronic tag falls off your motorcycle you may be required to pay for a replacement electronic tag.

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Where should I affix my electronic tag?

Most electronic tag products are designed to be affixed under the rear view mirror of your vehicle. If you simply hold your electronic tag up to the windscreen at the toll collection point, chances are that your trip will not be recorded and you may attract a video matching administrative fee. Check with your electronic tag provider for information about the holders available for your model of electronic tag.

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What are some general facts of electronic tolling products?

An electronic tag is designed to be placed under the interior rear view mirror of your vehicle. Electronic tags are designed to cope with temperatures ranging from minus 40 degrees to 100 degrees Celsius and last about five years under normal operating conditions. Unlike other devices, electronic tags are not affected by radios or mobile telephones. As you travel through a toll collection point, your electronic tag should emit an audible tone at about 55db. If you notice that your tag needs replacing, contact your electronic tag provider.

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If I sell or trade in my car, should I tell my electronic tag provider?

Yes. When you sell or trade in your car, details of the number plate remain unchanged within the tolling system of your electronic tag provider. If you have not updated your number plate details with the tag provider and the new owner of your car fails to pay a toll, you may receive a toll notice for any unpaid trips.

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Westlink M7 Motorway Westlink M7 Motorway

Westlink M7 Motorway
Photos copyright Brett Boardman