Planning a scenic drive through Colorado’s mountains or need to use the express lanes? If you’re from the Northeast or Midwest, you might be wondering if your trusty E-ZPass will work on Colorado’s highways. Let’s cut to the chase with everything you need to know about toll collection in the Centennial State.
The Short Answer: E-ZPass Is Not Accepted in Colorado
If you’re hoping to breeze through Colorado toll roads with your E-ZPass transponder, I’ve got bad news. E-ZPass is not compatible with Colorado’s toll collection system. Unlike the 20 states where your E-ZPass works seamlessly, Colorado uses a completely different toll system called ExpressToll.
Why? It’s not just bureaucracy—the systems use different technologies that don’t talk to each other. Your E-ZPass transponder literally can’t communicate with Colorado’s toll readers.
How Colorado’s Toll System Actually Works
Colorado has its own electronic toll collection system managed by the E-470 Public Highway Authority. Here’s what you need to know:
ExpressToll: Colorado’s E-ZPass Equivalent
ExpressToll is Colorado’s primary electronic toll collection system. It works on all of Colorado’s toll roads and express lanes, including:
- E-470 (the eastern beltway around Denver)
- Northwest Parkway
- I-25 Express Lanes
- I-70 Mountain Express Lane
- C-470 Express Lanes
- Central 70 Express Lanes
The ExpressToll transponder uses 6C technology, while E-ZPass uses older 6B technology—they’re simply not compatible with each other.
ExpressToll Benefits
If you’ll be driving in Colorado regularly, getting an ExpressToll transponder has several advantages:
- Save 25-40% on tolls compared to License Plate Toll rates
- Automatic toll payments from your prepaid account
- Switchable transponders that allow HOV travel (free in some express lanes with 3+ passengers)
- Works across all Colorado toll roads without needing different passes
What Happens If You Drive Colorado Toll Roads Without ExpressToll?
Don’t panic if you don’t have an ExpressToll transponder. Colorado has you covered with their License Plate Toll (LPT) system.
License Plate Toll (LPT): The Default Option
When you drive on a Colorado toll road without an ExpressToll transponder, cameras capture your license plate, and the E-470 Public Highway Authority mails a bill to the registered owner of the vehicle.
But be aware:
- You’ll pay 25-35% more than ExpressToll rates
- Bills come by mail (usually within a few weeks)
- Additional processing fees may apply
Toll Rates in Colorado: What to Expect
Toll rates in Colorado vary depending on the road, time of day, and payment method. Here’s a general idea of what you might pay:
| Toll Road | ExpressToll Rate | License Plate Toll Rate | Savings with ExpressToll |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-470 (full length) | ~$20.00 | ~$25.00 | ~$5.00 |
| Northwest Parkway | ~$4.00 | ~$5.30 | ~$1.30 |
| I-25 Express Lanes | $1.25-$10.00* | $3.25-$12.00* | $2.00+ |
| I-70 Mountain Express Lane | $4.00-$13.00* | $6.00-$15.00* | $2.00+ |
*Express lane rates vary by time of day and congestion levels
Options for Visitors and Rental Car Users
If you’re just passing through Colorado or renting a car, here are your options:
For Short Trips
For a quick visit involving just a toll road or two, simply let the License Plate Toll system bill you. It’s hassle-free but more expensive.
For Rental Cars
Rental car companies in Colorado typically handle tolls in one of two ways:
- Automatic billing: Companies like Sixt automatically charge tolls to your credit card, but often add daily service fees.
- Opt-in programs: Some rental companies offer toll packages for a daily fee (typically $10-15 per day) that covers unlimited tolls.
Ask your rental car company about their toll policy before driving on Colorado toll roads.
For Extended Stays
If you’re staying in Colorado for more than a week and plan to use toll roads frequently, consider getting an ExpressToll transponder. You can:
- Order online through the ExpressToll website
- Visit an ExpressToll service center in person
- Buy a transponder at select King Soopers grocery stores in Colorado
The initial cost is just $15 for a basic transponder, plus a minimum account balance of $35.
Regional Compatibility: Where Else Does ExpressToll Work?
While E-ZPass doesn’t work in Colorado, does ExpressToll work in other states? In limited cases, yes:
- Utah: ExpressToll has compatibility with Utah’s UDOT system
- Washington State: Some compatibility with the Good To Go! system
- Texas, Kansas: Limited interoperability with TollTag and K-TAG
This is because these systems all use the same 6C transponder technology standard as part of the 6C Working Group.
Planning Your Colorado Toll Road Travel
Here’s a quick game plan based on your situation:
If you’re a Colorado resident:
Get an ExpressToll transponder. The savings are significant, especially if you use toll roads regularly.
If you’re visiting Colorado for less than a week:
Use the License Plate Toll system and expect bills in the mail, or check if your rental car company offers toll packages.
If you’re staying longer than a week:
Consider getting an ExpressToll transponder if you’ll use toll roads frequently.
If you’re moving to Colorado:
Your E-ZPass won’t work, so plan to get an ExpressToll transponder soon after arrival.
Will E-ZPass Ever Work in Colorado?
There’s hope on the horizon. The Federal Highway Administration has encouraged nationwide toll interoperability through its MAP-21 legislation. The 6C Working Group is working toward creating a centralized hub that could eventually connect regional systems like E-ZPass and ExpressToll.
However, there are significant technical and institutional barriers to overcome, including:
- Different transponder frequencies (E-ZPass: 915 MHz vs. ExpressToll: 5.9 GHz)
- Separate backend processing systems
- Complex revenue-sharing arrangements between toll authorities
No timeline has been announced for potential E-ZPass/ExpressToll integration, so don’t count on it happening soon.
Avoiding Colorado Toll Roads Altogether
If you prefer to avoid tolls completely, modern GPS apps like Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps all offer “avoid tolls” options. Just be aware that toll-free routes may take significantly longer, especially during rush hour.
Major toll-free highways in Colorado include:
- I-25 (main lanes)
- I-70 (main lanes)
- US-36 (main lanes)
- I-225
- I-270
Remember that express lanes on these highways typically require tolls or HOV status.
ExpressToll vs. E-ZPass: How They Compare
For those familiar with E-ZPass wondering what to expect from ExpressToll, here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | ExpressToll | E-ZPass |
|---|---|---|
| States covered | Colorado (+ limited use in UT, WA) | 20 states across Northeast, Midwest |
| Transponder cost | $15 basic, $25 switchable | Varies by state ($10-35) |
| Minimum balance | $35 | Varies by state ($25-100) |
| HOV capability | Yes (with switchable transponder) | Limited (only in some states) |
| Replenishment | Auto-replenish from credit card | Auto-replenish from credit card |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes (varies by state) |
Get Ready for Colorado’s Toll Roads
While it’s disappointing that your E-ZPass won’t work in Colorado, the state’s ExpressToll system is actually quite efficient. With a bit of planning, you can navigate Colorado’s toll roads with minimal hassle and expense.
Just remember:
- E-ZPass is not compatible with Colorado’s toll system
- ExpressToll is your best option for regular Colorado driving
- License Plate Toll works as a backup but costs more
- Check with rental companies about their toll policies
- Consider your trip duration when deciding whether to get an ExpressToll transponder
With these tips in mind, you’re all set to enjoy Colorado’s beautiful highways—toll roads included!
