Q. With the opening of the Express Lanes on the 405 Freeway in Orange County about a month away, would you please review the different places for obtaining transponders as well as the toll plans? I think many drivers who haven’t needed a transponder before now will be wanting one when these lanes open up.
– Jeff Teal, Rossmoor
A. In California, toll roads and toll lanes all use the same transponder system. State lawmakers actually got something right, eh?
If you already have a transponder from another tollway, you are good to go on the 405. Your tab will come from where you first signed up for a transponder.
“It will just show up on your monthly statement … your home account, if you will,” said Joel Zlotnik, a spokesman for the Orange County Transportation Authority.
If you need a transponder, you can register for one beginning in about two weeks or so at 405expresslanes.com.
There are two basic types.
The ones the size of a large bandage that go on front windshields in specific spots, such in the lower corners, are free. The switchable transponders – so the driver can tell the system one or more passengers are in the car or truck – cost $15.
On the 405 Express Lanes, which will stretch from the 605 Freeway to the 73, every vehicle must carry a transponder.
Even motorcycles, which will be free.
If a driver and two passengers are aboard, the ride is free, same for those motorists with one passenger during non-peak hours.
The toll is based on the day, the hour and the direction. When the 405 Express Lanes opens up on Dec. 1, the max toll will be $9.95. The minimum will be $2.45.
Rates, of course will be less if the driver ducks out before the end or enters midstream.
Overhead signs will show the toll. To see the rate schedule, go to the website, hit the “FAQs” tab at the top, then hit “When we will know toll schedules?” and tap on “Click here” and scroll down.
HONKIN’ UPDATE: The eastbound weigh station on the 91 Freeway in Anaheim Hills had more problems than Lucy Ricardo at the chocolate factory.
The westbound one closed in late 2018 and re-opened in June 2021. The eastbound side shuttered in February 2020 and, finally, has reopened.
Originally, it was to reopen in May 2021.
The weigh stations – also called the scales – try to keep too-heavy commercial trucks off of the highways so the roadways don’t get damaged. They also are home to random inspections, such as for brakes. Those particular weigh stations had aged worse than Honk, but unlike him could be demolished and rebuilt. Which they were.
Prompted by readers’ questions, Honk would call the California Highway Patrol, which staffs them, and Caltrans, which oversees the highway system, every now and then for updates on the troubled one.
The reason for the eastbound weigh station’s lagging ways, he was told, included: The company that was to make a sign guiding truckers in was hit by the pandemic, so another outfit was hired; the sign’s mounting turned out to be rusted; the sign ran into shipping problems; the state pushed aside the overall contractor and a new one was hired.
Last week, a trucker gave Honk a heads-up the eastbound wait – sorry, weigh – station had opened.
The California Highway Patrol moved in on Sept. 22 and opened up shop three days later, Sheilah Fortenberry, a Caltrans spokeswoman, confirmed to Honk.
To ask Honk questions, reach him at honk@ocregister.com. He only answers those that are published. To see Honk online: ocregister.com/tag/honk. X, formerly Twitter: @OCRegisterHonk
