In a new program that went into effect Jan. 1, qualified U.S. military veterans can now receive free tolls on California bridges.
The benefit is part of Assembly Bill 2949, which was signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom on Sept. 30, 2022.
To qualify, a veteran needs to have a California license plate with one of the following designations on it: Congressional Medal of Honor, Disabled Veteran, Legion of Valor, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Ex-Prisoner of War, or Purple Heart, according to FasTrak, California’s statewide toll company.
The benefit is good for all seven state-owned bridges as well as the Golden Gate Bridge.
Currently, a FasTrak toll payment account is not needed. However, if an eligible veteran does have an account, he or she will need to shield the toll tag by putting it in a Mylar bag to avoid being charged.
Mylar bags are provided for free by FasTrak. To get one, people can log into their FasTrak accounts or call 877-BAY-TOLL.
Low-Income Toll Assistance
Also starting this year, qualifying low-income residents in California are able to request a waiver from FasTrak for outstanding toll bridge penalty fees.Residents qualify if they have an income equal to or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level (about $55,000 or below for a family of four).
This new waiver is part of Assembly Bill 2594, which was also signed into law on Sept. 30, 2022.
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