[OciWan]

Originally Posted by RichardInCA

Great intel. I’ll probably go online and reapply. At the time I sent in the application the online application was not available.

I just got an email from the DMV that my application was successfully processed and I will receive the decal in 21 days.

If anyone is waiting apply online.

[RichardInCA]

I applied online earlier today, let’s see how long it takes them to get back to me and ask me for my money.

[OciWan]

Originally Posted by RichardInCA

I applied online earlier today, let’s see how long it takes them to get back to me and ask me for my money.

They should send the payment link instantly

[RichardInCA]

The email to pay just came in this morning - all taken care of now!

[coffee123]

Does this allow you to use the FasTrak HOV lanes for free? i.e., can you set the FasTrak transponder to 3 passengers even though you might be the only one driving?

[RichardInCA]

Originally Posted by coffee123

Does this allow you to use the FasTrak HOV lanes for free? i.e., can you set the FasTrak transponder to 3 passengers even though you might be the only one driving?

Not quite - you get a discounted rate, but can drive in the HOV lanes with only a single occupant. Unfortunately once you get the tags, you then need to get an updated fastrak transponder.

https://www.bayareafastrak.org/en/su...-vehicle.shtml

[OciWan]

According to USPS my decal should be arriving today. Processed on 3/7/24

[RichardInCA]

Originally Posted by OciWan

According to USPS my decal should be arriving today. Processed on 3/7/24

Now my hopes are up! Do you also need to get a new toll tag like we do up here in the bay? First thing I will do when I get mine is put in my request to Fastrak.

[OciWan]

Originally Posted by RichardInCA

Now my hopes are up! Do you also need to get a new toll tag like we do up here in the bay? First thing I will do when I get mine is put in my request to Fastrak.

Hmmm. Not sure but I don’t think we do. I’ll have to look into this.

[RichardInCA]

And my tags just showed up - payment processed 3/8, delivered 3/22!

[RichardInCA]

Just came back from a business trip and my new fastrak transponder was waiting for me, so I’m finally set. I used the PPF protectors to mount the decals just now and feel “OK” about how they look (gotta admit, if it weren’t for the saved commute time, I wouldn’t be doing it), but am now trying to recall where I can mount the transponder in the windshield - I think I need to avoid the dotted area around the rear view mirror, can anyone confirm?

[Sisyrx]

I’m petty sure the dotted area is actually where transponders are supposed to go.

[Sisyrx]

Here you go…from the manual.

[RichardInCA]

Awesome - thanks Sisyrx - I tried the manual, but as is often the case, couldn’t find the right search term.

[Sisyrx]

Originally Posted by RichardInCA

Awesome - thanks Sisyrx - I tried the manual, but as is often the case, couldn’t find the right search term.

I feel ya. I struggled with the search terms to find that for you! I knew I had seen it (and read about on iX forums) but had to find the right term.

[SkykingUSA]

Originally Posted by RichardInCA

Just came back from a business trip and my new fastrak transponder was waiting for me, so I’m finally set. I used the PPF protectors to mount the decals just now and feel “OK” about how they look (gotta admit, if it weren’t for the saved commute time, I wouldn’t be doing it), but am now trying to recall where I can mount the transponder in the windshield - I think I need to avoid the dotted area around the rear view mirror, can anyone confirm?

Thanks for the pictures! I just ordered my tags today online and feel pretty good about how they will look because the tags are red and my car is red, so hopefully they won't stand out too much. I also bought the 3M PPF for the tags off Amazon and will be using those. Figure, they have to be easier to remove (if needed) than the tags themselves.

[RichardInCA]

Originally Posted by SkykingUSA

Thanks for the pictures! I just ordered my tags today online and feel pretty good about how they will look because the tags are red and my car is red, so hopefully they won't stand out too much. I also bought the 3M PPF for the tags off Amazon and will be using those. Figure, they have to be easier to remove (if needed) than the tags themselves.

In the Bay Area it’s a no brainer - when you look at how many of the main arteries either have tolls at bridges or to use express lanes $22 gets you faster transit times through HOV lanes and cheaper tolls.

[paprmkr]

Originally Posted by RichardInCA

Yes - it opens up HOV lanes for EV’s. It’d make a huge difference for me as I travel over the bay bridge on my commute.

just wondering why not get FastTrac transponder ?
so when the HOA lanes turn to pay or go over bridges just get bill to account. Or does the sticker wave the fees?
I have a fasttrax for when im in LA/OC. I always have my ride or die partner with me but some areas only Fastrx allowed. when was in Bay Area it billed my Golden State bridge fee.
Maybe they got it from my plate number since my transponder was in glovebox

[RichardInCA]

Originally Posted by paprmkr

just wondering why not get FastTrac transponder ?
so when the HOA lanes turn to pay or go over bridges just get bill to account. Or does the sticker wave the fees?
I have a fasttrax for when im in LA/OC. I always have my ride or die partner with me but some areas only Fastrx allowed. when was in Bay Area it billed my Golden State bridge fee.
Maybe they got it from my plate number since my transponder was in glovebox

You can’t use the HOV lanes as a single driver without the CAV decal. The discounts on the express lanes are just a bonus. I’ve had the regular fastrak for ages, but this will be a massive upgrade.

[paprmkr]

Originally Posted by RichardInCA

You can’t use the HOV lanes as a single driver without the CAV decal. The discounts on the express lanes are just a bonus. I’ve had the regular fastrak for ages, but this will be a massive upgrade.

I guess you’re right if you’re single and right on the HOV on fast track, the charges are pretty high

[RichardInCA]

Originally Posted by paprmkr

I guess you’re right if you’re single and right on the HOV on fast track, the charges are pretty high

Yeah - a $490 fine is pretty expensive! 0/10 would not recommend.

You need a fastrak to cross the bay bridge in the other lanes anyway, the HOV lanes bypass the metering lights and the massive backup.

[Windshieldfarmer]

There are certainly good things about California living but looking at this thread speaks volumes about the challenges you deal with on a daily basis….