Do I need a new FasTrak responder?

[Trevor B]

I'm just using what I had on my older car (which I have since sold).

Do I need to let FasTrak know/get a new one perhaps?

The new ones have a smaller sleek profile compared to what I have from circa 2006

 

[tjkessler]

You can just go to the FasTrak website and change the license plate(s) associated with the transponder.
You might want to get one of the new ones with the 1-2-3 passenger setting that's a lot smaller anyway.
They'll give you credit if you mail the old one back.

 

[dek526]

you can head into a express lane customer center and exchange the old one. an even easier way is to just request a new one. do recommend djkessler’s advice and remove old plate from your account immediately

 

[doubleatheman]

I have not used my physical Fastrak for years, Im not even sure where it is, I always do it by plate on the website. You can even forget and add it up to 30 days later.

 

[Trevor B]

Thanks for the responses, will do.

@doubleatheman Are you saying we don't need to have the transponder in the car?

 

[tjkessler]

You need the transponder for parking and for express lanes. For bridges they'll read your license plate.

 

[debuggr]

You need the transponder for parking and for express lanes. For bridges they'll read your license plate.

+1 I abandoned my transponder when it wouldn’t work through the Model S windshield. I’ve had no issues with billing by license plate.

 

[crackers8199]

if you're using the 91 in riverside/orange county primarily, yes. i have a transponder for my volt, but i need to get a new one (and open a new account) in order to be able to get the free access to the 91 express lanes that they allow for full BEV / zero emissions vehicles.

 

[irwiny]

I'm in the Bay Area and called Fastrak (877-229-8655) and they updated my information with regards to adding the Model 3. If you have a credit card attached to your account, they can send you up to 3 new units (FLEX model) and charge you a 30 deposit ( need to return back the old one after the new one arrives).

The New FLEX model I got is smaller is about the size of a snickers candy bar and has a 1-2-3 selector.

Irwin

 

[jrmnet]

I'm in the Bay Area and called Fastrak (877-229-8655) and they updated my information with regards to adding the Model 3. If you have a credit card attached to your account, they can send you up to 3 new units (FLEX model) and charge you a 30 deposit ( need to return back the old one after the new one arrives).

The New FLEX model I got is smaller is about the size of a snickers candy bar and has a 1-2-3 selector.

Irwin

What is the purpose of the selector?

 

[dek526]

What is the purpose of the selector?

depending on which toll road you’re driving on ... the number of riders can mean no toll charges to promote carpooling

 

[igotzzoom]

You can change the plate numbers online. The newer transponders are literally half the size of the old ones, and as stated have the "1-2-3" passenger setting. You can request a postage-paid return mailer. If you don't want to have to go in person to one of their offices, you can do it all through the mail and online.

 

[bradhs]

Does the transponder work through the front glass or is it the same as the Model S front windshield?

 

[dek526]

Does the transponder work through the front glass or is it the same as the Model S front windshield?

mine did...simply placed on the dash and haven’t had issues

 

[gambit48]

depending on which toll road you’re driving on ... the number of riders can mean no toll charges to promote carpooling

This. And some bridges/tolls at least have discounts if they don't do free.

Not a lot, but it doesn't hurt to have the new one. I had no idea about the discounted tolls. I'm in the midst of exchanging for primarily this reason.

The much smaller size doesn't hurt either.

In the past, I used to just let them read my plates as I don't think there was a difference in price and I didn't want to stick anything to my windshield.

 

[ebmcs03]

How does the new transponder look?
I have the old square one that had the selector for 1,2 or 3 riders

 

[Fusion]

Could someone post a picture of the new transponders? Can't find any pictures of the new ones. You figure they would put some pictures of the new ones on their website. I got the second generation one and from what I'm hearing the current 3rd generation one is even smaller.

 

[ebmcs03]

I got the second generation one and from what I'm hearing the current 3rd generation one is even smaller.

What’s the second generation?

 

[ooandyoo]

The new ones are significantly smaller. I had mine placed in the corner but it kept sliding around whenever I make a hard turn. I ended up plastidipping the back of it (the side that faces the inside) and mounting it to the window next to the rear view mirror. Its barely noticeable from the inside now.

 

[RayK]

FasTrak