Travel & Transportation

Passport Services at Milpitas Library

Milpitas Library is an official Passport Acceptance Facility

Come to the Milpitas Library to plan your next trip and take care of your passport. Appointments must be booked in advance online. At that link you can get full detail, including forms, required documentation, and fees, and will be able to book an appointment.

Milpitas Library
160 North Main Street
Milpitas, CA 95035
408-262-1171

Services Offered

  • First-time passports.
  • Replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged, opens a new window passports.
  • Passport Photo Service, described in section 5 below.
  • Renewal of passports issued before applicants were 16 years of age.
  • Renewal of expired passports issued more than 15 years ago.
  • Other types of renewals are not offered by the Library, and you may use directions at the U.S. Department of State’s “Renew my Passport by Mail, opens a new window” webpage to apply for renewal by mail.  Please also note that the Library does not accept visa applications.

Routine or Expedited Options*

  • Routine Service: Averages 6-8 weeks processing time only, following the appointment.
  • Expedited Service, for added fees (see section 6 below): Averages 2-3 weeks processing time only.
  • The San Francisco Passport Agency, opens a new window serves those needing passports sooner.

*Processing times are estimates and subject to change; check Travel.state.gov, opens a new window for most recent processing times.

Book an Appointment

Appointments must be reserved online and can be made up to two months in advance.
The Passport Application Requirements (below) outline what you MUST bring to the appointment.

To Book:

Review all passport application requirements before booking an appointment.  Please arrive 10 minutes early with your ID, payment, and all required documents.  Arriving to your appointment more than 10 minutes late may forfeit your time slot.  A separate appointment is required for each passport applicant.

Please Note: At 12am midnight a new day of appointments becomes available at the end of the 60 day booking window. At times, all appointments within the 60 day window are booked. Dates with no more available times are greyed out and have no link. If no appointments are available, please check back after midnight.

Driving Legally in Milpitas

To drive legally in Milpitas and around California, you are responsible for know ing how to drive safely and within the driving laws of the state.

Agencies

California Highway Patrol
Site is now strictly a PR page. The only possibly useful page, “Traffic” now works.

Department of Motor Vehicles
Home page. Skip the Visit. Use our New Service Advisor! The more frequently used sections are linked on “Driving Through.” Make an online appointment. 800-777-0133 for general info.

Office of Traffic Safety
The Office of Traffic Safety, through partnerships and public education campaigns, strives to continue to reduce the number of alcohol-related collisions throughout the state.

Laws

California Driver Handbook
You are responsible for knowing these tips and regulations before you take the driving test. DMV.

Child Safety Seat Requirements
SB 567 by Senator Jackie Speier (D-Hillsborough) requires that children less than six years of age or weighing less than 60 pounds be properly restrained in a child passenger restraint system and doubles fines for first-time child safety seat violations.

Diamond (HOV) Lanes
To use the carpool lane during commute hours, you must be traveling in a carpool, vanpool, or public transit vehicle. Motorcycle riders may also use carpool lanes. During non-commute hours, the lanes revert to general traffic use. Each child counts as an occupant, but pets, infants still in the womb, inflatable dolls or ghosts do not (we’ve heard ’em all).

Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we are asked most frequently about the Department of Motor Vehicles Drivers’ Test.

Vehicle Code of California
Got a ticket and wonder just what code violation they are accusing you of? Look here! DMV.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Milpitas

As Teslas are made a few exits up the 880 freeway north of Milpitas, electric vehicles have become very popular in the area. Travelers often want to know where they can charge up their electric car, and may have preferences as to the type of charger. You can also view the full map on Google.

I have arranged each type of electric vehicle charging station by its location, north to south. (Fremont border to San Jose border.) As you can see, most are along McCarthy Blvd., which runs parallel to I-880 to its west. From I-880, take the Dixon Landing exit and head west (right), and then immediately left on McCarthy Blvd. and go south. (Note: McCarthy is an excellent alternative route should 880 have too much traffic. It begins as Fremont Blvd. up in Fremont, and becomes O’Toole in San Jose, ending on E. Brokaw, not far from the airport.

ChargePoint Charging Station
We help drivers make the switch to electric by offering connected charging wherever they work, shop, eat and play. with our free mobile app, special driver discounts and integration with automakers, we offer a seamless driving and charging experience.
400 N McCarthy Blvd
430 N McCarthy Blvd
690 N McCarthy Blvd
1102 S Abel St

Electric Charging Station
Unknown brand.
1001 Murphy Ranch Rd

EVgo Charging Station
Pay as you go and membership pricing by the minute.
301 Ranch Dr
447 Great Mall Dr

SemaConnect Charging Station
Join the SemaConnect Network today – the most open ecosystem of
electric vehicle charging stations in North America! Member login.
455 E Calaveras Blvd (City Hall)
160 N Main St. (Library)
777 Bellew Dr. (Crowne Plaza)
1501 McCarthy Blvd

Tesla Supercharger
Stop along the world’s fastest charging network while you grab a quick bite to eat. With our rapidly expanding Supercharger locations placed on well-traveled routes, Tesla can get you anywhere you want to go.
901 E Calaveras Blvd Embassy Suites – quite a few charging stations on SE corner of hotel
333 S. Abbott Ave. In Denny’s parking lot, near the I-880 and 237/Calaveras Bl. interchange, SE corner.
1010 Great Mall Dr. Great Mall, outside Red Robin restaurant, SW corner of mall

Vehicles – Shopping, Sharing, and Service for Cars in Milpitas

Milpitas has been a car-town since its inception when it incorporated around the new Ford factory being built here. A fair number of the Mustangs built at that factory have been lovingly maintained by local residents, and we look forward each June to the car show.

Advice & Assistance

Bill of Sale for Automobile
Nolo Press sells these forms right online. You fill it out online, and then pay to get the printed version. Inexpensive way to sell your used vehicle and have the legal documentation.

Californa’s Lemon Law
A purchaser or lessee of a motor vehicle has various rights under both state and federal law if the vehicle does not perform as provided under an express warranty.

DMV Now Kiosk
Use the California DMV Now kiosk, a fast and easy way to renew your vehicle registrations. The California DMV Now kiosk uses scanning and touchscreen kiosk technology to securely update vehicle information through step-by-step instructions and optional voice assistance. Simply follow the guided on-screen instructions. After a successful renewal, documents print instantly at the kiosk. Inside Safeway at 555 E. Calaveras Blvd.

Drive
Mercury News site with auto reviews, information about car shopping online.

Kelly Blue Book Official Guide
The nation’s leading provider of automotive pricing and value information.

Where is my car?
Professional thieves can steal any car, but make them work for yours. To prevent thefts, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) recommends “Layered Protection.” The more layers of protection on your vehicle, the more difficult it is to steal.

Car Detailers

Dragon Auto
We’ve found that graphene or teflon fix the shortcomings of ceramic coatings, while still offering all the same benefits!
20 Windsor Street
408-539-7499

68 Auto Detail
Premium auto detailing facility. Offers PPF film, ceramic coating, window tinting, vehicle wraps, and pointless dent repair.
51 Minnis Circle
510-657-6868

Clubs

Golden Gate Porsche Club Regional Time Trial Ground School
A day of classroom instruction and video. You do not need to bring your Porsche nor will the cars be driven or inspected at the ground school.

The Milpitas Car Club
Meets at Foster Freeze at 78 Serra Way on Thursday nights at 6 p.m. Bring an old or new unique car and have some food, laughs, and enjoy car talk.

MoparAlley Automobile Club
Meetings held on the 3rd Saturday of every month. Starts at 6:30 PM. Call 408-246-4404 or email for location. 1089 Courtland Avenue, Milpitas, CA 95035-6925

Dealers

Envision Honda Of Milpitas
Making it easy to get all the available vehicle information so you can spend less time researching and more time enjoying your purchase. Check out our new specials and used specials for additional savings on your next vehicle. Under new ownership.
920 Thompson St.
Sales: 408-324-7400
Service: (408)-324-7405
Parts: (408) 324-7420

Envision Toyota of Milpitas
Our Dealership has built a reputation on providing courteous, honest service. Our customers appreciate the way we do business, and we know you will too. Take a moment to read the info below and find out what makes us an exceptional place to buy or service your automobile. Under new ownership.
950 Thompson St.
Sales: 877-280-1044
Service: 888-687-7127
Parts: 888-661-5024

Design

BlackTrax
The most innovative import and domestic tuner shop in Northern California, delivering the latest in custom and high performance solutions for your import and domestic vehicles.
1819 Houret Court
408-408-946-2900

California Mobility Works (CMW)
CMW is developing and preparing manufacturing of mobility products for both the consumer and commercial markets. CMW currently occupies a 20K Sq ft R&D, Design Center in Milpitas California. We are planning on acquiring another 30K sq ft at the same location for a total of 50,000 sq. ft. for our Silicon Valley corporate headquarters and manufacturing.
1355 California Cir.
408-357-4745

SafeAI
Builds autonomous mining & construction equipment with deep expertise developing safety protocols for autonomous passenger cars – the most difficult autonomy scenario.
1900 McCarthy Blvd #310

Qnovo
Qnovo’s Adaptive Charging safely adds up to 20% capacity, extending the range of the vehicles without increasing cost and weight. Qnovo’s technology is in 150M smartphones.
400 N. McCarthy Blvd.
510-592-7728

Gas

Cheapest Gas In Milpitas
Find out where to get the cheapest gas in our town. Widget updates daily. Other resources for saving on your car and truck fueling.

Parts

Andy’s Autosport
A store specializing in body kits that dresses up your car’s exterior and distinguish it from the every day daily driver. 673 S. Milpitas Blvd., 800-419-1152.

O’Reilly Auto Parts
2 locations in Milpitas to help you fix up your car or truck yourself.
46 S Abbott Avenue
408-263-5660
and
1350 S Park Victoria Dr
408-946-3677

Repairs

Auto & Truck Service and Repair Shops in Milpitas
The Minnis Circle, Milpitas, auto service shops all cooperate with one another, so, say, you need some mechanical work, a smog test, and wheel alignment, they will shuffle the car between the service shops. You pay for all where you pick the vehicle up.

Road Service

ProStar Towing
Tow trucks large and small to get your impaired vehicle safely home. Lots of tow truck clip art, if you need one for a school report. ProStar donated towing services to the Milpitas Historical Society to get Leapin’ Lena out of the Great Mall to get it ready for the 4th of July Parade.

Storage

R’n R Vehicle Storage
Home of high-quality services and inside storage for your treasured RV, boat or auto. On Ames near S. Milpitas Blvd.
408-694-3492

Tires and Brakes

Tires and Brakes in Milpitas
Shops in Milpitas that can repair or replace everything concerning your tires and brakes, suspension work, alignment, and more.

Used Vehicles

Carfax Lemon Check
Don’t make a $10,000 mistake! Millions of used cars have costly hidden problems. Use Carfax Vehicle History Reports to confirm a clean history or to reveal potentially costly hidden problems.

Transportation Classifieds
Search these ads for that new or used car, truck, van, boat or motorcycle. Place an ad for your used vehicle.

Cheapest Gas and Station Locations in Milpitas

Locate the least expensive, cheapest gas stations to fill up your tank in Milpitas, CA 95035

This post is easier to read on a smart phone if you select the text version.

Gas Stations and Prices

Lowest Gas Prices in Milpitas
Milpitas Gas Prices provided by GasBuddy.com

Costco on Automation Pkwy, San Jose.

Price Trends in the San Jose Area

Price Trends for San Jose
San Jose Gas Prices Provided by GasBuddy.com

Fuel Saving Tips

San Jose Fuel Saving tips

AAA Tweets
Get tips and interesting facts from the American Automobile Association through their Twitter feeds.

Where to Complain About Gas Prices

Gasoline Price Comments and Concerns
Sick of paying higher prices for gas in the Bay Area? Complain to the California Energy Commission here.

Gas Company Sites

ARCO Gas
Usually the best gas prices in town are at the Arcos.
Locations:
Best Price NW side of town: From 880, take Calaveras east, north on Abbott about 2 blocks.
Park Victoria and Landess, northwest corner of intersection, 1 block east of Landess exit off 680.

76 Conoco
What is Top Tier gasoline? Road tools available. Trip Planner. How to get their credit card or give gift cards.
Locations:
Tied for Best Price East Side of town: From 680, take Calaveras East 1 block on southwest corner of intersection with Park Victoria.
From 880, take Calaveras east, north on Abbott about 1 block.
From 880, take Calaveras east, on south side of the street about a block to Serra intersection.

Chevron
Check out why gas prices are so high. Find out about prospecting for crude oil, refineries and gas stations.
Locations:
Best Price right off 880: From 880, take Dixon Landing Road exit, right on California Circle.
From 880, take Great Mall exit. Located next to the McDonalds on the outer loop.
From 680, take Landess exit and head east. Located at the northest corner of intersection with Park Victoria.

Shell
Yelp review of the station at N. Park Victoria and E. Calaveras.
Locations:
Tied for Best Price East Side of town: 12 N Park Victoria Dr
990 Jacklin Rd Has car wash.
1780 S Main St. Has car wash.

See also ~ Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Milpitas
I have arranged each type of electric vehicle charging station by its location, north to south. As you can see, most are along McCarthy Blvd.

Milpitas Hotels

Finding hotels, motels, or extended stay accommodations in or near Milpitas couldn’t be easier! Look for discounted hotel rates, room availability and reserve right here.

Near Fremont

Marriott Residence Inn
1501 California Circle
This hotel features mini-apartment-like suites for long stays.
(408) 941-9222

South Side
Near 880, Montague Expy, south McCarthy Blvd. and San Jose

Element San Jose Milpitas
521 Alder Drive
The brand is a standout in the extended-stay segment with bright modern design, eco-conscious standards and an innovative guest experience that resonates with today’s traveler.
(408) 435-9910

Sonesta Silicon Valley
1820 Barber Lane
Has an atmosphere of a comfortable “home away from home” … with an award winning chef on staff!
(408) 943-9080

Sheraton San Jose
1801 Barber Lane
Is actually in Milpitas. Close to “Golden Triangle,” it caters to needs of the business traveler.
(408) 943-0600

Near the Great Mall, Montague Expy and San Jose
Convenient for shoppers, those doing business with the Great Mall, and close enough to new BART station to walk.

Courtyard Milpitas Silicon Valley
1480 Falcon Drive
A Marriott Hotel for business travelers. Special for Great Mall weekend shoppers and other weekend visitors.
(408) 719-1966

TownePlace Suites Milpitas Silicon Valley
1428 Falcon Drive
Guests can now visit the Great America Theme Park for free while enjoying Marriott accommodations and amenities. Extended stay for long-term business travelers. Pets welcome. Offers special Great Mall Of The Bay Area rates.
(408) 719-1959

West Side
McCarthy Ranch Shopping Center, North of 237 and West of 880

Hilton Garden Inn San Jose/Milpitas
30 Ranch Dr.
Convenient to Cisco, KLA Tencor and Western Digital.
(408) 719-1313

Larkspur Landing Milpitas
40 Ranch Dr.
For those staying longer.
(408) 719-1212

Near Milpitas Square Shopping Center, South of 237 and West of 880
Convenient to Cisco, KLA Tencor and Western Digital.

Sonesta San Jose
777 Bellew Dr. (South side of 237)
Has large conference facilities. For the technically curious, they have an automated butler to bring you stuff.
(408) 321-9500

Extended Stay America
330 Cypress Dr.
Pet-friendly rooms available. On-premise coin-operated laundry facility.
408-433-9700

Hampton Inn Milpitas
215 Barber Lane
Accessible hotel rooms.
(408) 428-9090

Staybridge Suites
321 Cypress Drive
Designed for the business traveler, we can shuttle you to work and pick you up again. Outdoor pool.
(408) 383-9500

Central Milpitas
Near W. Calaveras Rd. and East of 880

Best Western Plus Brookside
400 Valley Way
Dog-friendly, pool. Right next to 880, so easy to find.
(408) 263-5566

Days Inn Milpitas
270 South Abbott Avenue
Across the street from FedEx. Tucked in from busy streets, so rooms a little quieter.
(408) 946-8889

Heritage Inn – Silicon Valley
378 W. Calaveras Blvd.
Easy access to freeways, shopping and restaurants, complimentary Wi-Fi and outdoor pool.
(408) 263-0500

Main Street

Americas Best Value Inn
485 S. Main St.
Designed for the traveler who is looking for a luxurious room at an economy price. Closest to Elwood Jail.
(408) 946-8383

Baymont Inn and Suites
66 S. Main St.
In heart of revitalized Main St., Milpitas.
(408) 262-7685

East Side
Near 680 and E. Calaveras Blvd.

A few blocks from the Milpitas Town Center and civic buildings.

Executive Inn Hotel
95 Dempsey Rd.
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley convenient to major hi-tech companies, shopping at the Great Mall and within walking distance of many restaurants. Review.
(408) 262-5400

Embassy Suites Milpitas Silicon Valley
901 E. Calaveras
Noted for its interior courtyard and fine restaurant. Choose east facing room for view of the mountains.
(408) 942-0400

Tires and Brakes in Milpitas

Shops in Milpitas that can repair or replace everything concerning your tires and brakes, suspension work, alignment, and more.

Auto Innovations
Yelp review: “All of my suspension work, spring installs, coilover installs, sway bar installs, strut bar installs, alignments, and yes even TPMS swaps have all been completed by Orlando and his team.” From their beginnings as a tire shop, they’ve expanded their product and service offerings to include wheels, suspensions, alignments, and Recaro Seats (Baby seats, too!).
1337 Minnis Circle
408-956-8004

Big O Tires
We provide the following auto repairs: Tires, Wheels, Axle / CV Joint / Driveshaft Repair, Belts and Hoses, Brakes, Electrical: Starting / Charging / Batteries, Lube and Oil Change, Preventive Maintenance, Steering and Suspension, Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) and Wheels Alignment. We have plenty of parking, free Wi-Fi, a comfortable waiting area, and are within walking distance to restaurants and shops.
Tire coupons, specials & promotions.
For Mobile Tire Service Call Phone: 510-679-3625 Or Email: Bigomobileservices@Bigo.com
100 S. Main Street
408-946-6828

Firestone
We offer you practical advice on keeping your car running newer, stronger and longer. We stay true to your manufacturer’s recommended service schedule, by performing basic maintenance to prevent extensive repairs. We offer free courtesy checks for your vehicle. And we provide you with complete service options that fit your budget, as well as your automotive needs
Offers and Rebates.
2 locations in Milpitas to help you replace tires.
Wheel Works
2 North Abel St.
408-934-3800
Firestone Complete Auto Care
1379 S Park Victoria Dr. This location.
408-945-3911.

Great Mall Tire Outlet
Coupons.
Our shop manager Frank has been working in Milpitas for over 30 years. The best thing he earned in the last 30 years is the reputation that will never rip people off by over selling them tires and services or sell tires at a high margin price. Our shop began as a start up, which is why we make sure that you get an unforgettable experience that will keep you coming back again and again.
312 S. Main Street, Unit 1
408-992-1377

More resources for vehicles in Milpitas.

Auto & Truck Service and Repair Shops in Milpitas

The Minnis Circle, Milpitas, auto service shops all cooperate with one another, so, say, you need some mechanical work, a smog test, and wheel alignment, they will shuffle the car between the service shops. You pay for all where you pick the vehicle up.

Abbott Auto Service
Yelp reviews.
1432 S Main St
408-945-1900

Alvin’s Auto Center
We’ve been taking our Toyotas here for years. Always good service, accurate diagnoses. They don’t try to sell you something you don’t need.
1349 Minnis Circle
408-263-4478

AutoDentWork Dent Removal
Paintless dent repair short for (PDR) is the art of removing dents from a car by massaging from the inside of the panel until the dent disappears.
95 Minnis Circle
408-375-4855

Auto Innovations
They specialize in performance upgrades and styling enhancements for your car or truck.
1337 Minnis Circle
408-956-8004.

Bavarian Motorsport
Performing service, repairs and maintenance to all BMW’s 1992 through current model year, including diesels.
1025 Sinclair Frontage Road
408-956-1662

BYOC Auto Repair
Take your vehicle’s performance to the next level–and keep it there.
312 S Main St Ste 5
669-770-7646

Caltech Auto Body Repair and Painting
We specialize in making it easy for you to deal with your insurance company. Customer service is our #1 priority.
95 Minnis Circle
408-946-5651

Crown Auto Body & Paint
Whether you were in an accident, want to improve the value of your vehicle with a complete paint job or a custom body-kit, we have the experience, resources and superior customer service to get the job done right.
1365 Minnis Circle
408-935-0210

Courtesy Auto Service
Provides collision and mechanical services. Yelp review of the service.
300 Sango Ct.
408-945-1111.

Elite Mercedes Service & Repair Center
We provide dealership level service & repairs at a reasonable price and specialize in late model Mercedes Benz vehicles with over 30 years combined experience. We also service other brands, as many of our clients have multiple vehicles.
125 Minnis Circle
408-262-2228

Laguna Auto Body
At Laguna Auto Body Inc we pride ourselves on providing an efficient and reliable collision repair service that motorists have trusted for many years. Intoxalock Ignition Interlock Safety equipment supplier.
1351 Minnis Circle
408-942-0513

Liberti’s Auto Electric
We hire technicians who understand the root causes of your auto issues, making quality and efficiency a priority. Using the latest in Auto Diagnostics tools and technology, we’ll solve the problem right the first time.
1476 S Main St.
408-263-3339

M & S Collision
Review: “I was very satisfied with the work, the early completion date date, and most of all the professionalism.”
107 Minnis Circle
408-946-6626

Maintenance for Moms
No job requires more than being a mom. Especially as a single mother, the demands to work, provide, and transport children are even greater. That’s why it is our privilege to relieve one of these critical burdens: safe and reliable transportation. Maintenance for Moms is a program dedicated to assisting single moms by subsidizing their vehicle repairs in Santa Clara County. Apply here.

Quality Tune Up Car Care Center #23
You already know that we are great at oil changes, tune-ups, and smog checks, but come find out what your neighbors already know…we specialize in keeping your car safe and reliable.
92 Serra Way
408-404-8297

Service King
Review: “Excellent service, kept me posted throughout the repair cycle.”
156 S Milpitas Blvd.
408-961-2530

Stress-Free Auto Care
Open 7 days a week. Our cutting-edge technology allows you to pay from your phone, see your vehicle being work on via livestream video, digital vehicle inspections with photos of your repair, and booking your drop-off and pick-up times which work for your schedule.
1052 Yosemite Dr
408-719-8277

TW Performance
A full service repair and maintenance facility for medium to large duty trucks, trailers and fleet vehicles. Specializing in Diesel Truck & Trailer Service.
1045 Montague Ct. (Just off 680 and Montegue, NW corner)
408-946-3000

Yip’s Auto Repair
Yelp review. “Has never once tried to charge me more or try to promote something I didn’t need.”
1335 Minnis Circle
408-262-8878

Is car totaled

See also ~Vehicles – Shopping, Sharing, and Service for Cars in Milpitas

Smog Check Stations in Milpitas

These certified smog check stations have all served Milpitas drivers for many years.

Smog Check

Milpitas is in a Basic Area where you may obtain your inspection at any licensed Smog Check station. You will receive the same Two-Speed Idle test you have always received. Your vehicle will be tested for harmful levels of emissions of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. Your vehicle must be tested every two years, when sold, or upon initial California registration.

About Smog Testing

The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) – Milpitas
Your one-stop-shop for finding out information about smog checking. Resources for both car owners and service stations providing smog checks. Click here for form to find smog check service in Milpitas. (Put 95035 in the zip code.)

Certified Smog Test Stations

Als Smog & Repair
Open Monday-Saturday. We are a Star Certified Smog Check Station and our expert automotive technicians are ASE Certified.
61 Minnis Circle
408-942-7789

Happy Smog Check
Get coupons up to 60% off. Our stations offer some of the lowest smog checks prices in the industry.
12 N Park Victoria #B
408-262-6899
and
10 N Main St.
408-693-9880

Main Street Smog
As a Milpitas smog check test only station, Main Street Smog can get you smogged and back on the road in no time at all.
1456 S Main St
408-946-8182

Milpitas Smog Test Only
Welcome to one of the top smog check stations in Milpitas! We are a state licensed Test Only center which means we can test nearly any type of vehicle. Print this page for 20% off coupon.
1638 S. Main St.
408-262-9885

Quality Tune-Up Shop
Time to get your oil changed or get a smog test?
92 Serra Way
408-262-3211

See also ~ Vehicles – Shopping, Sharing, and Service for Cars in Milpitas

FasTrak in Milpitas

FasTrak and COVID-19 – FAQs

What should drivers do? To drive in the FasTrak lane or not?

Cash is not being collected at Bay Area bridges due to COVID-19. Use FasTrak to pay your toll. If you do not have FasTrak, you will receive a bill in the mail for the amount of your toll. It is called a violation, but there are no penalties – just pay the toll by mail with a check or online. If you have FasTrak, this change does not apply to you.

The I-680 Sunol Express Lanes are designated lanes that can be used during heavy traffic to bypass congestion. Express lanes are usually located on the far-left side of select major freeway corridors (described below) and are indicated with white descriptive text on the pavement and electronic signage above the roadway.

How the heck do I drive along SR-237 now with the new FasTrak lane?

How to Order a Transponder and Use the SR 237 Express Lanes

Step 1: Order your transponder
Step 2: Set up your account
Step 3: Mount your transponder. Transponder mounting help.
Step 4: Use the Express lanes

About Express Lanes

An Express Lane is a portion of a High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane, also known as a carpool or diamond lane, that has been converted to a toll lane in order to better manage congestion. VTA monitors its Express Lanes to maintain a minimum speed of 45 mph, based on federal requirement.

Express lanes are marked by large overhead signage, and smaller signs located in the median. The toll amount is posted on a changeable board within the large overhead sign.

VTA currently operates Express Lanes on State Route 237. Learn more about the planning and history of VTA’s Silicon Valley Express Lanes Program and the 237 Express Lanes project page.

How can I enter the FasTrak lane coming from Milpitas?

237 Express Lanes

  • Entering from Calaveras Blvd. westbound on SR237 will be a real pain, just as currently. You will not be able to get into the FasTrak lane until just slightly after Zanker, and it ends just before Lawrence. About half your commute will still be in heavy traffic. To avoid the congestion, you might try…
  • Drive north on Milpitas Blvd. to Dixon Landing Rd, and get on 880 south. Get in the HOV lane there as it swings over and onto 237.
  • Take Tasman. Turn right at Zanker. Enter 237 to right just after 237 overpass. Also good strategy for those heading north on 880 wishing to go west on 237.
  • Going eastbound on SR 237, there are double white lines west of Zanker Road prior to the 237-880 connector. Express lanes traffic wanting to access I-880 South, McCarthy Boulevard, or Calaveras Boulevard will have to exit the lane at Zanker Road.

FAQs about FasTrak

  • Questions about FasTrak? The FasTrak team is here to help! If you can’t find the information you’re looking for below, please contact us. Our Customer Service team wants you to get the most out of your FasTrak account.
  • FasTrak toll tags are also available to order online.

What hours and days is the Express Lanes operational?

  • SR 237 Express Lanes will now operate from 5:00 am – 8:00 pm weekdays, which is consistent with all other Bay Area Express Lane facilities. At all other times, the lane will be available to regular traffic.
  • Weekends everyone may drive in any lane they want to, with any number of people. FasTrak will not be in force.

What if I have a qualified clean air vehicle?

  • Clean air vehicles (CAVs) with valid clean air vehicle decals can travel toll free or at a discounted rate on Bay Area express lanes and state-owned bridges. In order to receive the correct discount, eligible clean air vehicles should use a FasTrak Flex or FasTrak CAV toll tag.
  • On 237, solo drivers in eligible CAVs will receive a 50% discount off the toll if they use a FasTrak CAV toll tag. The FasTrak CAV toll tag is the only transponder that will communicate the discounted toll rate to roadside toll equipment. Clean air vehicles with two or more people can travel toll free as a carpool, but must use a FasTrak Flex or FasTrak CAV toll tag.

Is it charging me each time it beeps?

  • No. It detects when you enter and leave the lane, and so charges you for total time spent in the FasTrak lane.

How do I know how much I am being charged?

  • Express lanes are free for qualifying carpoolers, vanpool, buses, and other toll-exempt vehicles.
  • For solo drivers with a FasTrak toll tag, the prices to drive to specific destinations will be posted on signs above the the express lane. The toll on VTA’s State Route 237 Express Lanes varies dynamically based on congestion. Minimum will be $0.30 and the maximum will be $8.00.
  • The actual toll deducted from your FasTrak deposit will depend on the total distance you travel in the express lane.
  • Tolls for solo drivers increase with congestion, and decrease with light traffic. But here is an example: the average toll paid by solo drivers in the I-680 Express Lane from Pleasanton to Milpitas in the morning commute period for January 2015 was $3.11, an average of $0.22 per mile over the 14 mile express lane length.

How do they know how many people I really have in my car?

  • Video cameras on the sign posts
  • Vigilant police
  • Setting you make on your tag for 1, 2, or 3+ people. Motorcyclists should leave their setting at 3+.

If I accidentally drive in the FasTrak lane without a transponder what happens?

  • You will get a bill based on your license plate registration. The price is listed on the overhead signs.

Bay Area FasTrak Facebook Page
This is the official Facebook page of Bay Area FasTrak. FasTrak is an electronic toll collection (ETC) system that allows you to prepay your tolls at all Bay Area toll bridges, eliminating the need to stop at the toll plaza. The system has three components: a toll tag, which is placed inside your vehicle; an overhead antenna, which reads the toll tag and collects the toll; and video cameras to identify toll evaders.hicles per hour than a cash lane.

As you pass through a toll lane, the toll tag is read, and your tolls are deducted from your prepaid toll balance. When you reach your replenishment threshold, your account is replenished automatically, if you opened your account with a credit card. If you opened your account as a cash/check account, then you are responsible for replenishing your account by making regular payments.

The FasTrak system tracks your usage and account balance. A monthly or quarterly statement itemizing your bridge use and account balance will be sent to you through the mail or emailed to you.

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