Get a Pass
To use any Colorado Express Lanes, you will need an ExpressToll account and pass to save money and not pay the License Plate Toll.
With an ExpressToll Account, drivers prepay a $35 toll balance and receive a sticker transponder to place inside their vehicle. Whenever the vehicle drives through tolling points on CDOT's Express Lanes or other Colorado toll roads, the appropriate toll amount is automatically deducted from the vehicle owner's account.
The Switchable HOV Transponder costs $18 to cover the cost of the device and the cost of shipping to you when you order one. The $18 is deducted from the $35 required to set up a new ExpressToll account, leaving a balance of $17 to be used on tolls. If you currently have an ExpressToll account, the $18 will be charged to your current account. The Switchable HOV Transponder is the only pass that allows you to choose the carpool option and use the lanes for free.
People who plan to only carpool in the lane (HOV purists) can get a transponder for free.
Remember:
If you choose not to use a pass, you will be billed through a License Plate Toll. A bill will be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle and you will pay a higher rate based on how far you travel in the Express Lane.
You can go online to set up an ExpressToll account and get a pass.
Express Lanes on I-70 in the mountains and C-470 do not include a "free" policy for HOV vehicles given that a majority of vehicles traveling in the corridor typically have more than one passenger.