Do I Have to Pay the Dart Charge?

Updated

Feb 9, 2026 8:08 PM

Written by Nathan Cafearo

Understand Dart Charge rules, deadlines, 2026 fees, exemptions, and payment options. Avoid £70 penalties and save with pre-pay accounts. Clear, UK-focused guidance for commuters and occasional drivers.

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The essentials in plain English

If you drive over the Dartford Crossing - the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge or the Dartford Tunnels - you usually have to pay the Dart Charge. The rule is simple but strict: pay by midnight the day after you cross. A Monday crossing must be paid by 11:59pm Tuesday. Most penalties happen when that deadline is missed, often by regular commuters who intend to pay later and forget.

The charge applies from 6am to 10pm every day, including weekends and bank holidays. Travel outside these hours and there is no charge. That timing matters if you are planning early morning or late night journeys on the M25.

For 2026, standard fees are clear. Cars and motorhomes pay £3.50 if you pay as you go, or £2.80 if you pre-pay via a Dart Charge account. Two-axle goods vehicles, including many vans, pay £4.20 one-off or £3.60 pre-paid. Heavier vehicles with three or more axles can pay up to £8.40 one-off or £7.20 pre-paid. If your vehicle has droppable axles, they still count for charging.

You can pay online at GOV.UK using your registration number for today, yesterday, or up to 12 months ahead. Phone payments are available on 0300 300 0120, with options at Payzone stores or by post. Advance payments remain valid for up to a year, which helps frequent users budget and avoid slips.

Miss the deadline and a £70 Penalty Charge Notice follows - reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days, rising to £105 if ignored. The original crossing fee still applies.

Local residents in parts of Kent and Essex can qualify for up to 100 free crossings a year on one private vehicle through a Dart Charge account. Blue Badge holders can register a vehicle for free crossings too. These schemes exist to support regular local and disabled drivers.

A Dart Charge account is the easiest way to avoid mistakes. Link up to four vehicles, set auto-pay or keep a pre-paid balance, and receive an email receipt for every crossing. There is a £10 initial deposit and a £5 minimum balance requirement. For frequent users, the pre-pay discount can mean up to 20 percent savings.

Standout takeaway: know the deadline, know your rate, pay the right way - and you will not see a penalty.

Next step: set a payment reminder on your phone and open a Dart Charge account if you use the crossing regularly.

Who benefits from this guide

If you drive the M25 via Dartford for work, school runs, or occasional trips to Kent and Essex, this is for you. Commuters will find the deadline details essential. Small businesses with vans or minibuses can use the commercial rates below to set accurate costs and avoid penalties. Local residents can check if the free-crossings scheme fits their circumstances. Disabled drivers and carers can see how to register for exemptions. Even if you rarely use the crossing, understanding when charges apply - and when they do not - keeps your journey simple and your budget intact.

Ways to pay and stay compliant

Pay online at GOV.UK with your vehicle registration.
Use the phone line: 0300 300 0120 during service hours.
Pay in person at participating Payzone stores.
Post a payment to the official Dart Charge PO Box.
Open a Dart Charge account for auto-pay and discounts.
Pre-pay crossings up to 12 months in advance online.
Use reputable apps like Caura to settle quickly.

What it costs and why it matters

Option	Typical cost 2026	Impact on budget	Potential saving	Main risks
Pay-as-you-go car/motorhome	£3.50 per crossing	Predictable per trip	None vs account	Missing deadline triggers £70 PCN
Pre-paid account car/motorhome	£2.80 per crossing	Lower per trip for regulars	Up to 20% vs one-off	Balance must be kept above £5
Two-axle goods vehicles	£4.20 one-off or £3.60 pre-pay	Higher cost for vans/buses	Up to 20% with account	Miscounting axles leads to wrong rate
Three+ axle vehicles	Up to £8.40 one-off or £7.20 pre-pay	Significant for fleets	Up to 20% with account	Penalties multiply across vehicles
Local resident scheme	Up to 100 free crossings yearly	Major relief for one vehicle	Large savings if eligible	Strict proof and one-vehicle limit
Disabled driver exemption	Free for registered vehicle	Removes ongoing cost	Full fee waived	Must register before travel if possible

Short reminder: penalties rise to £105 if ignored - and the original toll still applies.

Who qualifies for discounts and exemptions

Eligibility depends on where you live, your vehicle, and whether you register in advance. Local residents in parts of Kent and Essex can access up to 100 free crossings a year, but it is limited to one private vehicle per household and requires proof such as a V5C, driving licence, and a recent utility bill. Goods vehicles may be included if privately owned and registered to the eligible address. You must hold a Dart Charge account to use the resident scheme.

Disabled drivers with a valid Blue Badge can register a single vehicle for free crossings. As with residents, evidence is required and the exemption is linked to one vehicle per application. If you are a carer regularly driving a Blue Badge holder, ensure the vehicle you use is the one registered for the exemption.

For frequent users who do not qualify for exemptions, a Dart Charge account remains the most cost-effective route. It enables auto-pay or pre-pay with up to 20 percent discount compared with one-off payments. Kandoo encourages drivers who budget monthly to consider pre-loading funds so balances remain above the £5 minimum, preventing missed payments.

Pay it correctly - step-by-step

Check if your crossing was between 6am and 10pm.
Confirm the deadline - midnight the day after crossing.
Choose payment method - online, phone, store, or post.
Enter vehicle registration and confirm the date crossed.
Select vehicle type and verify axle count if applicable.
Pay the correct amount and save your receipt email.
For regular use, open a Dart Charge account and enable auto-pay.

Quick view of upsides and downsides

Pros	Cons
Pre-pay discounts up to 20 percent	Account needs £10 deposit and £5 minimum balance
Auto-pay prevents missed deadlines	Changing vehicles requires updating account promptly
Multiple payment channels available	Posted payments risk postal delays
Night travel 10pm-6am is free	Commercial vehicles face higher tariffs

Read this before you set off

The most common mistake is waiting until later. Pay on the day you travel where possible, or set up auto-pay so it is handled for you. If you drive a van or coach, check your axle count carefully - droppable axles still count. Leased and company vehicles may add admin fees if a penalty arrives, so register the correct keeper details and payment method from the start. If you use third-party apps, confirm you receive a payment confirmation and keep the email or reference. Finally, note that both directions at Dartford are charged during operating hours. Planning a late evening or very early morning trip can legitimately reduce costs if timing suits your schedule.

If this is not the right fit

Travel outside charge hours - cross between 10pm and 6am.
Use alternative routes that avoid Dartford, time and fuel permitting.
Car share to reduce total crossings per person each week.
Public transport or rail for trips that do not need a car.
Consider delivery scheduling to avoid peak charge periods.

Frequently asked questions

Q: When exactly do I need to pay the Dart Charge? A: By 11:59pm the day after you cross. For a Monday trip, pay by Tuesday night. Paying on the day is the safest approach.

Q: What are the 2026 fees for cars and vans? A: Cars and motorhomes pay £3.50 one-off or £2.80 pre-paid. Two-axle vans and buses pay £4.20 one-off or £3.60 pre-paid. Three or more axles can be up to £8.40 one-off or £7.20 pre-paid.

Q: Are there times when the crossing is free? A: Yes. There is no charge from 10pm to 6am daily, including weekends and bank holidays.

Q: What happens if I forget to pay? A: You will receive a £70 Penalty Charge Notice, reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days. Ignore it and it can rise to £105. The original toll remains due.

Q: How can I pay quickly? A: Use GOV.UK with your registration number, call 0300 300 0120, visit Payzone stores, or post a payment. You can also use reputable apps like Caura.

Q: Is a Dart Charge account worth it? A: For regular users, yes. You can link up to four vehicles, set auto-pay, access up to 20 percent discounts, and receive emailed receipts. There is a £10 deposit and £5 minimum balance.

Q: Do residents or disabled drivers pay? A: Eligible Kent or Essex residents can get up to 100 free crossings yearly for one private vehicle. Blue Badge holders can register one vehicle for free crossings.

How Kandoo can help

Kandoo is a UK-based retail finance broker. We help you budget smartly for motoring costs by comparing finance options for vehicles, equipment, and essential travel expenses. If better cash flow will keep your account topped up and your journeys stress-free, speak to Kandoo and explore flexible, responsible credit options tailored to UK drivers.

Important information

This guide provides general information and is not financial or legal advice. Dart Charge rules and fees can change. Always check the latest details on GOV.UK before travelling or making any payment. If in doubt, seek professional guidance.