08 May 2026
If you drive across the Dartford Crossing, you must pay the Dartford Crossing charge (Dart Charge) to avoid penalties. This is one of the UK’s busiest routes, used by over 150,000 vehicles daily and more than 50 million journeys each year.
There are no toll booths, so all payments must be made online or through approved methods via the official GOV.UK website. Just as timely payments ensure a smooth journey, ACE Money Transfer makes sending money globally fast and secure.
The Dart Charge is a road user fee applied when crossing the Dartford Crossing. It uses automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), meaning your vehicle is recorded automatically. It replaced toll booths in 2014 to reduce congestion.
Most drivers must pay the crossing fee unless exempt. Failure to pay on time results in enforcement action.
There are several convenient ways to pay, depending on your usage and preference.
| Method | Suitable For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| One-Off Payment | Occasional users | Fastest, no account needed |
| Pay as You Go | Regular users | No manual payments |
| Pre-Pay Account | Frequent commuters | Up to 20% discount |
Failure to pay by the midnight deadline results in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN):
You can manage everything related to the Dart Charge via the official GOV.UK portal. You will need your vehicle registration number to proceed.
Yes, you can pay after crossing, but it must be done by midnight the next day to avoid a fine.
You can make a one-off payment online using your vehicle registration number and a debit or credit card.
The charge usually applies for each crossing in either direction between 6am and 10pm.
You will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) in the post with a fine starting at £70 plus the original crossing fee.
