Ontario 407 ETR Complete Guide: Transponder, Rates & Payment 2025
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Ontario 407 ETR Complete Guide
System: Electronic toll collection (transponder + license plate recognition)
Coverage: Greater Toronto Area (GTA) - Highway 407 ETR (108km)
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Technology: Open road tolling, automatic license plate recognition
Operators: 407 ETR Concession Company (private)
Do I Need a Transponder for 407 ETR? 2025 Update
No, you don't need a transponder to drive on Highway 407 ETR - but you'll save money with one. Ontario's toll system uses automatic license plate recognition for vehicles without transponders, though transponders eliminate additional fees and provide convenience.
Key Reality: A transponder pays for itself after just three round trips per year by eliminating camera charges and account fees. Heavy vehicles over 5,000 kg are legally required to have transponders.
2025 Update: Major changes include expanded toll zones (4 to 12 zones), new vehicle classifications, and rate increases averaging $8 monthly for regular users. The provincially-owned section (Pickering to Clarington) became toll-free on June 1, 2025.
Ontario 407 ETR Costs: Current Rates
Ontario operates Canada's most extensive electronic toll highway system, primarily serving the Greater Toronto Area with time-of-day and zone-based pricing.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
| Vehicle Class | Off-Peak Rate/km | Peak Rate/km | Recent Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Vehicles (Cars) | $0.18-0.36 | $0.44-0.85 | Jan 2025: 3-14¢ increase |
| Motorcycles (NEW) | $0.14-0.29 | $0.35-0.68 | New separate class 2025 |
| Medium Vehicles | $0.36-0.72 | $0.88-1.70 | Restructured classifications |
| Heavy Vehicles | $0.72-1.44 | $1.76-3.40 | Transponder mandatory |
New 12-Zone Structure (2025)
Highway 407 ETR expanded from 4 to 12 zones to optimize traffic flow and pricing:
- Zone 1: QEW to Dundas
- Zone 2: Dundas to Neyagawa
- Zone 3: Neyagawa to Highway 403
- Zone 4: Highway 403 to Highway 401
- Zone 5: Highway 401 to Highway 410
- Zone 6: Highway 410 to Highway 427
- Zone 7: Highway 427 to Highway 400
- Zone 8: Highway 400 to Yonge
- Zone 9: Yonge to Highway 404
- Zone 10: Highway 404 to McCowan
- Zone 11: McCowan to York Durham Line
- Zone 12: York Durham Line to Brock (connects to toll-free Highway 407 East)
How to Pay 407 ETR Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods to pay toll on Highway 407 ETR:
1. Transponder (Recommended):
- Annual lease: $29.50 + tax (2025 rate)
- Additional transponders: $11.95 + tax per unit
- Eliminates camera charges and account fees
- Mandatory for heavy vehicles over 5,000 kg
2. License Plate Recognition:
- Automatic billing to registered vehicle owner
- Bills mailed within 45 days of first trip
- Additional camera charges and account fees apply
- Payment via online, phone, or mail
3. Payment Options:
- Online: 407etr.com or mobile app
- Phone: 1-888-407-0407
- Bank transfer: Select '407 ETR' as payee
- Mail: Cheque or money order
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types on Ontario toll roads, use TollGuru Ontario toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Rate and Structure Changes:
- Zones expanded from 4 to 12 for more precise pricing
- New motorcycle classification with lower rates
- Rate increases of 3-14¢ per km depending on time and zone
- First fee increases in 5 years (camera charges, account fees, transponder lease)
Network Changes:
- Highway 407 East (Pickering to Clarington) became toll-free June 1, 2025
- Enhanced promotional offers targeting over 1 million customers
- New Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) implemented
- 30 new state-of-the-art snowplows added for winter operations
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Vehicle Classification Errors:
- Heavy vehicles over 5,000 kg must have transponders - no exceptions
- Motorcycles now have separate classification (lower rates than cars)
- SUVs/vans towing trailers moved to higher vehicle classes
Payment and Account Issues:
- Rental car companies add processing fees - ask about their policies
- Keep address updated to receive bills promptly
- Unpaid tolls can prevent license plate renewal in Ontario
- Camera charges and account fees add up quickly without transponder
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations
- Daily commuter costs: $8-25 for typical GTA routes
- Full highway length: $19-92 depending on time and vehicle class
- Monthly bill increase: Average $8 for regular transponder users
- Transponder savings: Pays for itself after 3 round trips annually
Peak vs Off-Peak Travel
- Peak hours: 6:00-9:59 AM and 3:00-6:59 PM weekdays
- Off-peak savings: Up to 50% lower rates during non-peak hours
- Weekend rates: Midday pricing (11:00 AM-6:59 PM)
- Holiday rates: Follow weekend schedule
Toll-Free Alternatives
- Highway 401: Parallel toll-free route (significantly slower and more congested)
- Highway 407 East: Toll-free since June 2025 (Pickering to Clarington)
- Regional roads: Available but add substantial travel time
- Public transit: GO Transit serves similar corridors
Regional Toll Information
Greater Toronto Area (GTA) - Ontario's Only Toll Highway:
- Highway 407 ETR: 108km from Burlington to Pickering (private, tolled)
- Highway 407 East: Pickering to Clarington (public, toll-free since June 2025)
- Serves 3+ million weekly users (equivalent to Toronto's population)
- Connects major GTA communities and employment centers
Rest of Ontario - Toll-Free Network:
- All other provincial highways toll-free
- Trans-Canada Highway toll-free through Ontario
- Border crossings: Some international bridges charge tolls
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid 407 ETR tolls completely?
Yes, Highway 401 provides a toll-free alternative to Highway 407 ETR, though it's significantly slower and more congested. The eastern section (Highway 407 East) is now toll-free since June 2025.
What happens if I don't pay 407 ETR tolls?
Unpaid tolls can result in license plate denial, preventing vehicle registration renewal. Ontario has unique authority to refuse plate renewals for unpaid 407 ETR tolls.
Do motorcycles pay tolls on 407 ETR?
Yes, but motorcycles now have their own classification with lower rates than cars. 2025 rates range from $0.18-0.58 per kilometer depending on time and zone.
Why are 407 ETR tolls so expensive?
The private 407 ETR section operates under a 99-year lease with unlimited toll-setting authority. The original plan to eliminate tolls after construction costs were recovered was abandoned after privatization.
Do tourists get different rates?
No, all vehicles pay the same rates regardless of origin. However, rental car companies may add administrative fees for toll processing, and out-of-province vehicles still receive bills by mail.
Ontario vs. Regional Jurisdictions
| Jurisdiction | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario (407 ETR) | Electronic tolling | $0.18-0.85/km | Single highway (108km) |
| Canada (National) | Limited toll facilities | Varies by province | 4 provinces only |
| United States | State-specific systems | Varies by state | Multiple states |
Useful Links & Resources
Official 407 ETR Resources:
- 407 ETR: 407etr.com - Official toll calculator and account management
- Mobile app: Available for iOS and Android at 407etr.com/app
- Toll calculator: 407etr.com/tollcalculator
Customer Service:
- 407 ETR Customer Service: 1-888-407-0407
- Lost transponder: 1-888-407-0407
- Provincial Highway 407: on407.ca
