Dartford Crossing (Dart Charge)
The Dartford Crossing — the QE2 Bridge and the Dartford Tunnel where the M25 crosses the Thames between Kent and Essex — has no toll booths. Cameras read your number plate and you pay online later, which is exactly why so many people get caught out.
The charge (the “Dart Charge”) applies from 6am to 10pm every day. Because there's no barrier stopping you, it's easy to drive through without realising you owe anything at all.
Typical charge
£3.50
Fine if you forget
£70.00
Pay-by deadline
By midnight the day after you cross. Miss it and a Penalty Charge Notice follows.
How to pay it yourself
- 1Go to the official Dart Charge service on GOV.UK.
- 2Enter your number plate and the date you crossed.
- 3Pay the crossing charge (a standard car is £3.50 per crossing).
- 4Keep the confirmation — there's no receipt posted to you.
What happens if you don't pay
A £70 Penalty Charge Notice (reduced to £35 if you pay within 14 days, rising to £105 if you don't). One forgotten £3.50 crossing becomes a £70 fine.
Never get another Dartford Crossing fine
Snaptoll is built to pay the Dartford Crossing for you automatically — register your plate once and never track a deadline again. We're launching soon: join the waitlist and we'll tell you the moment it's live.
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Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to pay the Dartford Crossing?
You must pay by midnight on the day after you cross. There are no booths, so nothing reminds you at the time — the responsibility to remember is entirely yours.
What is the fine for not paying the Dart Charge?
£70, reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days and rising to £105 if it goes unpaid. Around 1.8 million of these penalties are issued every year.
Do I have to pay if I only crossed once?
Yes — every crossing between 6am and 10pm is chargeable, whether you're a regular commuter or crossed once on holiday.
How does Snaptoll handle the Dartford Crossing?
You register your number plate with us once. When you cross, the charge is settled automatically before the deadline — you never track a thing and never risk the £70 fine.