Pay Dartford Crossing Charge (Dart Charge) by Midnight Following Cross
Summary
National Highways (UK) reminds drivers of the Dartford Crossing toll payment requirements. Users must pay the Dart Charge by midnight the day after crossing, between 6am and 10pm including weekends and bank holidays. Non-payment may result in a Penalty Charge Notice. Motorcycles, mopeds, quad bikes, and vehicles with disability vehicle tax exemption are exempt.
What changed
This is an informational page from National Highways explaining existing Dartford Crossing toll payment procedures. Drivers using the crossing between 6am-10pm must pay by midnight the following day or face potential Penalty Charge Notices. The page outlines three payment methods: one-off payment, pay-as-you-go account, or pre-pay account (offering up to 20% discount). Cash payments at Payzone stores and postal options are also available.
Drivers should ensure timely payment to avoid fines. Motorcycles, mopeds, quad bikes, and vehicles with disability-related vehicle tax exemption are not required to pay. Fleet operators and frequent users may benefit from setting up pre-pay accounts to receive the 20% discount.
What to do next
- Pay Dartford Crossing charge by midnight the day after crossing
- Set up a Dart Charge account for pay-as-you-go or pre-pay options
- Challenge any Penalty Charge Notice within the specified timeframe
Archived snapshot
Apr 16, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Pay the Dartford Crossing charge (Dart Charge)
Paying the charge
You need to pay the Dartford Crossing charge (Dart Charge) by midnight the day after you cross.
If you do not pay the Dart Charge on time you might get a fine.
Use this service to:
- pay the Dart Charge
- set up a Dart Charge account
- pay or challenge a fine (also called a ‘Penalty Charge Notice’ or PCN)
check which crossings you’ve paid for
You need your:vehicle registration number (number plate)
PCN reference number if you’re paying or challenging a fine
If you’ve already set up an account, sign in to manage your account or pay the charge.
Who needs to pay the charge
You usually need to pay the charge if you use the Dartford Crossing between 6am and 10pm - including at weekends and on bank holidays.
You do not need to pay if you:
- cross on a motorcycle, moped or quad bike
- get free UK vehicle tax because of a disability (your vehicle will be checked automatically when you cross) Find out how much the charge is and if you can save money by creating an account.
How to pay
There are 3 ways you can pay.
One-off payment
Pay by midnight the day after you cross. You can also pay for future crossings.
If you pay for a future crossing, your payment will be valid for 12 months. It will be used automatically when you make your next crossing.
You do not need to set up a Dart Charge account.
Pay as you go
Set up a Dart Charge account and add a payment card to it.
Payment will automatically be taken from your card at midnight the day after you cross.
Pre-pay
Set up a Dart Charge account and add money to it.
When you cross, payment will automatically be taken from the money you have available in your Dart Charge account.
If you have a pre-pay account, you will get a discount of up to 20%.
If you want to change whether your account is pre-pay or pay as you go, you will need to close your account and open a new one.
Other ways to pay
You can:
- pay with cash at a Payzone store - find your nearest Payzone store
- set up an account by post
- pay in advance or top-up your account by post
- pay a fine (or PCN) by phone
- pay or set up an account by phoning the Dart Charge contact centre
Contact Dart Charge
By phone
Dart Charge contact centre
Telephone: 0300 300 0120
Textphone: 18001 0300 300 0120
Every day, 8am to 8pm
Find out about call charges
There’s another phone number if you’re paying a fine (or PCN).
Online
You can send questions and complaints online about paying the Dart Charge.
View a printable version of the whole guide
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