Chimicles Schwartz Kriner & Donaldson-Smith LLP Investigates Unexpected Rental Car Fees Related to Golden Gate Bridge Toll Charge

Chimicles Schwartz Kriner & Donaldson-Smith LLP (CSK&D) is investigating potential claims related to exorbitant rental car fees charged for crossing the Golden Gate Bridge that unexpectedly appear on the car renter’s credit card.

The Golden Gate Bridge only accepts toll payments by electronic means, i.e. through use of a pass or transponder, or through billing by license plates in the absence of a pass. There is no option to pay cash at a toll booth when crossing the Bridge. Rental cars are equipped with the “PlatePass” service that automatically activates when the car crosses the Golden Gate Bridge. However, the PlatePass service charges a renter’s credit card $4.95 per day for the duration of the car rental regardless of whether a renter drove on a toll road that day. The service’s maximum cost is $24.75, but toll charges are due in addition to that PlatePass service fee. These unexpected charges are separate from the amount due for the vehicle rental and are automatically charged to the renter’s credit card.

Consumers using rental cars are routinely unaware of and/or cannot avoid the mandatory daily service fee, which typically accumulates to large sum over the course of weeks.  Some consumers report receiving a bill for the monthly maximum charge of $24.75 despite having only used the Bridge once during a five day rental period. Consumers should not be forced to pay this expensive hidden fee when they are not utilizing the toll bridge, and charging this fee may be a violation of consumer protection laws.

If you have been unexpectedly charged for the PlatePass service for crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, please contact one of the attorneys listed below: