Act fast — every day of delay increases the risk of a fine. Pay now at gov.uk or call 0300 300 0120.

Forgot to Pay the Dart Charge?Here's What to Do Right Now — Step by Step

What's Your Situation?

Scenario 1: You crossed less than 24 hours ago

You can still pay normally. The deadline is midnight the day after you crossed — you have time. Pay right now online or by phone.

Scenario 2: 1–3 days since crossing — no PCN yet

Try paying online anyway. The system sometimes accepts payments 1–3 days after the deadline before the PCN process is triggered. There's no guarantee, but it's worth trying immediately.

If the system rejects the payment, you'll need to wait for the PCN to arrive and then deal with it (see Scenario 3).

Try paying now

Scenario 3: You've already received a PCN

Pay within 14 days to get the 50% discount. The PCN is £70, but paying within 14 days reduces it to £35. Act quickly.

Full PCN & appeal guide

The Exact Payment Deadline

Cross Monday 9am
Pay by: Tuesday 11:59pm
Cross Monday 11pm
Pay by: Tuesday 11:59pm
Cross Friday 6pm
Pay by: Saturday 11:59pm
Cross Sunday midnight
Pay by: Monday 11:59pm

Note: The deadline is always midnight (11:59pm) on the calendar day after you cross — regardless of what time you crossed. A 10pm crossing on Monday still has a Tuesday midnight deadline.

The cost of waiting

A £3.50 car crossing becomes £35 if you receive a PCN and pay within 14 days. Wait longer and it becomes £70, then £105, then £157.50+ at county court. Every stage of delay is a bad deal.

How to Avoid This Next Time

Set up a pre-pay account
The single best solution. The charge deducts automatically every time you cross — you never need to remember to pay again, and you save 20% per crossing.
Set up pre-pay →
Download the Dart Charge app
The official app lets you pay instantly and set payment reminders. Takes 30 seconds per crossing.
App guide →
Pay in advance
You can pay up to 24 hours before you cross. If you know you're driving through, pay the morning before.
How to pay →
Set a phone reminder when you cross
As soon as you enter the crossing, set a phone alarm or calendar reminder for the following day to pay.

Pay Right Now

Pay on gov.uk →0300 300 0120

Phone lines open 24/7

Already received a PCN?

Pay within 14 days to get the reduced rate of £35.

PCN & appeal guide