Thousands Fined by Dart Charge in 2025 — Here’s How to Beat Yours

If you've just got a £70 Dart Charge fine in the post, you're not alone. Thousands of UK drivers get fined every year after crossing the Dartford Crossing and forget to pay — often because there are no toll booths.

But here's the good news: you might not have to pay it. Many drivers successfully appeal their Dart Charge fines, and you can too — especially if it was a genuine mistake.

Appeal your Dartford Crossing Ticket with Resolvo - it's completely free

💡What Is the Dart Charge Fine?

The Dartford Crossing (part of the M25 between Kent and Essex) charges a toll known as the Dart Charge. It applies whether you're using the Dartford Tunnel (southbound) or the QEII Bridge (northbound).

The Dart Charge is a toll you must pay when crossing the Dartford Tunnel on the M25 between 6am and 10pm.

Charge times:

6am to 10pm, every day, including weekends and bank holidays
Free overnight from 10pm to 6am

Toll cost:

Cars and small vans: £2.50
Large vans and minibuses: £3.00–£6.00
Motorbikes and disabled tax-exempt vehicles: Free

You must pay by midnight the day after you cross — there are no toll booths, it’s all done online or by phone.

🚫 What Happens If You Don’t Pay?

If you forget to pay, you’ll receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) through the post. This is a civil penalty — not a criminal offence — but it’s still enforceable.

The fine:

£70 standard penalty
£35 if paid within 14 days
£105 if not paid on time

The notice will include your vehicle registration, the time/date of crossing, and a reference to gov.uk/dart-charge.

🧾 Why You Might Have Been Fined (Even If You Didn’t Mean To)

Many drivers are fined due to simple mistakes like:

Forgetting there are no toll booths
Assuming the Dartford Crossing is free
Driving a rental or lease car
Paying but entering the wrong number plate
Crossing during charge hours without knowing
Not receiving the notice in time due to a change of address

Can You Appeal a Dart Charge Fine?

Yes — and many people do so successfully.

You can appeal your Dart Charge PCN if:

You paid, but it wasn’t recorded
You crossed outside the charge hours (10pm–6am)
The car wasn’t yours (sold, stolen, wrong reg)
You had a medical emergency or a valid excuse
It’s your first offence and you acted in good faith

📋 What Happens When You Appeal?

The fine is paused during the appeal process
If your appeal is accepted, the fine is cancelled
If rejected, you may still be allowed to pay the reduced £35 (if you appealed within 14 days)

Appealing doesn’t cost anything — so there’s no risk in trying if you believe the fine is unfair.

✍️ How to Write a Strong Appeal Letter

Your appeal should clearly explain:

What happened and why you didn’t pay
Any evidence you have (screenshots, receipts, vehicle documents)
That you acted in good faith or had a genuine reason

Don’t Know What to Write in Your Appeal? Resolvo Will Help

If you don’t know how to word your appeal or what to say, Resolvo can help.

Here's how it works:

Tell Resolvo what happened (or upload your fine)
It generates a clear and structured based appeal letter based on your situation
You submit it online to Dart Charge

🟢 Start your Dart Charge appeal with Resolvo now

Don’t Ignore It — But Don’t Panic Either

Dart Charge fines can feel harsh — especially when they come unexpectedly. But you have options.

If you believe the fine was unfair or you made a genuine mistake, appeal it before paying. Resolvo can help you do that quickly and clearly.

Write your Dart Charge appeal with Resolvo

Dart Charge FAQs

1. How long does it take to receive a Dart Charge fine?

Most Dart Charge fines (PCNs) are sent within 7 to 14 days of the crossing. If the vehicle is registered to a lease or hire company, or your DVLA address is outdated, it might take longer to reach you.

2. What happens if I ignore a Dart Charge PCN?

If you ignore the penalty, the fine increases from £70 to £105 after 28 days. Continued non-payment could lead to debt collection and potentially a County Court Judgment (CCJ), which can damage your credit score.

3. Can I pay the Dart Charge late if I forgot?

No. Dart Charge payments must be made by midnight the day after you cross. After that, you can’t make a late payment — you’ll need to wait for the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) to arrive, then decide whether to appeal or pay.

4. How do I know if I’ve already paid the Dart Charge?

You can check your payment history by logging into your Dart Charge account at gov.uk/dart-charge, or by contacting the support line on 0300 300 0120.

5. Can I view CCTV or number plate camera footage of my crossing?

You won’t receive full CCTV footage, but the PCN will include still images from ANPR cameras showing your vehicle at the crossing. You can request more details when appealing if you believe the fine was issued incorrectly.

6. I sold my car before the crossing — do I still have to pay?

If you were no longer the registered keeper at the time of the crossing, you should not be liable. Appeal the fine with proof of sale (like a receipt or DVLA confirmation) showing when ownership transferred.

7. Can I appeal a Dart Charge PCN if I was driving a hire or lease car?

Yes. If the vehicle was hired and the fine wasn’t passed on promptly, you can explain this in your appeal. Include a copy of the rental agreement and any correspondence showing delayed notification.

8. Can I add multiple vehicles to my Dart Charge account?

Yes, Dart Charge allows you to add and manage multiple vehicles from a single account. This is useful for households with more than one car or for small businesses managing a small fleet.

9. Does TfL Auto Pay cover the Dart Charge?

No — TfL Auto Pay and Dart Charge are separate systems. TfL Auto Pay covers the Congestion Charge, Silver Town Crossing in London. Dart Charge must be paid through its own account at gov.uk/dart-charge.

10. Can I get a refund after paying the fine if I realise it was a mistake?

Once you’ve paid a Dart Charge PCN, you’re generally considered to have accepted liability and can no longer appeal. Refunds are rare, but if you believe the fine was clearly issued in error, you can still write to Dart Charge to request a review.