Stickers! Who didn’t love getting a sticker on a test as a kid? Or reading bumper stickers on other people’s cars on a road trip. Just the word has a happy feel to it. Stickers are all around us and have become an integral part of everyday life. January 13 marks National Sticker Day and it’s the perfect day to highlight our favorite decal – the FasTrak® sticker transponder! But before we brag on our favorite sticker, let’s look at the history of these sticky little items.
Did you know the earliest known ‘stickers’ were used around 300 BC in marketplaces to show the prices of produce?
In the 1800’s the first official prepaid postage stamp, called the ‘Penny Black,’ appeared and featured a glutinous wash on the backside to adhere it to letters.
If you’ve ever worked in an office, you’ve heard of Avery labels. In 1935, R. Stanton Avery created the modern-day sticker that could cut to any shape and had a peel-off backing.
Stickers have come a long way since then, and today, are used in a variety of ways. From political stickers (I VOTED) to bumper stickers (STUDENT OF THE MONTH), you’ll find one for every shape, size and occasion.
Now, on to our favorite. The FasTrak® sticker transponder – featuring the latest in electronic toll collection technology – was first introduced in 2019 to replace existing hardcase transponders. These small, durable stickers resemble the size of an adhesive bandage (another sticker!) and can be used to pay tolls on all of California’s tolled bridges, lanes and roads. For The Toll Roads’ customers, sticker transponders are free and are the preferred transponder for those who mainly drive The Toll Roads.
Unlike the switchable hardcase transponder, the smaller sticker can be placed on your windshield with minimal space required. Something to consider – the sticker transponders cannot be used for carpool discounts with other tolling agencies, given The Toll Roads do not have carpool lanes. We do however offer frequent driver discounts for our customers (learn more). If you carpool on other local toll lanes, you may want to consider purchasing the switchable transponder to receive a carpool discount.
The Toll Roads offer a variety of transponders to best fit the needs of our drivers. Whether you have a sticker or switchable, all transponders issued by The Toll Roads can be used to pay tolls on any tolled bridge, lane and road throughout California.
Because your FasTrak transponder can be used on any tolled facility, you only need one account. When you open an account, it is important to do so with the agency that operates the facility that you’ll use most, to take advantage of programs and discounts that best match your driving habits.
Questions about what transponder is right for you? There’s nothing s-tricky about it. Visit TheTollRoads.com to learn more.
Happy National Sticker Day!
The Toll Roads Blog 