Updated 24 March 2026
Forgot to Pay the Dartford Crossing? What Happens Next
Do not panic. You have until midnight the next day. After that, here is what to expect and how to deal with it.
The Timeline
You crossed the Dartford Crossing
Cameras read your number plate. The clock starts.
By midnight the next day: Pay normally
Pay online at gov.uk/dart-charge, by phone (0300 300 0120), or at Payzone. Cost: £2.50 (car) or £2.00 (pre-pay). No penalty.
Missed the deadline: Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)
You will receive a PCN in the post within 28 days. The charge is £70. Pay within 14 days and it is reduced to £35.
Ignore the PCN: Charge increases
After 28 days without payment or appeal, the charge rises to £105. A Charge Certificate is issued. If still unpaid, it goes to a county court and becomes £157.50 plus court costs.
Fine Escalation
| Stage | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Normal payment | £2.50 | By midnight next day |
| PCN (early payment) | £35 | Within 14 days of PCN |
| PCN (full amount) | £70 | Within 28 days of PCN |
| Charge Certificate | £105 | After 28 days |
| County Court | £157.50+ | Plus court costs |
How to Pay Late (But Before the PCN)
If you are past midnight but have not received a PCN yet, pay anyway. Sometimes the system accepts late payments within 2-3 days. It is worth trying:
- • Online: gov.uk/dart-charge - enter your registration and pay
- • Phone: 0300 300 0120 (available 24/7)
- • Payzone: Any Payzone outlet with your registration number
How to Appeal a PCN
You can appeal within 28 days of receiving the PCN. Common successful grounds:
- • You paid but the payment was not recorded (keep your receipt/confirmation)
- • Your number plate was misread by the camera
- • You were not the driver (you must name the actual driver)
- • You have a Blue Badge exemption and it was not registered
- • The vehicle was stolen at the time of crossing
- • The signage was unclear or you were directed onto the crossing by emergency services
Appeal online at dartcharge.service.gov.uk or by post to Dart Charge, PO Box 842, Leeds LS1 9QF.
How to Avoid This in Future
- • Set up a pre-pay account: £2.00 per crossing (saves £0.50 each time) and auto-deducts so you never forget
- • Pay before you cross: You can pay up to 24 hours in advance
- • Set a phone reminder: If you cross, set an alarm for that evening to pay
- • Use the Dart Charge app: Get notifications and pay instantly
Key point: A £2.50 crossing costs £35 if you pay the PCN within 14 days, or £157.50+ if it reaches county court. Set up a pre-pay account and never think about it again.
See all Dartford Crossing costs
Charges by vehicle type, pre-pay discounts, and penalty rates.
View Full Guide →