Safety First

Automatic Vehicle Identification Technology (Smart Tags)
Autostrade International of Virginia supports and encourages the increased use of automatic vehicle identification technology, that is the use of Smart Tag transponders on the Dulles Greenway. The toll collection system is approximately 99.9% reliable when the transponder is properly installed in your vehicle. However, Autostrade processes about 40,000 Smart Tag transactions per day on the Greenway. The margin of error, .01%, equates to 40 possible system malfunctions per day. By adhering to the following safety tips, which are contained in your Smart Tag application, you can avoid potential mishaps that may occur from a Smart Tag system malfunction:

• Follow the Smart Tag mounting instructions included with your Smart Tag transponder. Our experience has shown that properly mounted tags are significantly more reliable than improperly mounted or hand-held tags.
• Always adhere to the posted 10-mph speed limit through the toll plaza. You can safely stop for a red light at this speed.
• Stay at least one car length behind the car in front of you.
• Never back out of a toll plaza lane. Not only is this a safety hazard but also your Smart Tag will not read in the adjacent lane. If you have difficulties in a lane, wait for toll officer assistance.
• You should always be prepared to stop when the tollbooth light is RED. This is your number one safeguard against misread Smart Tags.

Toll Plazas
While transponders are designed to and will read very often at highway speeds, increased speed can affect the accuracy of the equipment. Furthermore, speeding through the toll lanes faster than 10 m.p.h. increases the risk of a serious accident should you fail to maintain control of your car for any reason. Autostrade International of Virginia provides regular toll officer safety training about when and how to cross lanes of traffic. However, our training is most effective with motorist assistance in observing the safe speed limit.

Work Zones
While we try to schedule highway and toll collection lane maintenance during the least busy travel hours of the day and night, periodically you will see work zones and maintenance works being performed. Please observe basic safety rules while driving in these areas:

• Stay alert and pay close attention. Dedicate your full attention to the roadway.
• Signs and work zone flaggers save lives.
• Turn on your headlights. Workers and other motorists will see you better.
• Don't tailgate.
• Don't speed. Note the posted speed limits in and around the work zone and comply with them.
• Keep up with the traffic flow and don't change lanes while in the work zone.
• Minimize distractions. Avoid changing radio stations and using mobile phone while driving in the work zone.
• Expect the unexpected. Keep an eye out for workers and their equipment.
• Be patient. Remember the work zone crew is working to improve your future ride.

Operational Information

Transponder Malfunction
If your transponder does not read in either a Smart Tag Only or cash lane, you will be required to pay the Smart-tag fare in cash. Autostrade International of Virginia does not have the ability or authority to take your transponder information and charge your account. We do have the ability to verify that your card was indeed not read and not charged for the transaction. If you have any doubt about the transaction, please provide your contact information to the Toll Officer or Plaza Supervisor when paying your toll. A manager or auditor will contact you.

Insufficient Funds
The Dulles Greenway is a limited access highway. However, if you find that you have entered the Dulles Greenway without sufficient funds to pay the toll, either on entry or exit depending on the direction you are traveling, Autostrade International of Virginia provides a one-time process for remitting your toll afterwards. Upon supplying your name, address and telephone number, you may be given an Insufficient Funds form telling you the amount of toll due and a remittance address. You must remit the amount due within seven days or face an administrative processing fee. Please be advised that this is a one-time process. Autostrade International of Virginia does not operate prepaid accounts. Abusers of the unpaid toll process are tracked and may be denied access without the proper funds.