Guides › Parking Fines › Dart Charge Penalty: How to Pay or Challenge
Dart Charge Penalty: How to Pay or Challenge
You must pay the Dartford Crossing charge by midnight the day after you cross. If you do not, a £70 penalty charge notice is sent to the registered keeper, reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days. You can make representations within 28 days, then appeal to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Paying the Charge
Challenging It
Representations and Appeal
Make representations as soon as possible, within 28 days of the PCN issue date. If they fail, Dart Charge sends a Notice of Rejection (this can take up to 56 days) and the full amount applies. You then have 28 days to pay or appeal to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal. A Charge Certificate increases the PCN by 50%. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- MidnightPay the Dart ChargeBy midnight the day after you cross
- 14 daysPay the penalty at 50%From the PCN issue date
- 28 daysMake representationsFrom the PCN issue date
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
If you have just crossed, pay the charge by midnight the next day.
Step 2 of 5
If you get a PCN, check the date, time and vehicle.
Step 3 of 5
If you think it is wrong (for example you paid, or were not the keeper), make representations within 28 days.
Step 4 of 5
If rejected, appeal to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal within 28 days.
Step 5 of 5
If you decide to pay, pay within 14 days for the 50% discount.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Traffic Penalty Tribunal
After Dart Charge rejects your representations. Free.
Dart Charge
Make representations first, within 28 days of the PCN.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Set up a Dart Charge account if you cross often, so you do not forget to pay.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/pay-dartford-crossing-charge Checked 13 October 2026
- tpt.gov.uk/appeals-process-dart-charge Checked 13 October 2026
- tpt.gov.uk Checked 12 October 2026