How to challenge a Dart Charge penalty (Dartford Crossing)
Last reviewed: November 2026
In a nutshell
The Dartford Crossing has no toll booths: you pay the Dart Charge online, by phone or with an account. It's usually payable by midnight the day after you cross. If it isn't paid, a Penalty Charge Notice is sent to the registered keeper. You can make representations within 28 days and then appeal free to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal.
Check these first
- Did you pay, perhaps for the wrong date or registration? Find the confirmation email or bank statement.
- Do you have a Dart Charge account with Auto Pay? If a payment failed, include screenshots of the account.
- Did you actually cross on that date? If not, the plates may have been cloned.
- Were you the owner on that date? If you'd sold the vehicle, include proof.
- Is your vehicle exempt (some vehicles, such as certain disabled tax class vehicles, are)?
How to challenge it
- 1. Make representations to Dart Charge within 28 days of the notice date, using the details on the notice.
- 2. If they're rejected, you can appeal free to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, usually within 28 days.
- 3. Unpaid penalties usually increase and can be passed to enforcement agents, so don't ignore them.
First time? Ask for leniency
If you genuinely didn't know the crossing had to be paid for online, or you made an honest mistake with the date or registration, explain this clearly and ask the issuer to use its discretion. It isn't a legal ground, but mistakes like these are worth raising.
Share this guide
Know someone dealing with this? Send them the guide. It's free to read.
Got a ticket? Check it free
Upload a photo of your Parking Charge Notice and find out in under a minute if you have possible grounds to appeal.
Check my ticket for freeThis guide is general information about UK private parking charges, not legal advice. Rules and codes of practice can change. Always check the details on your own notice and, if in doubt, get free advice from Citizens Advice.