Cash Payments Still Accepted at Toll Booths

Despite growing speculation, cash payments remain valid at toll booths on federal highways operated by Mexico’s Caminos y Puentes Federales (CAPUFE).

CAPUFE, the federal agency overseeing over 1,000 toll lanes nationwide, confirmed that while it is moving toward electronic toll collection, cash will not be phased out entirely. Officials clarified that the mandatory use of the IAVE electronic tag will begin gradually in January 2026, not August, as previously rumored.

Currently, 917 of CAPUFE’s 1,012 toll lanes (90.6%) support electronic payments. The agency plans to begin testing in the coming weeks to transition 90% of lanes to TAG-only use by the 2026 deadline. Cash lanes will remain available, though in reduced numbers.

CAPUFE said the shift to electronic tolling aims to improve traffic flow and increase safety at toll plazas.

Sara Aguilar

Sara, born in Mexico City, holds diplomas in cultural history, ESL instruction and broadcasting. She joined the Gringo Gazette in 2005, contributing stories on culture, history and news. She also paints in watercolor and occasionally writes under pen names.

See Full Bio