Mexico City — Mexico’s toll roads will stop accepting cash by the end of 2026 as part of a nationwide transition to electronic payments, the country’s infrastructure ministry announced.
Jesús Antonio Esteva Medina, head of the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT), said the shift to a “zero cash” system will begin in the coming months and cover all toll plazas across the country. He made the announcement during an appearance before the Chamber of Deputies.
The project is being developed in coordination with the Digital Transformation Agency and involves installing telepeaje (electronic toll collection) systems in all lanes, Esteva said.
While no exact date has been set for the complete elimination of cash, Esteva said the goal is to have the system fully implemented before the end of 2026. The transition is part of a public investment package worth 528 billion pesos ($28 billion) aimed at strengthening highway infrastructure and improving mobility nationwide.
Drivers will be able to pay using TAG IAVE, TAG PASE, TAG Televía, debit cards, or credit cards. Authorities said electronic payment terminals will continue to be expanded at toll plazas where they are not yet available.
The SICT said the main goal is to speed up traffic flow on toll roads. Long lines at toll booths are often caused by the time it takes to handle cash, make change, and issue receipts. Electronic payments are expected to reduce wait times, decrease congestion during holiday seasons, improve security at toll plazas, reduce cash handling, and promote digitalization of public services.
Authorities recommended that frequent highway users obtain a compatible TAG device in advance or verify that their bank cards can be used at toll plazas where electronic terminals are already operating. The migration will be gradual, covering the entire toll road network by the end of 2026.
