About Highway 407 ETR
Highway 407 ETR (Express Toll Route) is a fully electronic toll highway running approximately 108 kilometres across the northern fringe of the Greater Toronto Area, from its western terminus at Highway 403 near Burlington to its current eastern terminus in Oshawa. Opened in 1997, it was one of the first all-electronic toll highways in the world — there are no toll booths anywhere on the route. Billing is handled automatically via transponder or licence-plate recognition cameras at every on-ramp and off-ramp. There is no option to pay cash, so drivers using the highway must be prepared for a toll bill.
Bypassing the 401
The 407's primary value proposition is simple: it runs parallel to and north of Highway 401 through the GTA, bypassing the most congested freeway in North America. When the 401 is at a standstill during rush hour or following an incident, the 407 often provides a significantly faster route despite the toll. For time-sensitive travellers, commuters and commercial operators, the 407 has become an accepted part of GTA driving. The highway is well-maintained, typically free-flowing, and connects all of the major north-south routes across the top of the GTA.
The toll rates on the 407 vary by time of day, day of week, and are adjusted annually. Peak-hour rates are higher than off-peak. Rates are published on the 407 ETR website. For occasional users, the licence-plate billing option works without any transponder — the bill arrives by mail — but transponder users generally receive lower per-kilometre rates and avoid the video toll surcharge.
All-Electronic Tolling Explained
Every entrance and exit on Highway 407 is equipped with overhead gantries that read transponders and capture licence plate images. The system records when you enter and exit, calculates the distance travelled, and applies the appropriate toll. There are no gates, no stopping, and no cash lanes. If you have a 407 transponder mounted in your vehicle, billing is seamless. If you enter without one, cameras record your plate and you receive an invoice. Non-payment of 407 tolls can result in the provincial government refusing to issue or renew your vehicle permit, so accounts must be kept current.
Road Conditions and Winter Maintenance
Highway 407 is generally very well maintained. As a private toll highway, the operator has strong incentives to keep the road in excellent condition — a poorly maintained road that drivers avoid is a loss of revenue. Winter snow clearing is typically prompt, and the highway uses a combination of salting, plowing and road treatment to maintain clear surfaces during and after snowfalls. Conditions on the 407 are generally better than on the parallel 401 during winter events, though the highway is not immune to icy conditions during extreme weather or freezing rain events. Check OntarioDrive before any winter trip regardless of route.
Eastern Extensions
The 407 ETR has been extended eastward in stages and further extensions toward Bowmanville in Clarington are underway through the provincially-owned 407 East sections. As extensions are completed, the highway's reach grows and its utility as a bypass of the congested Highway 401 east of Toronto increases. Check the current eastern terminus before planning a trip that relies on 407 connectivity east of Oshawa — the open section changes as construction is completed.
Tips for Driving Highway 407
If you are using the 407 for the first time, confirm whether your vehicle has a transponder mounted. If not, you will receive a plate-recognition invoice — ensure your vehicle registration is current and your address is up to date so the bill reaches you. Check OntarioDrive for any incidents on the 407 before departure; while less common than on the 401, incidents do occur. Budget extra time during major GTA-wide weather events as even the 407 can become congested when conditions are severe across the whole network.