Uruguay Toll Roads Complete Guide: Telepeaje, Rates & Payment 2025
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Uruguay Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Electronic toll collection (Telepeaje) + license plate recognition (SUCIVE)
Coverage: Nationwide - all major routes (Ruta 1, 3, 5, 8, 9, Interbalnearia)
Currency: Uruguayan Peso (UYU)
Technology: RFID transponders (TAG), automatic license plate recognition
Operators: Corporación Vial del Uruguay (CVU), Ministry of Transport and Public Works
Do I Need Telepeaje for Uruguay? 2025 Update
No, you don't need Telepeaje to use Uruguay's toll roads - but you'll pay significantly more without it. Uruguay converted to a fully automated toll system in May 2024, eliminating cash payments at all toll plazas nationwide.
Key Reality: Without Telepeaje, you pay through SUCIVE (license plate recognition) at a 22% premium. For regular travelers, this difference adds up quickly - Telepeaje costs $150.01 vs SUCIVE's $192.37 for Category 1 vehicles.
2025 Update: All toll plazas now operate with automatic barriers and electronic collection only. Tourist passes are available for foreign visitors, with payment options including cash at ABITAB/REDPAGOS, international cards at toll plazas, or online for Uruguayan bank accounts.
Uruguay Toll Costs: Current Rates
Uruguay operates a unified toll system across all major routes, with rates updated every six months (June 1 and December 1). All toll plazas use the same pricing structure based on vehicle category and payment method.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
| Vehicle Category | Telepeaje Rate | SUCIVE Rate | Savings with TAG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat 1: Cars, pickup trucks, 2-axle vehicles | $150.01 UYU | $192.37 UYU | 22% ($42.36) |
| Cat 2: Tractors without semi-trailer, buses ≤25 passengers | $209.32 UYU | $268.42 UYU | 22% ($59.10) |
| Cat 3: 3-axle trucks, large buses | $332.87 UYU | $426.83 UYU | 22% ($93.96) |
| Cat 4: 4+ axle cargo vehicles | $427.37 UYU | $548.03 UYU | 22% ($120.66) |
| Cat 5: Road trains, articulated vehicles | $709.43 UYU | $917.12 UYU | 23% ($207.69) |
Major Toll Routes Coverage
Primary Routes: Ruta 1 (Montevideo-Colonia), Ruta 3 (Montevideo-Salto), Ruta 5 (Montevideo-Rivera)
Coastal Routes: Ruta 8 (Montevideo-Treinta y Tres), Ruta 9 (Montevideo-Chuy), Interbalnearia (coastal highway)
All routes managed by: Corporación Vial del Uruguay (CVU) under Ministry oversight
How to Pay Uruguay Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods in Uruguay:
1. Telepeaje Electronic System (Recommended):
- RFID TAG device attached to windshield
- Credit card billing or prepaid balance options
- 22% discount compared to SUCIVE rates
- Available at toll plazas, RedPagos, banks, and online
2. SUCIVE License Plate Recognition:
- Automatic license plate capture and billing
- 60-day payment deadline after plaza passage
- Higher rates (22% premium over Telepeaje)
- Payment at ABITAB, RedPagos, or online
3. Tourist Pass (Foreign Vehicles):
- Register online or via mobile app with foreign license plate
- Pay after travel completion at destination
- Cash payment at ABITAB/RedPagos or international cards at toll plazas
- 24-hour activation period, no TAG installation required
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Uruguayan toll roads, use TollGuru Uruguay toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Full Automation Implementation:
- May 2024: Complete elimination of cash payments at all toll plazas
- All barriers now operate automatically via TAG or license plate recognition
- Enhanced camera systems for improved plate recognition accuracy
2025 Rate Updates:
- June 2025: Rate adjustments continuing semi-annual schedule
- Category 1 vehicles: Telepeaje $150.01, SUCIVE $192.37
- Consistent 22% discount maintained for electronic payment users
- Tourist pass system enhanced with improved mobile app functionality
Technology Improvements:
- Enhanced SUCIVE system with faster license plate processing
- Improved mobile app for tourists and residents
- Real-time balance checking and transaction history
- Integration with major credit card providers nationwide
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Montevideo to Colonia (Ruta 1): Multiple toll points, approximately $450-600 UYU total
- Montevideo to Punta del Este (Interbalnearia): Popular tourist route, $300-450 UYU
- Montevideo to Salto (Ruta 3): Long-distance route, $600-900 UYU depending on vehicle
- Cross-country travel: Budget $1,000-1,500 UYU for major intercity journeys
Money-Saving Tips:
- Get Telepeaje for 22% savings on all toll passages
- Residents near toll plazas may qualify for special discounts
- Tourist passes provide convenient payment without local banking
- Check semi-annual rate updates (June 1 and December 1)
Travel Requirements:
- Valid license plate clearly visible (barriers won't open without clear reading)
- For foreign vehicles: Tourist pass registration or risk SUCIVE premium rates
- Emergency contact: WhatsApp 098 998 368 (Monday-Friday 9:00-17:00)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Uruguay tolls completely?
No, all major highways in Uruguay are toll roads. Alternative routes through secondary roads exist but add significant travel time and may be in poor condition, especially during rainy seasons.
What happens if I don't pay Uruguay tolls?
SUCIVE provides a 60-day payment deadline. After this period, fines escalate to 15x the toll rate for first violations, 30x for repeat offenses, plus potential legal action and damage claims.
Do foreign tourists get different rates?
No, toll rates are the same for all vehicles regardless of nationality. However, tourists have special payment options through the Tourist Pass system for convenience.
How much can I save with Telepeaje?
Telepeaje provides a consistent 22% discount over SUCIVE rates. For a typical car ($150.01 vs $192.37), this saves $42.36 per toll passage, making it worthwhile for any regular travel.
Can I pay with cash anywhere?
No cash is accepted at toll plazas since May 2024. However, tourists can pay SUCIVE bills with cash at ABITAB or RedPagos locations after completing their journey.
Uruguay vs. Regional Countries
| Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uruguay | Electronic only | $150-710 UYU | All major highways |
| Argentina | TelePASE + manual | $50-500 ARS | Major highways |
| Brazil | Multiple systems | R$2-25 | Federal highways |
| Chile | TAG + manual | $500-4,000 CLP | Urban & highways |
| Paraguay | Cash + electronic | G. 2,000-15,000 | Major routes |
Useful Links & Resources
Official Agencies:
- Corporación Vial del Uruguay (CVU) - Toll road operator and concessionaire
- Ministry of Transport and Public Works (MTOP) - Policy and regulation
- SUCIVE - License plate recognition and billing system
Contact Information:
- Telepeaje Customer Service: WhatsApp 098 998 368
- Phone Support: (02) 2916-3288
- Business Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00-17:00
- Online: telepeaje.com.uy
Regional Toll Information:
- Argentina Toll Roads - Northern neighbor with TelePASE system
- Brazil Toll Highways - Northern neighbor with diverse state systems
- Chile Toll Roads - Regional comparison with TAG system
- Paraguay Toll Roads - Regional landlocked country comparison
