Who is Capufe and Why is This Relevant?
Caminos y Puentes Federales de México (Capufe) is the government agency responsible for managing and maintaining Mexico’s federal highways, bridges, and toll roads. As summer vacations approach, Capufe has announced that payment at federal toll booths will be exclusively through TAG devices. Understanding the minimum balance required for each toll road is crucial to avoid any inconvenience during your travels.
Minimum TAG Balances for Major Toll Roads
Autopista Urbana Sur
- San Jerónimo (southbound): 221 pesos
- Boulevard de la Luz (southbound): 219 pesos
- Cuicuilco/Sala Ollin Yoliztli (southbound): 197 pesos
- Picacho Ajusco/TV Azteca (northbound): 103 pesos
- Zacatepetl (northbound): 107 pesos
- Azteca/Gran Sur (northbound): 119 pesos
- Viaducto Tlalpan/Av. San Fernando (northbound): 127 pesos
- Tepepan/Xochimilco (northbound): 128 pesos
- Caminero/Insurgentes (northbound): 131 pesos
- Caseta Tlalpan/Autopista México-Cuernavaca (northbound): 310 pesos
For the Autopista Arco Norte, as an interoperable road (accepting any TAG), the minimum prepaid balance is 604 pesos.
How to Acquire and Activate Your TAG Correctly
The primary companies providing this technology are IAVE (managed by the government), Viapass, Televía, and PASE. These devices are available through various channels such as official websites, physical stores, banks, and authorized points.
The general director of PASE advises acquiring the TAG only from official sales points, which are listed on each company’s communication channels.
“There are individuals selling devices at highway entrances and urban roads; however, they must be fully identified with credentials from the company they represent,” warned Reséndiz. He added that there have been cases where unauthorized vendors offer devices without a balance, with an incomplete balance, or not activated.
It is recommended to securely attach the device to your car’s dashboard to prevent loss. If lost, it is essential to cancel the device immediately and notify the provider company to transfer your balance to a new TAG.
Lastly, keep track of your payment reports through the official apps of these companies to initiate a clarification process if you detect any unauthorized or unrecognized charges.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is TAG? TAG stands for “Tarjeta de Autorización Gasolina,” a prepaid electronic card used to pay tolls on Mexican federal highways.
- Which companies provide TAG devices? The main providers are IAVE, Viapass, Televía, and PASE.
- Where can I buy a TAG device? Purchase from official sales points listed on each company’s communication channels to avoid counterfeit or unactivated devices.
- How do I secure my TAG device? Attach it to your car’s dashboard and keep track of payment reports through official apps to detect any unauthorized charges.
- What are the minimum balances for major toll roads?
- Autopista Urbana Sur: Varies by direction and exit, ranging from 197 to 310 pesos.
- Autopista Arco Norte: 604 pesos
