Paying toll bills in Texas can seem confusing with all the different agencies and options This guide will explain everything you need to know about paying toll bills in the Lone Star State.
Overview of Toll Roads in Texas
There are a few major players when it comes to toll roads in Texas:
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Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) – Operates the TxTag electronic tolling system which is used on many toll roads in the state.
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North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) – Manages toll roads in the Dallas-Fort Worth area
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Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) – Manages toll roads in the Houston area.
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Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) – Manages toll roads in the Austin area.
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Other agencies – There are also some smaller local agencies that manage certain toll roads.
Getting an Electronic Toll Tag in Texas
The best way to pay tolls in Texas is with an electronic toll tag. This allows you to breeze through toll plazas without stopping and automatically deducts the tolls from a prepaid account. Here are the main options:
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TxTag – This is the most widely used electronic toll tag in Texas. It works on all toll roads operated by TxDOT as well as many toll roads operated by local agencies. You can open a TxTag account and manage it at www.TxTag.org.
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TollTag – This is the electronic tag issued by NTTA for their toll roads in the Dallas area. You can get a TollTag and manage your account at www.NTTA.org.
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EZ Tag – This is the electronic tag issued by HCTRA for their toll roads in the Houston area. Manage it through www.HCTRA.org.
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Other local tags – Some local agencies like CTRMA in Austin have their own electronic tags. Check with the agency operating the toll road.
Paying by Plate – ZipCash & Pay By Mail
If you don’t have an electronic toll tag, you’ll be billed by your license plate and have to pay a higher “pay by plate” toll rate. There are two options:
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ZipCash – With ZipCash, cameras capture your license plate image as you drive through and a bill is mailed to the registered vehicle owner. This option charges the highest toll rates.
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Pay By Mail – Some agencies let you pre-register your license plate to receive a bill in the mail and pay the lower electronic toll rate. Check with the agency operating the toll road.
How to Pay a Toll Bill in Texas
There are a few ways to pay your toll bill:
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Online – Most agencies allow you to pay bills online by searching your license plate or account number. It’s fast, easy, and you can use a credit/debit card.
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By Phone – Call the toll agency, provide your account or license plate details, and pay with a card.
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By Mail – Send a check or money order with your remittance slip. Allow 5-7 days to avoid late fees.
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In Person – Visit a customer service center and pay with cash, check or card.
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AutoPay – Set up automatic payments from your bank account so you never miss a bill.
Deadlines for Paying Toll Bills
It’s important to pay your toll bills by the due date printed on the statement to avoid additional fees:
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1st Bill – Due in 25 days, no extra fees.
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2nd Notice – Due in 25 days, $10 late fee per notice.
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3rd Notice – Due in 25 days, $25 late fee per notice.
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Collections – After 75 days, additional collection fees apply.
I recommend setting a reminder on your calendar to pay bills as soon as you receive them. You can also enroll in autopay or paperless billing to ensure on-time payments.
What Happens If I Don’t Pay My Toll Bill?
If you don’t pay your toll bills, here’s what could happen:
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Late fees added to your balance.
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Referral to a collection agency.
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Vehicle registration renewal blocked until bill is paid.
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Ban from toll roads for “habitual violators.”
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Fines for violating toll road bans.
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Possible vehicle impoundment for repeat offenders.
It’s not worth avoiding a few tolls if you end up with hundreds in fees and legal issues down the road. Just pay your bills on time!
Troubleshooting Tips for Toll Bills
Here are some common issues and solutions for dealing with toll bills:
Wrong vehicle charged – If you sold the vehicle, submit proof to the agency to transfer liability.
Didn’t receive a bill – Update your address with DMV to get bills. Check your spam folder.
Can’t afford to pay – Ask about payment plans to spread out the balance.
Bill amount incorrect – Contact customer service to review transactions and correct errors.
Bank declined payment – Use a different card or update your account info.
Toll Roads and Rates in Texas
Here’s a quick overview of some of the major toll road systems in Texas along with the toll rate ranges:
TxDOT TxTag System
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Texas State Highways: TxTag rates $0.15 – $1.50.
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Pay By Mail rates $0.50 – $2.00.
NTTA Toll Roads (Dallas region)
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Dallas North Tollway: $0.28 – $1.71 for TollTag, double for ZipCash.
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President George Bush Turnpike: $0.47 – $3.15 for TollTag, double for ZipCash.
HCTRA Toll Roads (Houston region)
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Sam Houston Tollway: $0.57 – $2.21 for EZ Tag, double for Pay By Mail.
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Hardy Toll Road: $1.11 – $3.29 for EZ Tag, double for Pay By Mail.
CTRMA Toll Roads (Austin region)
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183A Toll: $0.46 – $1.60 for electronic tag, double for Pay By Mail.
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MoPac Express Lane: Dynamic pricing $0.25 – $8.00.
Rates vary by road and payment method so check with the toll road operator for specifics. Electronic toll tags always provide lowest rates.
FAQs about Paying Toll Bills in Texas
How do I update my address for toll bills?
Contact your local DMV office to update the address on your vehicle registration. This information is used to mail toll bills.
What if I sold the vehicle that received a toll bill?
Submit proof of sale to the toll agency so they can transfer liability for the tolls to the new owner.
Why did I get a toll bill when I have a tag?
If your tag wasn’t detected or your account balance was low, your plate will be billed. Check for tag issues.
Can I use one tag for all Texas toll roads?
TxTag will work on most toll roads statewide. For other agencies, you may need to get their local tag.
What is an exempt or violation toll bill?
If marked exempt, law enforcement/emergency vehicles aren’t charged. Violation means it wasn’t paid on time.
How do I dispute a toll bill?
Contact the toll agency to submit evidence supporting why you shouldn’t have to pay the toll or fees.
Conclusion
Paying toll bills in Texas involves dealing with different agencies depending on which roads you use. Getting an electronic toll tag provides the lowest rates and easiest payment. Make sure to update your contact information for prompt delivery of bills. Always pay bills by the due date to avoid additional fees. Reach out to customer service if you have any issues with toll transactions or statements. Keep this guide handy as a reference for all your toll payment needs in the Lone Star State!
