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Revenue from toll roads goes right back into the roads themselves, paying for the initial cost of construction, covering regular maintenance and improvements, and funding future projects. In Texas, however, these taxes are exceptionally low.ĭue to that limited revenue source, the state builds toll roads and the tolls themselves pay for road projects. In most states, taxpayers fund road construction, maintenance, and improvements via taxes on gasoline and vehicle registration. The reason for that comes down to Texas’ tax system. There are more than 50 toll roads throughout the Lone Star State, more than any other state in the US.
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Habitual violators face fines of up to $500 on top of unpaid tolls, criminal charges, blocked registration, a vehicle ban, and possible impound. At this point, toll violators are also responsible for a $250 “special fine” per unpaid toll and all legal fees, and may face criminal toll evasion charges.ĭrivers with 100 or more unpaid tolls are considered habitual violators, which has much more severe repercussions. Late fees start accruing after 30 days, and after 120 days, unpaid tolls are turned over to collection agencies. All drivers, including residents and non-residents, receive a physical invoice at their vehicle’s registered address, giving them the opportunity to pay. In Texas, unpaid tolls can lead to serious consequences. What Happens if You Drive Through a Toll Without Paying?
#Texas toll tag payment license#
Late fees accrue and your license could even be suspended for non-payment. When you receive a toll invoice, be sure to pay it on time.
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On some toll roads, you may also be able to pay cash. In both cases, cameras capture an image of your license plate, and a toll bill is mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner.
#Texas toll tag payment drivers#
Fortunately, you can still use the toll roads without one! The state offers Pay by Mail or Zip Cash options for drivers who don’t have a toll tag. If you’re visiting, only occasionally need to use Texas toll roads, or just got a new car, you might not have a toll tag. Do You Need a Toll Tag to Use a Toll Road? Some may already have toll tags in their vehicles or issue them to drivers, while others may opt to pay the invoices by mail, forwarding physical invoices to past renters. If you’re renting a car, be sure to ask how the company handles tolls. For this option, note that you typically need to have exact change. There are alternatives for drivers who don’t have toll tags, including pay-by-mail and cash payments. Beyond convenience, a major perk of using toll tags is getting discounted tolls. You’ll be required to link a payment method to the toll tag, and depending on the specific type, you may get to choose between receiving one monthly invoice, paying tolls individually, or pre-loading your account with funds. These tags affix to your vehicle’s windshield and automatically pay tolls, connecting to sensors on toll roads. Electronic toll tags such as TxTag, TollTag, and EZ Tag, are the most convenient and commonly used. Texas residents and visitors alike must pay tolls-and the rates are identical.ĭrivers have several options for paying tolls in Texas. The idea is to offer more route options and create better-maintained, faster highways with less traffic. So buckle up and get ready to navigate the toll roads of Texas like a pro! How Do Texas Toll Roads Work?Ĭompletely separate from state taxes, toll roads require payment every time drivers use them. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into how toll roads work in Texas, where they go, the various toll road authorities, which toll tag is best for you, and what happens if you don’t have a tag. However, actually using them can be a bit more complicated. Texas has an extensive network of toll roads designed to provide efficient and convenient transportation options. Whether you're a longtime Texan resident, a homebuyer moving to Texas, or a visitor exploring the Lone Star State, understanding Texas toll roads is vital to getting where you need to go.
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