How to Pay My Toll Bill in Texas

Paying toll bills in Texas can seem confusing with multiple toll agencies across the state. However, it’s quite straightforward once you understand the options. In this article, I’ll explain the easiest ways to pay toll bills for the major toll roads in Texas.

Overview of Toll Roads in Texas

The largest toll agencies in Texas are

• Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) – Operates TxTag for most toll roads across the state

• North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) – Manages toll roads in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

• Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) – Runs toll roads in Austin and central Texas.

• Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) – Operates toll roads in the Houston area.

While each agency has its own account and billing system, there are many similarities in how you can pay toll bills.

Getting an Electronic Toll Tag Account

The easiest way to pay tolls in Texas is to open an electronic toll tag account. This allows tolls to be automatically deducted as you drive on toll roads. Here are the main options:

• TxTag – This is the most widely used option that works on most toll roads statewide except the NTTA system. You can open a TxTag account and manage it online at TxTag.org.

• TollTag – This is for use on NTTA toll roads in Dallas-Fort Worth. You can manage a TollTag account at NTTA.org.

• EZ Tag – EZ Tag is for HCTRA toll roads in Houston. Manage your account at HCTRA.org.

Once you have a tag, you’ll load money to your prepaid account. As you drive on compatible toll roads, the cost is automatically deducted. It’s the most convenient and cheapest option for paying tolls.

Paying by Mail with Bill by Mail

If you don’t have a toll tag, most agencies will take an image of your license plate and mail you a bill. This is often called “Bill by Mail.” Here’s how it works for the major systems:

• TxDOT – You’ll receive a Pay by Mail bill in the mail. You can pay online at TxTag.org or by phone.

• NTTA – This is called ZipCash on NTTA roads. You’ll receive a monthly ZipCash bill and can pay online at NTTA.org.

• CTRMA – No pre-registration needed. They’ll mail you a bill that you can pay online or by phone.

• HCTRA – Called EZ TAG for mail bills. Pay online at HCTRA.org.

One downside is that Bill by Mail has higher toll rates, usually 50-100% more expensive than with a toll tag. But it’s simple and doesn’t require prepayment.

Pay Toll Bills Online

Once you receive a bill by mail, the easiest way to pay is online. Most agencies let you lookup bills by license plate or account number:

• TxDOT – Pay bills at TxTag.org

• NTTA – Pay bills at NTTA.org

• CTRMA – Pay bills at MobilityAuthority.com

• HCTRA – Pay bills at HCTRA.org

You can use a credit/debit card to pay online. Some agencies also allow payment from a bank account. Online payment is fast, allows instant confirmation, and avoids late fees.

Paying Toll Bills by Phone

If you prefer to pay bills over the phone, most agencies have toll-free numbers:

• TxDOT – Call 1-888-468-9824

• NTTA – Call 972-818-6882

• CTRMA – Call 833-762-8655

• HCTRA – Call 713-965-6400

When you call, you’ll need your bill handy or license plate number. Have your credit/debit card ready to make payment. This method works if you prefer talking to a customer service agent.

Paying In-Person

You can also pay toll bills at customer service centers operated by each agency. This is the slowest option but can be helpful if you need in-person assistance.

• TxDOT – Visit TxTag store locations around Texas. Find one here.

• NTTA – Visit NTTA customer centers in Dallas-Fort Worth. Locations are here.

• CTRMA – No in-person payment center but you can call for assistance at 833-762-8655.

• HCTRA – Visit EZ TAG store locations in Houston. Find one here.

Bring your bill, license plate, or account number. You can pay with cash, check, or credit/debit card.

Toll Violations and Fees

If you don’t pay your toll bills on time, you may incur violation fees around $10-25 per transaction. Other enforcement options include:

• Registration renewal block – Unpaid tolls can block your car registration renewal.

• Habitual violator ban – Those with large unpaid tolls may be banned from toll roads.

• Vehicle impound – Repeat violators may have their car impounded if caught driving on banned toll roads.

So be sure to pay your toll bills on time! Online payment is best to avoid late fees.

Key Takeaways

• Open an electronic toll tag account to automatically pay tolls. TxTag, TollTag, and EZ Tag are the major programs.

• Pay toll bills online at TxTag.org, NTTA.org, MobilityAuthority.com, or HCTRA.org.

• Avoid fees by paying on time. Online payment is fastest and most convenient.

• Keep your address updated with your toll agency and TxDMV to receive bills promptly.

Paying tolls in Texas is easy with various convenient online and phone payment options. Sign up for a toll tag or pay bills promptly when you receive them in the mail. This will ensure you avoid costly violation fees down the road. With the major systems like TxTag, TollTag, and EZ Tag, paying your toll bill is hassle-free.