Texas Toll Violation Dispute Guide 2026: How to File, Appeal & Avoid Fees

You just got a toll violation notice in the mail. The fees are already bigger than the original toll. Welcome to Texas tolling in 2026.

Here is the good news: you can dispute it. But you need to know which agency sent it, what your legal rights are, and how to act before the clock runs out.

What Changed in 2026: Senate Bill 137

Texas tolling got a major overhaul thanks to Senate Bill 137 (SB 137), passed during the 89th Legislative Session. This law created the most protective framework for Texas drivers in over a decade.

If you received a violation notice recently, these new rules apply to you.

Fee Caps That Actually Protect You

Before SB 137, a $2.50 toll could spiral into hundreds of dollars in fees. That era is over.

Here is what the law now limits:

• Administrative fee per invoice: No more than $6
• Annual fee cap per vehicle: No more than $48 in any 12 months
• Civil penalty for repeat non-payment: $25 maximum, with only one penalty allowed every six months
• Payment due date: No earlier than 30 days after the invoice is mailed

The law also requires that every invoice state the amount due, the due date, and the consequences of not paying. Invoices sent by first-class mail are legally presumed received five days after mailing.

Official source: SB 137 Full Text, Texas Legislature Online

Who Sent That Violation Notice? Know Your Texas Toll Agency

Texas does not have one toll system. It has more than a dozen separate agencies, each with its own billing rules and dispute process. Step one is always identifying who billed you.

1. HCTRA (Harris County Toll Road Authority)

HCTRA is now the largest toll billing hub in Texas. Since late 2024, it handles billing for both its own roads and TxTag accounts on TxDOT roads in the Houston and Austin regions.

HCTRA manages:

• Sam Houston Tollway (Beltway 8)
• Hardy Toll Road
• Westpark Tollway
• Tomball Tollway

Contact: hctra.org or 281-875-EASY (3279)

2. NTTA (North Texas Tollway Authority)

NTTA covers the Dallas-Fort Worth metro and uses the TollTag system for transponder accounts and ZipCash for pay-by-mail billing.

NTTA manages:

• Dallas North Tollway
• President George Bush Turnpike
• Sam Rayburn Tollway
• Chisholm Trail Parkway

Rate note: TollTag holders pay 22 cents per mile. ZipCash (pay-by-mail) customers pay double that rate.

Contact: ntta.org or 972-818-NTTA (6882)

3. CTRMA (Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority)

CTRMA handles toll roads in the Greater Austin region. In late 2025, CTRMA switched its payment processing from ViaPlus to Neology, LLC. If you have an older account, verify your billing portal is up to date.

CTRMA manages:

• 183A Toll
• 290 Toll (Manor Expressway)
• MoPac Express Lanes
• 183, 71, and 45SW corridors

Contact: mobilityauthority.com | PayMobilityBill.com | 833-762-8655

4. TxDOT (Texas Department of Transportation)

TxDOT still directly manages several toll roads, including SH 130, parts of the Grand Parkway (SH 99), and various TEXpress managed lanes. Billing for TxTag accounts on these roads now flows through HCTRA.

Contact: TxDOT Toll Roads page

Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority (FBCTRA)

FBCTRA serves the southwest Houston suburbs. It adjusted its rates by 2.0% on January 1, 2026, using the Consumer Price Index formula.

Contact: fbctra.com

All 10 Regional Mobility Authorities in Texas (2026)

Texas has exactly ten active Regional Mobility Authorities (RMAs). Each one is an independent political subdivision formed under Chapter 370 of the Texas Statutes. Each one also handles disputes differently.

Here is the complete list, confirmed by the TxDOT 2025-2026 RMA Educational Series:

Source: TxDOT Regional Mobility Authorities Directory

The Violation Timeline: When Fees Escalate

Most drivers get burned not because they ignored their bill, but because they did not know how fast the clock moves. Here is a clear breakdown of how HCTRA handles escalation. Other agencies follow a very similar pattern.

The most important rule to know: Even if you plan to dispute, pay the original toll amount first. This stops fees from growing while your case is reviewed. If you win, you get the extra fees refunded. You cannot undo late fees that have already accrued.

Valid Reasons to Dispute a Texas Toll Violation

Not every dispute wins. But several specific grounds are recognized under Texas law and agency policy. Having the right reason and the right documents is what makes the difference.

1. You Sold the Vehicle Before the Violation

This is the most common source of erroneous billing. If the title transfer was not recorded in the TxDMV database in time, you will still receive the bill.

What you need:

• Texas Motor Vehicle Transfer Notification (Form VTR-346), filed within 30 days of the sale
• A signed Bill of Sale or a copy of the assigned title

Filing a VTR-346 on time is the only absolute legal protection here. If you have it, the agency is legally required to cancel your invoice and may reissue it to the new owner.

File your VTR-346: TxDMV Vehicle Transfer Notification

2. The Vehicle Was Stolen

If your vehicle was stolen before the toll was incurred and had not been recovered at the time, you are not liable.

What you need:

• A police report dated before the toll transaction
• Confirmation that the vehicle was not yet recovered at the time of the toll

3. The Vehicle Was a Rental or Leased

Rental agencies use the Lessor Exception to shift liability to the renter. If you drove a rental and received the bill directly:

• Contact the third-party toll management firm listed in your rental agreement (common examples include PlatePass and Highway Toll Administration)
• Do not contact the toll agency directly; the rental company handles the liability transfer

4. The License Plate Was Misread

High-speed cameras occasionally misread a character on a license plate. This means someone else’s vehicle triggered a bill that was sent to you.

What you need:

• A written request for the toll photograph review
• Comparison of the vehicle in the photo to your own registered vehicle

5. Your Transponder Was Not Detected

If you have a valid, funded tag account and still received a pay-by-mail invoice, the gantry simply failed to read your tag.

What you need:

• A screenshot or copy of your tag account statement showing a positive balance at the time of the transaction
• Confirmation that your tag was properly mounted and not blocked by a tinted or coated windshield

In this case, you are entitled to have the charge adjusted from the higher pay-by-mail rate down to the lower transponder rate.

Important note: “I was not the one driving” is not a valid defense under Texas law. As the registered owner, you are responsible for the vehicle’s use unless you can prove theft, unauthorized title transfer, or a confirmed agency technical error.

Step-by-Step Dispute Process by Agency

Each agency has its own process and its own deadline. Missing the window, usually 30 days, can lock in fees that are very hard to remove afterward. Use the steps below for the specific agency listed on your notice.

HCTRA (Houston Area and TxTag Billing)

1. Locate your EZ Invoice number and the license plate shown on the bill
2. Call 281-875-EASY (3279) or visit hctra.org
3. Submit your dispute online with all supporting documents attached
4. HCTRA will suspend the due date while investigating your claim
5. You will receive written notification of the result, along with a new due date if the dispute succeeds

Formal hearing option: If your account reaches the administrative hearing stage, see the HCTRA Hearing Process page for full details.

NTTA (Dallas-Fort Worth Area)

1. Log in at ntta.org or access the ZipCash portal using your invoice number
2. Call 972-818-NTTA (6882) for plate misread or sold vehicle cases
3. Escalate to the Ombudsman if your standard dispute is denied, but you have solid proof of error

NTTA Ombudsman contact:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 469-801-3662
• Address: 5900 West Plano Parkway, Plano, TX 75093

The Ombudsman is an independent office that reviews cases that standard customer service cannot resolve. They aim to provide a decision within three business days.

Reference: NTTA Contact Us | NTTA Pay Your Bill

CTRMA (Austin Area)

CTRMA requires a more structured evidence package than other agencies, especially following its 2025 transition to Neology.

1. Download the Toll Violation Defense Form from mobilityauthority.com
2. Attach your Bill of Sale, Police Report, or lease agreement as applicable
3. Email the complete package to [email protected]
4. CTRMA will send a written acknowledgment within five business days

Reference: CTRMA Dispute a Toll | CTRMA Toll FAQs

North East Texas RMA (Tyler Area)

NET RMA operates Toll 49 but uses NTTA for billing and back-office operations.

• For standard disputes: use the NTTA customer service portal at ntta.org
• For accounts already sent to collections: contact Southwest Credit Systems (SWC) at 1-844-759-1986

Reference: NET RMA FAQs

Cameron County RMA (CCRMA, Brownsville)

CCRMA manages the SH 550 corridor. A common issue involves trailer towing, where the system may incorrectly count axles and overbill.

• Phone: 956-621-5571
• Email: [email protected]

Reference: CCRMA FAQs | CCRMA Toll Policies

Hidalgo County RMA (HCRMA, Pharr)

HCRMA manages the 365 Tollway and is currently overseeing its expansion in the Pharr and Mission areas. Online toll lookup and payments are available at hcrma.net.

• Phone: 956-402-4762
• Email: [email protected]

Cross-Agency and Out-of-State Tag Disputes

Texas uses the Central United States Interoperability (CUSIOP) hub so that tags from multiple states work across Texas toll roads. Compatible tags include TxTag, EZ TAG, TollTag, PikePass (Oklahoma), K-TAG (Kansas), ExpressToll (Colorado), and SunPass (Florida).

This system works most of the time. But when it does not, you end up with a pay-by-mail bill even though your tag was active and funded.

How to Handle a “Tag vs. Mail” Rate Dispute

1. Log into your tag account and confirm it was active and funded at the time of the trip
2. Contact the agency that issued the bill, not your tag provider
3. Submit a copy of your tag account statement showing the balance at that time

How to Handle Out-of-State Tag Disputes

If you used an out-of-state tag on a Texas road and received a violation notice:

• File your dispute with your home state agency, not with the Texas toll authority
• K-TAG users submit a Violation Contest Form through the Kansas Turnpike Authority
• PikePass users dispute through PIKEPASS Customer Service

What Happens If You Ignore a Toll Violation

Ignoring toll notices is one of the more expensive decisions a Texas driver can make. Here is exactly how enforcement escalates once you stop responding.

Habitual Violator Status

NTTA classifies you as a habitual violator once 100 or more tolls become delinquent. At that point, NTTA can issue an order prohibiting your vehicle from operating on any of its roads. HCTRA and TxTag accounts typically trigger this designation at a lower threshold.

Registration Blocks (Scofflaw Block)

Under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 372.111, unpaid tolls can result in a block on your vehicle registration renewal. Your TxDMV renewal notice will display a scofflaw remark.

To remove a registration block, follow these steps:

1. Pay all outstanding tolls and fees in full at a customer service center, or set up an approved payment plan
2. Once payment is confirmed, the agency notifies the county tax office
3. The block is removed within 7 to 10 business days

Vehicle Impoundment

If your vehicle is caught on a toll road while under a ban order, a peace officer can legally impound it. Getting the vehicle back requires three separate actions:

1. Pay all tolls owed directly to the toll authority
2. Obtain a written release receipt from the toll authority
3. Pay towing and storage fees separately to the impound facility

Fee Discounts and Hardship Programs

Several programs can significantly reduce what you owe. These are not widely advertised, so many eligible Texas drivers never use them. It is worth checking before you pay.

Qualified Service Member Program

Veterans with specific Texas specialty license plates may qualify for toll-free travel on most state-managed roads.

Two things every veteran must know:

1. Enrollment is not automatic. You must register your plate and a valid electronic tag with each agency individually.
2. Express Lanes (such as MoPac Express and I-635 Managed Lanes) are generally excluded because their pricing is dynamic based on traffic density.

Register for the program: CTRMA Qualified Service Member Program | TxDOT Toll Exemption Policy

Hardship Exemptions and Payment Plans

SB 137 now requires all toll project entities to offer a payment plan when issuing a second invoice for unpaid tolls. If you are in financial distress, ask for this plan right away.

CTRMA offers case-by-case hardship exemptions for veterans needing to register a second vehicle. NTTA and HCTRA both offer settlement agreements for habitual violators, which typically involve opening a transponder account and paying a reduced lump sum in exchange for removing the registration block and lowering the total fee burden.

Apply for hardship assistance: CTRMA Veteran Hardship Registration Form

2026 Toll Rates: What You Are Actually Paying

Toll rates in Texas adjust on January 1 of each year. Most agencies use a formula tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The standard rule is that the adjustment equals the greater of 2.0% or the actual CPI change.

In 2025, the CPI-U rose only 1.1%, falling below the 2.0% floor. As a result, most systems increased by exactly 2.0% for the 2026 calendar year.

Sample Mainline Tag Rates as of January 1, 2026

Sources: CTRMA Toll Rate Announcement | TxDOT Annual Toll Rate Escalation Report | FBCTRA 2026 Rate Adjustment

Watch Out for Toll Scam Texts in 2026

Smishing scams, which are fake text messages claiming you owe toll fees, are one of the biggest threats to Texas drivers right now. These messages link to convincing fake payment pages built to steal your card details.

Texas toll agencies follow strict communication standards to protect you:

• TxDOT, NTTA, and HCTRA do not send text messages or emails for past-due balances
• All official invoices and violation notices arrive through U.S. Postal Service mail
• The address used is the one on file with TxDMV, not your personal email or phone

The rule is simple. If a text message claims you owe toll fees, ignore it entirely. Type the official agency website address manually into your browser. Never click any link sent through a text message.

How to Avoid Toll Violations Going Forward

Prevention is always easier than disputing. A few consistent habits will keep your account clean and save you a lot of hassle.

• Keep your tag properly mounted. A peeling sticker, tinted windshield, or foil window film will cause read failures that trigger violations.
• Set up auto-replenishment. Never let your balance drop to zero during a commute.
• Register every vehicle you drive on toll roads. Your license plate must be linked to your tag account. Adding a new car without updating your account is one of the most common causes of violations.
• Update your address with every agency separately. Updating with the DMV is not enough. Contact NTTA, HCTRA, CTRMA, and any other agency directly whenever you move.
• Use interoperability to your advantage. One active Texas tag works across all Texas toll roads and on roads in Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and Florida through the CUSIOP program.

Check your coverage: TxDOT Paying Tolls page | CUSIOP Member Agencies

What Is Coming: SB 2324 and the Future of Texas Tolls

Senate Bill 2324 is worth watching if you drive Texas toll roads regularly. It requires TxDOT to complete a comprehensive study by September 1, 2026, identifying all state toll roads and their projected toll cessation dates.

The principle behind the bill is straightforward. Once a toll road’s construction bonds and maintenance obligations are fully paid off, the road should transition into the free state or county highway system. SB 2324 also removes provisions that previously allowed agencies to use surplus revenue from a paid-off road to fund entirely new construction indefinitely.

This means roads like the Hardy Toll Road and parts of the Dallas North Tollway could eventually become free-access highways once they are financially retired.

Source: SB 2324, BillTrack50

Your 2026 Toll Dispute Quick Reference Checklist

Keep this section handy the moment a violation notice arrives.

Immediate Actions

1. Identify the agency name on the notice (HCTRA, NTTA, CTRMA, TxDOT, or an RMA)
2. Note the invoice number, violation date, and listed license plate
3. Pay the original toll amount right away to stop fees from growing
4. Set a reminder to follow up within 10 to 14 business days

Documents to Gather Before You Dispute

• The violation notice with the invoice number
• Tag account statement showing balance at the time of the toll
• Transaction history from your tag account
• VTR-346 Transfer Notification or Bill of Sale (if you sold the vehicle)
• Police report dated before the toll (if the vehicle was stolen)
• Rental or lease agreement (if applicable)

Where to Submit

Act Now, Not Later

Texas toll authorities move quickly once a violation enters the escalation process. A $2.50 toll can turn into a registration block in under 180 days if you leave it unaddressed.

The system rewards people who act fast. Identify your agency, gather your documents, and either pay or dispute within 30 days. That is the entire playbook.

And if you are stuck in a cross-agency billing loop or an interoperability error, stay persistent. Document every step. Contact both agencies in writing. These errors are well documented in the industry, and most of them do get resolved when you follow the right process.

All information verified against official Texas agency sources as of March 2026. Always confirm dispute procedures directly with the issuing agency before submitting.

Pavithra Vinoth

Pavithra Vinoth is the founder of nytollsinfo.com, where she simplifies U.S. toll systems through expert insights and custom-built calculators. Her research-driven tools help drivers avoid costly mistakes and make smarter car decisions.