What Happens If You Don’t Pay a Toll in Texas?

Did you know that around 8% of drivers in North Texas don’t pay their tolls? If you’re one of them, you may be wondering what happens next. Will you just receive a bill in the mail, or could unpaid tolls lead to fines, court summonses, or even jail time?

While unpaid tolls alone won’t immediately result in an arrest, ignoring toll violations, failing to pay fines, and skipping court appearances could lead to serious legal consequences. At A-EZ Out Bail Bonds, we’re here to help you understand the risks of unpaid tolls and provide support if your situation escalates.

How the Texas Toll System Works

In North and Central Texas, toll roads are a part of daily life. When you drive on these roads, you are expected to pay a fee, which can be handled in two ways:

• Toll Tag – A sticker linked to your account automatically deducts fees each time you pass through a toll.
• ZipCash Invoice – If you don’t have a toll tag, the toll system photographs your vehicle’s license plate, and a bill is sent to the registered vehicle owner.

Failing to pay your ZipCash invoice starts a process that can quickly escalate into legal trouble.

The Escalating Penalties for Unpaid Tolls

If you ignore your first ZipCash bill, the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) has a structured process to collect unpaid tolls:

1. First Notice of Nonpayment – If the initial invoice is ignored, the NTTA sends a formal notice with additional late fees.
2. Second Notice of Nonpayment – Further penalties are added to your unpaid toll charges.
3. Final Notice of Nonpayment – At this stage, failure to pay results in a Failure to Pay Toll citation, which can lead to court action.

Changes to Toll Fees with Texas Bill 312

Before Texas Bill 312, unpaid toll fees could accumulate up to $25 per invoice, leading to massive penalties for drivers with multiple violations. However, the new bill caps administrative fees at $4 per month, regardless of how many tolls you’ve skipped.

While this law helps reduce excessive fees, it does not eliminate court fines or legal consequences for failure to pay. Ignoring toll violations can still result in civil action, criminal charges, or even an arrest warrant.

Can You Go to Jail for Unpaid Tolls?

While unpaid tolls themselves won’t get you arrested, failing to comply with legal notices can lead to jail time. Here’s how:

1. Civil Action

Unpaid tolls start as a civil matter. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) or NTTA can take you to court to collect unpaid tolls, impose additional fines, and even obtain a court judgment against you.

2. Criminal Misdemeanor Charges

If you ignore multiple notices, fail to pay fines, or accumulate excessive violations, your case can escalate to a criminal misdemeanor, leading to:

3. Failure to Appear in Court (FTA)

The most likely way unpaid tolls could lead to jail time is if you fail to appear in court after being summoned.

If you receive a court notice for unpaid tolls and ignore it, the judge may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. This means you could be taken into custody if pulled over for a routine traffic stop.

What to Do If You Have Unpaid Toll Violations

If you have unpaid tolls and are facing potential legal action, here’s what you should do:

• Check for outstanding violations – The NTTA website allows you to check for unpaid tolls.
• Pay your fines promptly – The sooner you pay, the lower your risk of legal trouble.
• Respond to court summonses – Failing to appear in court can turn a civil matter into a criminal case.
• Consult a bail bondsman – If you’re concerned about potential arrest, a bail bond company can help you prepare.

A-EZ Out Bail Bonds Can Help You Avoid Jail Time

If your unpaid toll violations have escalated to legal trouble, A-EZ Out Bail Bonds is here to help. If you’re arrested for failure to appear in court, our team can quickly secure your release from jail, allowing you to resolve your toll violations and prepare for any court hearings.

We understand that dealing with fines, court summonses, and potential arrest is stressful. That’s why our experienced bondsmen are available 24/7 to assist you. We know Texas traffic laws and court procedures, ensuring a fast and smooth bail process.

Why Choose A-EZ Out Bail Bonds?

Contact A-EZ Out Bail Bonds Today

If you’re facing legal trouble due to unpaid tolls, don’t wait until the situation worsens. Contact A-EZ Out Bail Bonds to help you secure a quick release from jail and guide you through the next steps.