Did you know that around 8% of drivers in North Texas don’t pay their tolls? If you’re one of them, you may wonder what happens next. Will you just receive a bill in the mail to pay later, or could unpaid tolls lead to more serious consequences like fines or even arrest?
In Texas, failing to pay tolls can result in escalating penalties, including large fines and possible legal action. While you may not get arrested immediately, ignoring toll violations and court summonses could land you in jail. A-EZ Out Bail Bond, we’re here to help you understand the consequences of unpaid tolls and provide support if the situation escalates.
How the Texas Toll System Works
In North and Central Texas, toll roads are a part of daily life for many drivers. When you use these roads, you are expected to pay a toll fee, which can be handled in two ways.
Toll Tag
The easiest way to pay is by using a toll tag sticker linked to your account, automatically deducting fees each time you pass through a toll point.
ZipCash
If you don’t have a toll tag, the toll system will photograph your vehicle’s license plate, and you’ll receive a bill (known as a ZipCash invoice) sent to the vehicle owner’s address.
The Escalating Penalties for Unpaid Tolls
If you ignore your first ZipCash invoice, the consequences start to mount. The North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) operates a process designed to ensure unpaid tolls are eventually collected.
First Invoice
After your initial ZipCash bill, the NTTA sends a 1st Notice of Nonpayment, which adds additional fines to your original toll charges.
Second Notice
If you ignore the first notice, a 2nd Notice of Nonpayment follows, adding both fines and administrative fees.
Final Notice
If you still don’t pay, the Final Notice of Nonpayment is sent. At this stage, additional fees are imposed, and failure to act can result in a Failure to Pay Toll citation.
Changes to Toll Fees with Texas Bill 312
Prior to the passage of Texas Bill 312, the administrative fees associated with unpaid tolls could reach up to $25 per round of notices, on top of the fines you already owed. However, the bill introduced a change that now caps administrative fees at $4 per month—regardless of how many tolls you have skipped. While this is far less than the previous $25 cap, it doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Accumulating unpaid tolls and not addressing your citations can still result in serious legal consequences.
Can You Go to Jail for Unpaid Tolls?
Under Texas law, failure to pay tolls won’t directly result in an arrest, but that doesn’t mean jail time is off the table. Here’s how it works:
Civil Action
Unpaid tolls are initially handled as a civil matter. The Texas Department of Transportation can take you to court to collect unpaid tolls and impose additional penalties.
Criminal Misdemeanor
However, if you ignore multiple notices, fail to appear in court, or otherwise push the limits, the situation can escalate to a criminal misdemeanor charge. This could result in fines, court fees, and additional legal consequences.
Failure to Appear in Court
The most likely way unpaid tolls can lead to jail time is if you are summoned to court for unpaid tolls and you fail to appear. Skipping your court date could result in a warrant for your arrest.
While unpaid tolls themselves won’t get you arrested, ignoring the issue and failing to comply with legal orders can lead to serious consequences, including jail time.
A-EZ Out Bail Bonds Can Help You Avoid Jail Time
If you’ve found yourself in a situation where unpaid tolls have spiraled into legal trouble, you’re not alone. A-EZ Out Bail Bonds is here to help if you end up facing an arrest due to unpaid tolls or related legal violations. Our experienced team can help you secure a quick release, allowing you to resolve your toll issues and prepare for any court appearances.
We understand how stressful it can be to deal with mounting fines, court summons, and the possibility of arrest. That’s why we’re available 24/7 to offer assistance when you need it most. Our bondsmen have extensive knowledge of Texas traffic laws and the court system, ensuring a smooth process to get you released quickly.
Contact A-EZ Out Bail Bonds Today
At A-EZ Out Bail Bonds, we’re here to support you through every step of the bail bond process. Whether your legal trouble is due to unpaid tolls or another traffic-related issue, we’re ready to help you secure a quick release from jail. Don’t wait until things get worse—give us a call today, and we’ll work with you to navigate the court system and get your life back on track.