Around 8% of drivers in the North Texas areas don’t pay the toll when driving in Texas. But what happens to them? Do they just get a bill in the mail and pay them in bulk, or do they get arrested by the almighty toll authorities? The truth is, somewhere in between. However, since not paying tolls can technically land you in jail, here at A-EZ Out Bail Bond, we have prepared everything you need to know about what could happen to you if you ignore those pesky toll collection points and drive straight through without paying.
Texas Toll System
If you want to use the toll roads in North and Central Texas, you have to pay the toll. You can do that by using a toll tag sticker linked to your account or by using ZipCash.
If you don’t pay, you’ll get a lovely invoice from the NTTA. The NTTA has the images of license plates of all vehicles that go through toll points, so they’ll send the invoice to the registered owner of the car.
If that first invoice goes unpaid, the NTTA will send the 1st Notice of Nonpayment that comes with an additional fine, and then the 2nd Notice of Nonpayment that comes with a fine and an administrative fee. After that, you’ll get the Final Notice of Nonpayment (again, with additional fines and administrative fees), and then a Failure to Pay Toll citation in your mailbox.
The Changes Texas Bill 312 Made
So, going through the whole rigamarole of receiving several notices along with fines and additional fees used to cost us up to $25 for each round of notices (on top of the original fine). But, the new Texas Bill 312 changed that. Now, the administrative fee can only be up to $4 per month, no matter the number of unpaid tolls (or toll rates). Compared to the average of $25 of fines, $4 isn’t that much.
But Will I Go to Jail?
If we look at the Texan Law (the parts that aren’t weird), the Texas Department of Transportation can only take you to court over your unpaid tolls. You won’t get arrested, no matter how many of them there are.
However, not paying tolls means you can get charged with a criminal misdemeanor. Conviction of this crime leads to fines, and you’ll also have to pay extra court fees. However, failure to show up in court can land you in jail. So, as we said, technically, not paying your tolls won’t get you arrested. But that doesn’t mean you won’t end up in jail over it. It’s just a matter of how far you push it.
A-EZ Out Bail Bonds Is Here for You
Having unpaid tolls and racking up fees and fines can be extremely stressful. But if you end up in jail, we’ve got you covered. A-EZ Out Bail Bonds is here to pick you up when things get tough. We know the ins and outs of the court system, so we can ensure a speedy release. We’re available 24/7, so don’t hesitate to contact us at any time!