Last Updated on June 18, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
North Texas Tollway Tickets
Navigating NTTA Registration Blocks: Your Guide to Resolving Outstanding Tolls
Are you facing a registration block on your vehicle due to outstanding bills with the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA)? Are you unsure how it happened or the best way to get it removed? The complexities of NTTA collection methods can be daunting, but understanding the process and your rights is the first step toward resolution.
This article is designed to help those with registration blocks on their vehicles due to outstanding NTTA bills. We’ll explain how these blocks are placed, why immediate action is critical, and how The Beltz Law Group can help you navigate this challenging situation. If you would like to discuss your case with a lawyer who can assist in removing the registration block on your vehicle, feel free to call our office at 214-321-4105.
Understanding How a Registration Block is Placed on Your Vehicle
The NTTA’s ability to place a registration hold on your vehicle is granted by Texas law, specifically through their designation of an individual as a “habitual violator” under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 372. This process involves a series of steps that, if not properly addressed by the vehicle owner, can lead to a block being placed without further direct intervention.
Failure to Pay Tollway Tickets In Texas
Here’s a breakdown of the process:
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The “Habitual Violator” Determination: The NTTA identifies a “habitual violator” as a registered owner who has accrued a significant number of unpaid tolls. Specifically, this generally means at least two written notices of nonpayment were issued, containing a combined total of 100 or more events of nonpayment within a one-year period. These notices must also include a clear warning that failure to pay could result in “habitual violator remedies,” such as a registration block.
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Issuance of the “Habitual Violator” Notice: Once the NTTA determines you meet the criteria for a “habitual violator,” they are required to send you a formal “Habitual Violator Notice”. This notice, sent by first-class mail, serves as their official intent to declare you a habitual violator. It will detail the total number of unpaid tolls, the administrative fees owed, and critically, your right to request a hearing to dispute this determination.
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The Critical 30-Day Objection Period: Do NOT Ignore This Letter! This is where most people make a critical mistake. Upon receiving a “Habitual Violator Notice,” you have a specific, limited time period (typically 30 days from the presumed receipt of the notice) to formally object to the designation and request a hearing.
- If you object within this timeframe: The NTTA cannot immediately place a registration hold on your vehicle. A hearing must be held where you can present your case.
- If you ignore the letter: This is where the danger lies. Many people disregard this notice, thinking it’s just another demand for payment. However, if no timely objection is received, the law states that the NTTA’s “habitual violator” determination becomes final and not subject to appeal by default. This final determination then gives the NTTA the legal authority to report your vehicle for a registration block.
The key takeaway: Always open and carefully read all correspondence from the NTTA. If you receive a “Habitual Violator Notice,” it is imperative to act immediately and contact a lawyer. This initial notice is your best opportunity to defend against the habitual violator designation before a registration block is placed.
NTTA Ticket Lawyer
What If You Ignored the Notice and a Registration Block is Already in Place?
If you missed the objection period and a registration block has already been placed on your vehicle, don’t despair—but understand that your options become more limited. The most common way to have a registration block removed at this stage is by addressing the underlying outstanding tolls and administrative fees directly.
While you could simply pay the full amount the NTTA claims is owed, including potentially large administrative fees, hiring an experienced NTTA ticket defense lawyer offers significant advantages:
- Negotiating Administrative Fees: Often, the accumulated administrative fees can far outweigh the original toll amounts. A skilled NTTA attorney can negotiate with the NTTA to reduce these exorbitant fees, significantly lowering your overall payment. The goal is to bring the amount down closer to the original tolls, rather than allowing the NTTA to be overly compensated.
- Case Evaluation: Your attorney can still review your case for any procedural errors made by the NTTA that might reduce your liability, even after the objection period has passed.
- Representation Without Your Presence: In most cases, an NTTA ticket defense attorney can handle all negotiations and necessary court interactions on your behalf, without you having to be present. This saves you valuable time and stress.
- Streamlined Resolution: We can help you understand the invoice information, enter into settlement agreements that are in your best interest, and work to get the registration block removed as quickly and efficiently as possible so you can renew your vehicle’s tags.
- Avoiding Criminal Citations: In some instances where a high volume of tolls are due, the NTTA may also pursue a criminal citation for “Failure to Pay Toll.” An attorney can defend against this separate, criminal charge, aiming to prevent a conviction on your record.
Take Control of Your NTTA Issues
Whether you’ve just received a “Habitual Violator Notice” or already have a registration block on your vehicle, taking proactive steps with legal representation is the most effective way to resolve your NTTA issues. Our NTTA ticket attorneys are here to evaluate your situation and guide you toward the best possible outcome.
For immediate assistance with your NTTA registration block or habitual violator notice, contact The Beltz Law Group today at 214-321-4105. Let us help you get back on the road legally.
