Traffic Ticket Lawyer Discusses Changes with NTTA Toll Violations

Last Updated on June 5, 2025 by Beltz Law Group

The North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) plays a vital role in keeping traffic moving across our region. However, for drivers, navigating the system of tolls and understanding the consequences of unpaid balances can be confusing. Over the last two decades, the NTTA’s collection methods and enforcement strategies for unpaid toll violations have evolved significantly, making it more critical than ever to stay informed and address any issues promptly.

At The Beltz Law Group, we’ve witnessed firsthand these changes and the increasing severity with which NTTA pursues delinquent tolls. We understand that what starts as an overlooked invoice can quickly escalate into serious legal trouble, impacting your driving privileges and vehicle registration.

The Evolution of NTTA Collection Methods

In the early days of electronic tolling, the primary concern for unpaid tolls might have been administrative fees. However, as the tollway system expanded and technology advanced, the NTTA – backed by legislative changes – developed more robust and aggressive collection methods. These changes were largely aimed at cracking down on “scofflaws” who habitually used the toll roads without paying, ensuring fairness to the vast majority of drivers who do pay their tolls

While various tactics have been employed over the years, the most impactful and widely used method today is the habitual violator designation, which can lead to a vehicle registration block.

The Habitual Violator Designation and Registration Block

The “habitual violator” program, largely strengthened by Texas Senate Bill 1792 in 2014, grants toll authorities like the NTTA significant power. You can be designated a habitual violator if you, as the registered owner of a vehicle, have:

• Been issued at least two written notices of non-payment that contain, in aggregate, 100 or more unpaid toll charges within a 12-month period.
• Failed to pay the amounts specified in those notices, despite warnings that failure to pay may result in enforcement actions.

Once designated as a habitual violator, the most common and impactful consequence is a registration block placed on your vehicle. This means you will not be able to renew your vehicle’s registration with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or your county tax office until your outstanding tolls and administrative fees are paid in full or a payment plan has been established with the NTTA. This can leave you unable to legally drive your vehicle, facing potential tickets for expired registration.

Beyond the registration block, habitual violators may also face:

• Vehicle Ban: Being prohibited from using NTTA toll roads, with violations potentially leading to citations (Class C misdemeanor with fines up to $500) or even vehicle impoundment.
• Higher Fees: Unpaid tolls typically revert to the higher ZipCash rate, plus accumulating administrative fees.
• Referral to Collections: Your debt may be sent to third-party collection agencies.

When a Citation for Failure to Pay Tollway is Issued

The NTTA’s efforts to collect outstanding tolls don’t stop at administrative notices and registration blocks. If their collection attempts remain unsuccessful, they can take legal action by issuing a citation for failure to pay tollway. This moves the matter from a civil debt collection issue to a criminal Class C misdemeanor charge, filed in the Justice of the Peace court corresponding to where the alleged violations occurred.

When you receive a citation for failure to pay tollway, you are now facing two distinct, yet interconnected, problems:

1. The Alleged Restitution Amount: This is the civil debt owed to the NTTA for the unpaid tolls and administrative fees.
2. The Underlying Citation (Criminal Misdemeanor): This is the actual Class C misdemeanor offense that carries potential fines (up to $250 per unpaid toll event, plus court costs) and a conviction on your criminal record if not handled properly.

How The Beltz Law Group Can Assist You

This is where the specialized knowledge of a traffic ticket lawyer becomes invaluable. Many general criminal defense attorneys may not be fully familiar with the intricacies of NTTA regulations and the specific legal defenses available for toll violations.

At The Beltz Law Group, we have extensive experience in assisting clients throughout North Texas with NTTA toll violations, including:

• Addressing the Underlying Citation: We represent you in Justice of the Peace court to defend against the criminal Class C misdemeanor charge for failure to pay tollway. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome, whether it’s a dismissal, deferred disposition (to keep the conviction off your record), or a reduction in fines.
• Negotiating Restitution: We can communicate directly with the NTTA to verify the alleged restitution amount, challenge erroneous charges, and negotiate a manageable payment plan for the outstanding tolls and fees.
• Clearing Registration Blocks: Once the outstanding debt is resolved or a payment plan is in place, we can facilitate the release of the registration block, allowing you to renew your vehicle’s tags.
• Preventing Warrants: If a citation is ignored, a warrant for your arrest can be issued. We can also assist in lifting warrants related to failure to pay toll violations.

Dealing with NTTA toll violations can be a frustrating and complex process, especially when a criminal citation has been issued or a registration block has been placed on your vehicle. Don’t face the North Texas Tollway Authority or the Justice Court alone.

If you’ve received a citation for failure to pay tollway, or are grappling with NTTA collection efforts and a registration block, contact The Beltz Law Group today. We are here to help you understand your options, resolve your outstanding obligations, and protect your driving and vehicle registration privileges.

Call 214-321-4105 for a free consultation.