Last Updated on June 18, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
Failure to Pay Tollway Tickets In Texas
Dealing with outstanding tolls owed to the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) can be a frustrating and confusing experience, especially with escalating fees and the threat of severe consequences like registration blocks or even criminal citations. Many people try to resolve these issues on their own, often finding limited success in negotiating with the NTTA directly, especially early in the collection process.
At The Beltz Law Group, we understand the nuances of NTTA collection practices and the legal avenues available for resolution. Our goal is to provide clarity and effective representation to help you resolve your outstanding tollway obligations.
The Challenge of Negotiating with the NTTA Before a Citation
A common question we receive is whether we can negotiate a deal with the NTTA as soon as a client has outstanding tolls, before any formal legal action. The straightforward answer is: prior to a criminal citation being issued for failure to pay toll, it is near impossible for our office to negotiate a deal that significantly reduces the fees with the NTTA.
Here’s why:
- NTTA’s Internal Policies: The NTTA has established internal policies and a clear escalation process for unpaid tolls. Before a criminal citation (a Class C Misdemeanor) is filed in a municipal or Justice of the Peace court, your account is primarily handled through their administrative collection procedures, which include sending a series of invoices and notices of non-payment. During these initial stages, the NTTA often adheres strictly to its fee structures, and there’s little incentive for them to negotiate significantly with individual drivers.
- Administrative vs. Judicial Process: At this pre-citation stage, the matter is considered an administrative debt collection. The NTTA’s focus is on recovering the full amount, including all accumulated administrative fees. Without the leverage of a formal court proceeding, the opportunity for a substantial reduction in fees is minimal. While you might be able to set up a payment plan directly with the NTTA, negotiating a reduction in the added administrative fees is rare at this point.
North Texas Tollway Tickets
When Our Firm Can Effectively Intervene: Once a Citation is Filed
The situation changes dramatically once a citation for “Failure or Refusal to Pay Toll” (a Class C Misdemeanor under Texas Transportation Code § 366.178) is filed in court. This is the point at which The Beltz Law Group can most effectively intervene on your behalf.
Here’s how we assist once a ticket is filed:
-
Court Hearing and NTTA Presence: Once a criminal citation is issued, it means your case is now in a formal court setting (e.g., a Justice of the Peace Court). At the scheduled court hearing, NTTA representatives will often be present. This is a crucial distinction from the earlier administrative collection phase. Their presence in court signals a willingness to resolve the criminal charge and, consequently, the underlying civil debt.
-
Negotiating Fee Reduction: This court setting provides the optimal environment for negotiation. Our attorneys will engage with the NTTA representatives directly. Many times, we can successfully negotiate a deal that significantly reduces the total amount owed by backing out or reducing the substantial administrative fees that were added to the original toll account. The NTTA often prioritizes collecting the original toll amount and may be more amenable to waiving or reducing administrative penalties to close the criminal case.
-
Securing Time to Pay: Beyond reducing fees, we can normally also negotiate for time to pay any remaining outstanding toll bills, usually granting clients up to six months to pay the agreed-upon amount. This flexibility is invaluable for individuals who may not have the immediate funds to cover the entire balance.
-
Binding Agreement and Record Protection: Any agreement reached in court regarding the reduction of fees and payment terms will be signed by both parties (you and the NTTA representative) and is binding on the NTTA once signed. This ensures that the terms are clear and that the NTTA cannot later re-add the waived fees or pursue further administrative action for those specific tolls. Furthermore, our primary goal in court is to resolve the criminal citation in a way that protects your driving record, often by seeking deferred disposition, which leads to dismissal of the criminal charge upon successful completion of terms.
NTTA Ticket Defense Attorney
Why You Need an Attorney
Attempting to navigate the complexities of the NTTA’s collection process and the court system on your own can lead to:
- Unnecessary Costs: Without skilled negotiation, you might end up paying much higher administrative fees than necessary.
- Registration Blocks: Unresolved issues can still lead to a vehicle registration block, preventing you from renewing your tags.
- Criminal Convictions: Ignoring a “Failure to Pay Toll” citation can result in a Class C Misdemeanor conviction on your record, potentially impacting your driving privileges and even leading to arrest warrants.
By hiring The Beltz Law Group, you leverage our experience and understanding of NTTA procedures and court dynamics. We handle the negotiations and court appearances, striving for the best possible outcome for your financial situation and your driving record.
If you have outstanding tolls with the NTTA and have received a citation for “Failure or Refusal to Pay Toll,” do not hesitate to contact our office. Call The Beltz Law Group today at 214-321-4105 to discuss how we can assist you. We are ready to help you resolve your NTTA issues effectively.
