TxDOT toll road amnesty program begins

AUSTIN (KXAN) - For those who have a hefty toll bill, beginning Monday they could save some money by paying up.

TxDOT is beginning its toll amnesty period. For the next 90 days TxDOT will ask those who haven't paid up to pay 10 percent of the fees and violations that are tacked on as part of your late fees.

"It will give people who have run up some tolls and have violation and collection fees a chance to settle out those debts with us at a discounted rate, set up a TxTag, and hopefully become customers for a long time," said Mark Tomlinson, Director of the Texas Turnpike Authority with TxDOT.
 

TxDOT estimates there are around 150,000 accounts that have not paid their tolls. Over the next 90 days those folks could save a lot of money by paying up.
 

"If they will come in and pay all their tolls and pay 10% of the violation and collection fees, then we'll take off 90% of the fees," said Tomlinson.
 

For example, if you owe $50 in toll fees - and the administration, violation, and collection fines total $100 - you would pay TxDOT the $50 in toll fees, but only $10 for the additional fines. In addition, you are required to get a TxTag.

"If they have that account active and current, then they won't face anymore violation fees or collection fees," said Tomlinson.
 

The amnesty period covers fines that occurred on Loop 1, SH-45, and SH-130, but not 183-A. That road is not run by TxDOT.

The agency estimates there are $4 million in late toll fees and $60 million in additional fines that have not been paid. Potentially, the amnesty period could be a big financial loss for TxDOT.

"If you assume we could collect all these, then yes," said Tomlinson.  "But I think we would rather take this opportunity not to be heavy-handed with people in this tough economy and get them in to pay these basic tolls."

For those who don't take advantage of the amnesty period, TxDOT officials said they are prepared to take to court anyone who doesn't pay up after these 90 days. They said not only could the court make someone pay the full amount, but also the court could tack on fees.

There are two options when it comes to paying during the amnesty period: By phone or in person. The phone number is 1-888-468-9824. Or you can pay in person at the Customer Service Center located at 12719 Loop one service Road, just North of Fry's.