As you cruise through Texas, drivers often wonder: Do all Texas tolls accept TxTag? TxTag has become a key tool to pay tolls across the state, so it’s crucial to know where and when you can use it. This blog will dive into this question making sure you get how TxTag works, which places take it, and what choices you have when it’s not an option. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about using TxTag in Texas.
What is TxTag?
TxTag is an advanced cashless electronic toll collection technology in the state of Texas which ensures that drivers never have to stop at the toll booths to pay any form of toll for any bridge on the road.
The system uses a small device known as the transponder which is placed on the front windshield of the vehicle, and after being programmed to know the deductive points of tolls, deducts the fees from the users’ account.
A large majority of drivers traveling within the state of Texas enjoy using the TxTag as it minimizes the hassle of prolonged travel however, Do all Texas tolls accept TxTag? Let us try to find out what parts of Texas are made easier by the use of a TxTag and whether or not the tag is usable throughout Texas.
How TxTag Works
If you own a TxTag account, you do not need to stop to pay tolls. This is possible because of how TxTag works. As you drive underneath the overhead sensors located on the toll roads, these sensors send signals to the device and deduct the corresponding toll from your TxTag account. Here’s how it works in a nutshell:
- Register for an account on the website or at the specified locations.
- Install the tag on the windshield of the vehicle.
- Use the toll roads that have TxTag sensors.
- Be charged as you drive through the toll point of the road.
There is no need to use cash or card, making it a seamless and effective process. However, as you might be wondering, do all Texas tolls accept TxTag?
The Texas Toll System
Using the Texas toll system, the state of Texas has been able to set up multiple toll roads across the state to help people in avoiding traffic jams and getting to places faster. Many of the roads have been equipped with TxTag, but not every single tolling facility has TxTag.
Tolls in the Texas Road System
Before we get into the main question, the different kinds of toll roads in Texas are worth explaining first:
- TxDOT Toll Roads: These centrally planned toll roads are operated by the TxDOT, and their purpose is for the enhancement of the infrastructure system.
- Regional Tolls: Some of the regional toll roads and bridges within the jurisdiction and authority of local government or privately owned companies.
- Managed Lanes: Some of the express lanes and other toll lanes are managed by different entities with different policies regarding collection of the toll fees.
Then Again, Can You Pay Every Texas Toll With A TxTag?
The answer is no, not every texas toll typically accept the tx tag. This is because although tx tag is used all over the state, several toll facilities with varying electronic tolling systems do not support the use of the tx tag. This will be elaborated on further. Let’s further analyze the factors of this question.
At What Locations Is TxTag Accepted?
Most major toll roads in the state of Texas accept the usage of TxTag. Underneath are some of the most common toll roads and intersections that require the usage of TxTag:
Major Toll Roads Accepting TxTag
- SH 130 (South Texas Turnpike): This is a toll way that stretches for 90 miles and allows free movement between San Antonio and the Austin region.
- Dallas North Tollway: This is an important toll road serving Dallas and its suburbs (Addison and Plano).
- Sam Houston Tollway: Located in Houston, this routes serves as a bypass around the city.
- Fort Bend Parkway: Primarily used for traveling in Houston, it is a toll route connecting the southern parts of the city to important locations.
TxTag is also accepted on toll bridges, express lanes, and some other limited regional routes in Texas. Do all Texas tolls accept TxTag? The answer is largely yes for most major routes.
Where Does TxTag Not Work?
However, there are a few places where TxTag won’t work. A number of these Texas tolling agencies are relying on other technologies for toll collection and their barriers include EZ TAG system which applies to the Houston and other metropolitan markets.
Tolls That Don’t Accept TxTag
- Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA): The EZ TAG is used for collections of tolls in the Houston area which is covered by this authority. There are agreements that permit joint TxTag and EZ TAG users to commute across regions. Yet some roads or some tolling points are excluded under the allowed agreements.
- Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA): For Austin areas, there are toll roads that allow TxTag use but not the 290 Toll.
It is advised to carefully examine your exact itinerary if you plan on using an unusual toll road or an unfamiliar bridge. Do all Texas tolls accept TxTag? Not always, especially in more localized regions or where alternative tolling systems are in place.
How to Use TxTag on Roads Where It’s Accepted?
If driving on a TxTag friendly roads, using a toll tag is simple. Here’s a checklist you can follow to ensure that you’re Tai up to get on the road.
- Be Sure to Activate Your TxTag: Refrain from creating scenarios where you get inconvenienced at toll points by having a low balance on your TxTag account, or getting it unactivated, ensure you load funds to it.
- Properly Link the TxTag: Ensure that your vehicle features the TxTag properly mounted, either on the windshield or as per the provided guidelines. Failure to do it may lead to its failure as the toll sensors may not identify it.
- Proceed Through Toll Booths: Overhead sensors will identify your TxTag on toll booths and toll lanes as you approach them. Provided the system is functional, you won’t have to halt your vehicle.
- Review Your Statement: Search for any charges in your account after you have driven through the toll roads to ensure that you are billed correctly in your TxTag statement.
Following a couple of simple steps will help you ensure that the toll payment process is hassle free.
Conclusion
With TxTag, it’s essential to note that even though it is usable in Texas, it hasn’t been integrated with a few facilities and toll roads. An example would be the EZ System employed by Houston’s HCTRA. While TxTag is effective for major paths, it doesn’t extend to all areas of the state indicating that smaller roads are an exclusion to the service. Prior to embarking on your journey, always look to confirm your path as well as the necessary toll systems that will be required to pay.
