How do I dispute a toll charge in Texas?

To dispute a toll charge in Texas, send a written dispute letter to Harris County Toll Road Authority (EZ TAG) within 30 days of receiving the notice. Include your plate number, the charge date, and your reason for disputing. DisputeMyToll.com generates this letter automatically.

How long does a toll dispute take in Texas?

Toll disputes in Texas typically take 30–90 days to resolve. Filing a proper written dispute letter is the first required step.

What happens if I ignore a toll bill in Texas?

Ignoring a toll bill in Texas can result in escalating penalties, registration holds, and referral to collections. Always dispute or pay within the stated deadline.

City Guide

Toll Disputes in Houston, Texas

Dealing with Harris County Toll Road Authority (EZ TAG) charges? We can help you fight back.

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Toll AuthorityHarris County Toll Road Authority (EZ TAG)

Dispute Deadline30 days from the notice date

Driving in Houston

Houston drivers deal mainly with the Harris County Toll Road Authority and its EZ TAG system across the Sam Houston Tollway and Hardy Toll Road. Unpaid tolls add administrative fees fast, so it's important to act within the 30-day window. You can dispute if your EZ TAG should have covered the trip, if you sold the vehicle, or if the plate was misread.

Valid Reasons to Dispute a Toll in Houston

The license plate was misread by the camera system.
You were not the registered owner of the vehicle on the violation date in Houston.
You had a valid, funded transponder account that should have covered the toll.
You have proof the toll was already paid.
The vehicle was sold, stolen, or rented to someone else at the time.
The toll equipment malfunctioned or charged a duplicate toll.

How to Dispute Your Toll

Act before your deadline — 30 days from the notice date. Note the exact response date printed on your notice.
Gather your evidence — vehicle registration, transponder statement, bill of sale, or police report.
Write a dispute letter stating your plate number, notice number, violation date, and the reason you're disputing.
Submit through the agency's official portal, or send by certified mail so you have proof of the submission date.
Keep copies of everything and follow up if you don't receive a response within about 30 days.

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What to Expect After You File

Once your dispute is submitted, the toll authority reviews your evidence and the original toll image before responding — most decisions in Houston arrive within 30 to 90 days. Sending your letter by certified mail, or keeping the confirmation number from an online submission, gives you proof that you filed on time if you ever need to escalate.

If your dispute is approved, the charge is dismissed or reduced and any related late fees are typically removed. If it's denied, you usually still have the right to request a hearing or pay the reduced base toll. Either way, responding in writing before the deadline protects you from registration holds and collection activity, which are far harder to undo later.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my EZ TAG didn't read in Houston?

Provide your EZ TAG account number and statement — HCTRA commonly rebills valid-account misreads at the tag rate.

How long do I have to dispute an HCTRA toll?

Generally 30 days from the notice; disputing early avoids escalating administrative fees.