Privacy at TxDOT

At TxDOT, we understand how valuable your privacy is. You should feel confident that your personal information will be safeguarded in a responsible manner. This is why the Privacy Office works daily with divisions and districts across Texas to make your privacy a priority at TxDOT.

Personal Information is any information related to an individual, regardless of whether it can be used in its current state to identify someone or is directly linked to that individual. Examples include license plate, driver’s license number, and payment card information. 

TxDOT interacts with Texans in a variety of ways from contract letting, to tourism, to traffic data, and much more.

Each tile below introduces you to a different reason TxDOT may collect and process your personal information. With each tile you will find examples of TxDOT's treatment of your personal information.

Texas is filled with opportunities for adventure and TxDOT’s mission is to connect you with them. In doing so, we may need to collect your personal information in a variety of ways as you travel across Texas.

For instance, you can find information about travel destinations by subscribing to Texas Highways magazine. If you subscribe, TxDOT won't share your personal information with third parties because it is protected by law.

Through the Texas Travel Leads program, you can share your contact information to receive travel literature and information from travel partners such as local tourism bureaus.

You can plan and pay for regional transit in Houston via the ConnectSmart application. You are in control of what information, such as GPS location, is shared with the application. 

TxDOT collects and maintains data on Texas roadways and related traffic patterns to improve travel throughout the state. This information is made available to people who need it for a variety of reasons including safety initiatives and traffic planning. The information is altered when necessary to protect your privacy.

TxDOT is the custodian of crash records for Texas. Transportation Code chapter 550 lists the types of collision information which may be released, the parties which may receive the information, and the circumstances for the release. TxDOT strictly adheres to applicable laws regarding the processing and release of collision reports throughout the retention period. 

TxDOT also collects personal information related to travel on Texas toll roads such as license plate number and issuing state. 

TxDOT knows it is important to be a leader in Texas both in the transportation field and as a government agency. As such we have many programs designed to interact with the public including hosting transportation conferences, hosting open meetings, and a Public Information Act program. Our core values- respect for people, accountability, trust, and honesty- are reflected in the way TxDOT encourages public interaction across our divisions and districts.

For example, when you request information through the Public Information Act, you are asked to submit your name and contact information. While this information is not required by law to make a request, it can make fulfilling the open record request easier.

When registering for a TxDOT hosted event, you will be asked for your name, contact information, and payment information if it’s a paid event. This is necessary to contact you about your registration and to help TxDOT host the event. 

TxDOT receives bids on numerous business opportunities across the state. Examples include bridge repair, tree trimming, salt sheds, pavement, and letting for construction projects just to name a few. 

The name, phone number, and email address of bidders may be considered personal information. This information may be collected to communicate with the bidder. Federal law may require demographic data, such as race or ethnicity, to comply with historically underutilized business (HUB) reporting requirements. When allowed by law, this data may be altered to protect your privacy. 

TxDOT employs individuals across Texas with a vast array of backgrounds and skillsets. From application, to employment, and even into retirement, the personal information processed by TxDOT is treated with sensitivity and care. 

Information about employee use of TxDOT vehicles is maintained to ensure safe driving on Texas roadways. For example, pool vehicles collect GPS data that can be cross-referenced with driver information to identify cases of speeding.

During the application process, it may be necessary to conduct drug testing to determine whether a person qualifies for a job opening. A physical exam may also be required to ensure a person’s fitness for employment. This information is collected, processed, maintained, and destroyed in accordance with law and TxDOT policies.