How tags work
Paying tolls
With a tag, you'll always pay the lowest rates on all toll roads in Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and certain toll roads in Colorado and Florida. TxTag works wherever you see the TxTag logo or these signs and symbols:
Tags make paying tolls easy. The sticker goes on the inside of your windshield behind your rearview mirror. An electronic reader above the toll roads sends a signal to the microchip inside the sticker, and tolls are automatically deducted from your prepaid TxTag/EZ TAG account.
You can easily check your toll transactions and account balance or make payments to your account online by visiting hctra.org. You can close your account and get a refund of your balance at any time.
It's important to keep your tag installed and make sure your account and license plate information is up to date, so you are always charged correctly for your tolls on toll roads throughout Texas and in Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado and Florida.
If you have more than one vehicle, you can order tags for each and manage them all through one account. You should not move tag stickers between vehicles because removing the tag can damage the chip inside. You can add vehicles and request TxTag/EZ TAG stickers for them by logging into your account at hctra.org or calling HCTRA Customer Service at 281-875-EASY (3279).
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not sticking the tag to the windshield - Your tag sticker must be permanently installed in the correct place on your vehicle's windshield. DO NOT hold up your tag with your hand, wave it, attach it to a sun visor, or place it outside of the vehicle.
- Installing the tag too close to metal - Installing your tag too close to metal can interfere with the tag's electronic signal. The tag must be at least four inches away from the top edge of the windshield.
- Applying the tag to a cold windshield - The windshield's temperature must be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for the tag adhesive to stick properly. If it is colder than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, use your car's heater/defroster to warm the windshield. Dry off any condensation before applying your tag.
- Installing more than one toll tag - If you haveanother type of toll tag on your windshield, its electronic signal mayinterfere with your TxTag/EZ TAG signal, causing it not to be read. You couldalso be charged twice if both tags are read. Install only one electronic toll tag in your vehicle.
If you need assistance or have questions about installing your tag, please contact HCTRA customer service.
FAQs
No. TxTag customers whose accounts were transferred to HCTRA may continue using their existing TxTag to pay tolls on all toll roads in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Just ensure that your TxTag is installed in your vehicle, your account information up to date, and your account has enough money in it to cover the cost of your tolls. If you haven’t already, you should also create a new online account at hctra.org.
Customers who need a new or replacement tag sticker will have to order an EZ TAG through HCTRA.
TxDOT continues to own and maintain the toll roads including setting toll rates.
No. Since your sticker must be permanently mounted on your windshield, it can only be used in one vehicle and should not be moved between vehicles. If you have more than one vehicle in your family or household, you can order additional tags from HCTRA and manage them online at hctra.org.
You may check your account balance by creating an online account with HCTRA or by calling HCTRA customer service at 281-875-EASY (3279).
If you have a TxTag account that goes negative, you will pay the higher toll rates and additional fees in line with HCTRA's policies until you replenish your account.
You may update your mailing address, email, phone numbers, payment methods, vehicles, and license plate information by logging into your account at hctra.org.
If you move, it’s also important to update the address on your vehicle title by submitting Form VTR-146 with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
You can request additional tags by visiting hctra.org or by calling HCTRA customer service at 281-875-EASY (3279). Be sure to have your TxTag account number available.
Motorcycles use a different type of tag than those used on cars and trucks. If you have a motorcycle, you may request a motorcycle tag from HCTRA.
Yes. Sensors in the road will detect the trailer and take the additional charge for the trailer from your account.
No. You cannot remove the TxTag sticker from your vehicle’s windshield and place it in a rental car. Moving the sticker can damage the tag.
You can report that a TxTag/EZ TAG is lost, stolen, or damaged by contacting HCTRA customer service. Until you notify HCTRA, you are liable for any tolls, fees, and charges on your account. There may be a charge to replace your tag.
Remove and discard the TxTag/EZ TAG sticker from the vehicle you’re selling and contact HCTRA customer service to deactivate the tag, so your account is not linked to a vehicle you no longer own.
Even though your vehicle has been sold, you are liable for toll charges until the title is transferred to the new owner or until you submit a motor vehicle transfer notification.
If you receive a toll invoice for a vehicle you no longer own, file a Vehicle Transfer Notification Form (VTR-346) with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and contact HCTRA customer service after you receive confirmation of the title transfer.
If you purchase a new vehicle, you will need to add the vehicle to your account and request a new tag. Please contact HCTRA customer service for assistance updating your account. You should not move your tag sticker from your old vehicle to your new one, as removing your tag would damage the microchip in the sticker.
You must remove the vehicle from your account and deactivate your TxTag/EZ TAG by contacting HCTRA customer service as soon as possible if your vehicle is stolen. You may be liable for toll charges if you do not contact HCTRA customer service to deactivate your TxTag/EZ TAG and report your vehicle as stolen in a timely manner.