Who is a Habitual Violator?

A Habitual Violator is defined in Section 372.106(a) of the Texas Transportation Code as (A) one who was issued at least two written notices of nonpayment that contained in aggregate 100 or more events of nonpayment within a period of one year and, (B) was issued a warning that failure to pay the amounts specified in the notices may result in the toll project entity’s exercise of Habitual Violator remedies.

What enforcement remedies is the Mobility Authority implementing for Habitual Violators?

To encourage equitable payment by all customers, legislation allows for enforcement remedies up to and including vehicle registration renewal blocks, prohibiting Habitual Violator’s vehicles on Mobility Authority roadways, on-road enforcement of the vehicle ban, as well as posting names to the agency website of those Habitual Violators with banned vehicles. The Mobility Authority will be implementing these remedies beginning November 2019.

How will I know I’m a Habitual Violator subject to enforcement remedies?

Habitual Violators are provided due process protections prior to any enforcement action.

  • A registered vehicle owner who the Mobility Authority determines meets the Habitual Violator status is sent a letter advising them that Habitual Violator remedies may be implemented if the customer’s outstanding balance is not resolved. This letter is not required by law but is sent as a courtesy to reflect the Mobility Authority’s commitment to the customer.
  • A registered vehicle owner who the Mobility Authority determines to be a Habitual Violator receives written notice of that determination and an opportunity for a justice of the peace hearing to challenge their Habitual Violator status.
  • Habitual Violator Determination is FINAL if no action is taken, prompting the Mobility Authority to send a Vehicle Registration Block Notice and/or a Vehicle Ban Notice. These notices urge the Habitual Violator yet again to resolve their toll debt with the Mobility Authority.
  • Sufficient time is provided to respond to all notifications.   
How can I resolve my Habitual Violator status and settle my toll bill balance?

You can resolve your balance by calling the Habitual Violator department at (512) 886-0756, online at www.paymobilitybill.com, or in person at our walk-up center. You can pay outstanding tolls and administrative fees with cash, money order or credit card (a payment plan may be available).

Who is subject to a vehicle registration block for nonpayment of tolls?

A Habitual Violator who has accrued 100 or more unpaid tolls and who has been issued two notices of nonpayment within a year is subject to a vehicle registration block.

Why is the Mobility Authority blocking vehicle registrations?

The vehicle registration block and other toll enforcement actions are intended to encourage tollway drivers to pay for services rendered to ensure fairness to the overwhelming majority of drivers who pay for the service, maintenance and safety of the toll roads.

How will a person be notified that he or she is subject to a vehicle registration block?

A notification letter announcing that a person has met the criteria of Habitual Violator is sent to the address in the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TTC 372.106) database, allowing 30 days to contact to dispute their determination as a Habitual Violator or address the account balance before remedies are applied. If the Habitual Violator does not make arrangements with the Mobility Authority during this period, they will be subject to all enforcement remedies. Additionally, notification of a registration renewal block is mailed.

How does the vehicle registration block work?

Once a person has been determined to be a Habitual Violator under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 372, Habitual Violators are given an opportunity to dispute their determination as a Habitual Violator and/or request an administrative hearing with a justice of the peace before a block is placed on a vehicle registration. If an individual is finally determined to be a Habitual Violator, the vehicle’s registered owner(s) information will be transmitted to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles for refusal of registration until all tolls and fees have been resolved with the Mobility Authority.

How long will the vehicle registration block be in effect?

The vehicle registration block will remain in effect until 25% of the balance is paid and a valid payment plan is established. 

How long will it take once a toll bill is settled before a vehicle registration may be renewed?

Registration renewal block lifts can take 24-48 hours to process. Furthermore, Mobility Authority Customer Service will provide a receipt/proof of payment to you and/or the tax office, at your request, so that your vehicle registration may occur on the same or next business day.

How can someone settle a toll bill in order to renew a vehicle registration?

You can pay outstanding tolls and administrative fees with cash, money order or credit card (a payment plan may be available) by calling the Habitual Violator department at (512) 886-0756, online at www.paymobilitybill.com, or in person at our walk-up center. 

Can someone dispute a toll bill?

Texas law allows customers 30 days to appeal a toll entities Habitual Violator Determination before it becomes final. The Determination notice mailed includes all the necessary information to file a formal appeal. Once final, it cannot be appealed. However, the Mobility Authority does consider toll bill disputes for specific circumstances. Please contact us at : (512) 886-0756  if you feel like you were billed in error.

Can someone pay a toll bill at the County Tax Office?

No, payments are made to the Mobility Authority by calling our customer service center at (512) 410-0562.

Does my debt transfer if I sell my vehicle before I am cleared to renew my registration?

If a person is the registered owner of the vehicle at the time of the violation(s), he or she is still responsible for paying all tolls and fees with the Mobility Authority.

Who is subject to being banned from Mobility Authority toll roads?

A Habitual Violator who has accrued 100 or more unpaid tolls and who has been issued two notices of nonpayment within a year is subject to a vehicle ban.

 

Why is the Mobility Authority banning people from using Mobility Authority toll roads?

Vehicle prohibition and other toll enforcement actions are intended to prompt payment for services rendered and to ensure fairness to the overwhelming majority of drivers who pay for the service, maintenance and safety of the toll roads. The Habitual Violator legislation will help ensure that the millions of Mobility Authority customers who pay for the service are not forced to shoulder the costs of the small percentage that chooses to ignore the rules.

When will the Mobility Authority begin to ban vehicles?

Vehicle prohibitions began November 2019.

How will I know or be notified that I am subject to a vehicle ban?

Habitual violators subject to vehicle ban will receive notification that they have been banned, including when the ban will take effect and instructions for how to remove their status as a Habitual Violator.

How does the vehicle ban work?

Habitual Violators are provided due process protections prior to any enforcement action.

  • First, a registered vehicle owner who the Mobility Authority determines meets the Habitual Violator status is sent a letter advising them that Habitual Violator remedies may be implemented if the customer’s outstanding balance is not resolved. This letter is not required by law but is sent as a courtesy to reflect the Mobility Authority’s commitment to the customer.
  • Second, a registered vehicle owner who the Mobility Authority determines to be a Habitual Violator receives written notice of that determination and an opportunity for a justice of the peace hearing to challenge their Habitual Violator status.
  • Third, once a person is finally determined to be a Habitual Violator, the Mobility Authority must provide them with a Ban Notice warning them that their vehicle will be subject to the vehicle ban. This notice gives the Habitual Violator yet another opportunity to resolve their toll debt with the Mobility Authority.
  • Fourth, sufficient time is provided to respond to all notifications.  A Habitual Violator’s vehicle will only be prohibited if they fail to resolve their unpaid balance within that time. 
If I am banned from Mobility Authority toll roads, how long will the vehicle ban be in effect?

The vehicle ban will remain in effect until 75% of the balance is paid and a valid payment plan is established.

Can I dispute my toll bill that subjects me to the vehicle ban?

Texas law allows customers 30 days to appeal a toll entities Habitual Violator Determination before it becomes final. The Determination notice mailed includes all the necessary information to file a formal appeal. Once final, it cannot be appealed. However, the Mobility Authority does consider toll bill disputes for specific circumstances. Please contact us at : (512) 886-0756  if you feel like you were billed in error.

What happens if I am banned, but get caught driving on a Mobility Authority toll road?

A person commits an offense when operating a vehicle in violation of the ban and is subject to a Class C misdemeanor with a fine up to $500. A second or subsequent occurrence of driving on the tollway in violation of a ban may result in impoundment of the vehicle.

How will the Mobility Authority know if I’m still driving (after being banned)?

Mobility Authority roads are equipped with technology that recognizes vehicle and license plates on our prohibited list. Individuals operating a prohibited vehicle on Mobility Authority roads will be reported to nearby law enforcement patrolling Mobility Authority roads.

How will I get my vehicle back if it is impounded?

Vehicle impoundment is up to law enforcement’s discretion. If your vehicle is impounded, law enforcement will provide you with information on how to retrieve your vehicle.

How can I settle my bill so that I can continue to drive on Mobility Authority toll roads?

Pay outstanding tolls and administrative fees with cash, money order or credit card (a payment plan may be available) by: calling the Habitual Violator department at (512) 886-0756, , online at www.paymobilitybill.com, or in person at our walk-up center.

What other toll enforcement tools does the Mobility Authority have besides the vehicle ban?

In addition to the vehicle ban, Habitual Violators could face any of the following penalties if they remain in Habitual Violator status:

  • Vehicle registration block
  • Failure to Pay Toll Offense - Class C misdemeanor with a fine of up to $250 per unpaid toll transaction

 

I received a collection notice from Penn Credit. Who is this?

Penn Credit is a collection agency for the Mobility Authority for transactions that took place on or after 11/18/2018. Penn Credit can assist you with questions related to your collection balance, however you could still owe tolls that have not aged to collections. We recommend you contact our customer service center at (512) 410-6321 for assistance with your total balance. If you have been deemed Habitual Violator and received a Penn Credit notice, please contact the Habitual Violator department at (512) 886-0756.

Did You Know?
The Mobility Authority offers free tolls to qualified veterans on select roadways.

Learn more about eligibility requirements and register for our program.

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