Question ladies,
Lastnight I had an engagement to attend in N Dallas, which required me to drive the George Bush and the Tollway. I never drive either of these roads and don't have a toll tag, which requires me to go through cash lanes. Well my troubles started on the way there, I'm not sure, but I think one of my coins might have bounced out when I threw it in (the light never turned green) then on the way back, I thought I was in the right lane for cash, and opps I was in the toll tag lane, no way of getting over and I was forced to run through it. Has this happened to anyone else??? Will I get a huge fine or something in the mail? Am I going to Hell??? : ) No really I am freaked out over this, please someone reassure me...
the first one should be ok...they usually view the cameras and if they saw you throw the correct change they would not send a citation, but the 2nd one they will most likely send you a ticket for $25....if you go get a tolltag they wave the fine!
Call the North Texas Tollway Authority and see what you can do to minimize your damages - perhaps by admitting the error and explaining the situation they will waive the penalties. I once received a notice with about $700 in fines because my toll tag had expired without my knowledge - the NTTA failed to renew it with my visa even though they were supposed to automatically do so. I called, explained, updated my visa info, and they waived all the fines. Can't hurt; I'm sure they have a picture of your license plate.
Same thing happened to me several times, and nothing happened. I never got anything in the mail, and I never called them. If they do happen to send you something, just call them and explain. They really do work with you! I've had problems with my tolltags, and they have good customer service reps!
My mom did the same thing recently and called the NTTA about it to pay the tolls. They told her that they do not pursue people who run it once or twice, but those who do it all the time. You may want to call and ask, but I'd be surprised if you will get a fine.
The NTTA is good to work with you. We have toll tags on all of our cars and we once had mix up with the 2 main toll tags getting switched by accident. Of course, the camera was reading the tolltag correctly but the car did not match the toll tag number. We got a bill in the mail for about $500 for the tolls plus fees and when we showed them what happened, they waived everything execpt the actual toll charges.
I think you should be ok, especially if you call them before they send a bill. Also, like a couple other responses.....they don't pursue you if you miss one or two, it is the people who routinely run the tolls they go after.
Good luck and rest a little easier I hope!
Susan
