Austin toll roads are managed by the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, and you can pay through a prepaid toll tag, a one-time payment, or by mail after receiving an invoice

Austin has two main toll roads: the Mopac Expressway (Loop 1) and the Toll 290 (US 290 East). Both are operated by the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA). You do not have to set up an account to drive them, but you will receive an invoice by mail if you do not have a toll tag. The fastest and cheapest way to pay is with a prepaid account and toll tag, which gives you a discount on every trip. If you prefer not to maintain an account, you can pay the invoice when it arrives, though the per-trip cost will be higher.

Most drivers who use Austin tolls regularly find that a toll tag saves money within a few months. The tag is a small transponder you mount on your windshield, and it charges your prepaid account automatically each time you pass through a toll plaza. Setting one up takes about 10 minutes online, and the tag arrives by mail within a week or two.

Key Takeaways

  • A toll tag is a small device you mount on your windshield that charges your prepaid account automatically each time you use a toll road.
  • Toll tag holders pay a lower per-trip rate than drivers who receive invoices by mail, so the tag pays for itself within a few months of regular use.
  • You can set up a toll tag account online at myMopac.org or by phone at 1-833-MOPAC-66, and the tag arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you do not have a toll tag, CTRMA will mail you an invoice 30 days after you use the road, and you can pay online, by phone, or by mail.
  • Rental cars and commercial vehicles have separate toll payment rules, so check with your rental company or fleet manager before driving a toll road.

Setting up a toll tag account

A toll tag is the most convenient way to pay Austin tolls. The tag is a small transponder you stick to your windshield, and it communicates with sensors on the road to charge your account automatically. To open an account, go to myMopac.org and select "Open an Account," or call 1-833-MOPAC-66. You will need a valid driver's license, a current mailing address, and a payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account).

When you open an account online, you choose how much money to prepay into your account. The minimum varies, but most accounts start with $25 to $50. CTRMA will mail your toll tag to the address you provide within 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, mount it on the inside of your windshield (usually behind the rearview mirror), and your account is active. Every time you drive a toll road, the tag reads the sensors and deducts the toll from your balance. When your balance drops below a threshold you set, the system automatically charges your payment method to refill it.

Toll tag discounts and rates

Toll tag holders pay less per trip than drivers who receive invoices by mail. The exact rate depends on the time of day and the road, but toll tag users typically pay 30 to 50 percent less than the invoice rate. For example, a trip on Mopac during peak hours might cost $1.50 with a toll tag but $2.50 or more if you receive an invoice. If you drive the toll roads regularly, the savings add up quickly.

CTRMA also offers discounts for commercial vehicles and high-volume users. If you operate a fleet or drive toll roads frequently for work, contact CTRMA directly at 1-833-MOPAC-66 to ask about commercial accounts, which may have lower rates or volume discounts.

Paying by invoice if you do not have a toll tag

If you drive a toll road without a toll tag, CTRMA will photograph your license plate and mail you an invoice within 30 days. The invoice will show the date you drove, the road, and the amount owed. You can pay online at myMopac.org under "Pay a Toll Invoice," by phone at 1-833-MOPAC-66, or by mail. Payment by mail takes longer, so paying online or by phone is faster.

The invoice rate is higher than the toll tag rate because CTRMA has to process the invoice and collect payment after the fact. If you drive toll roads only occasionally, paying by invoice may be acceptable. But if you use them more than a few times a month, opening a toll tag account will save you money in the long run.

What happens if you do not pay

If you do not pay an invoice within the time shown on the bill, CTRMA will send a second notice. Late fees and penalties will be added to your balance. If you continue not to pay, CTRMA can refer the debt to a collection agency, and it may appear on your credit report. In some cases, CTRMA can also place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal, which means you will not be able to renew your license plates until the toll debt is paid.

If you receive an invoice you believe is incorrect—for example, if you did not drive that road or if the amount seems wrong—contact CTRMA at 1-833-MOPAC-66 with your invoice number and the details. CTRMA can review the toll record and adjust the charge if there was an error.

Toll tag accounts for rental cars and commercial vehicles

If you are renting a car in Austin, ask the rental company whether the vehicle has a toll tag already installed. Some rental companies include toll tags; others charge a daily fee to add one to your rental. A few rental companies allow you to use your own personal toll tag if you have one. Check your rental agreement or ask at the counter before you drive off the lot.

If the rental car does not have a toll tag and you drive a toll road, the rental company will receive the invoice and may pass the charge to you, often with an administrative fee on top of the toll itself. To avoid this, either ask the rental company to add a toll tag to your reservation or plan your route to avoid toll roads. Commercial vehicles and fleet operators should contact CTRMA directly to set up a commercial account, which often has different rates, billing options, and account management tools designed for businesses that operate multiple vehicles.

Managing your toll tag account online

Once your toll tag account is active, you can log into myMopac.org anytime to check your balance, view your trip history, update your payment method, or change your auto-refill settings. The website shows each toll you have paid, the date and time, and the road you used. If you move or want to change your mailing address, you can update it in your account settings.

If your toll tag is damaged, lost, or stops working, you can request a replacement through your account or by calling 1-833-MOPAC-66. Replacement tags usually arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you sell your vehicle or no longer need the toll tag, you can close your account online or by phone, and any remaining balance will be refunded to your original payment method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a toll tag, or can I just pay the invoice?

You do not have to use a toll tag. If you do not have one, CTRMA will mail you an invoice after you drive a toll road. However, toll tag holders pay significantly less per trip, so a tag is worth the setup time if you use the roads regularly.

What if I move out of state but still owe tolls?

You can still pay your toll invoice online at myMopac.org or by phone at 1-833-MOPAC-66 from anywhere. Update your mailing address in your account so CTRMA sends future invoices to your new address. If you have a toll tag account, you can keep it active as long as you have a valid payment method.

Can I transfer my toll tag to a different vehicle?

Yes. Log into your account at myMopac.org and update your vehicle information, or call 1-833-MOPAC-66 to make the change. The tag itself does not need to be replaced; just remount it on your new vehicle's windshield in the same location.

How long does it take to get a refund if I close my account?

Refunds are processed to your original payment method within 7 to 10 business days after you close your account. If you paid with a credit card, the refund will appear as a credit on your card statement. If you paid with a bank account, the refund will be deposited directly.

What if my toll tag does not work at the toll plaza?

If your tag fails to read, you will receive an invoice by mail. Contact CTRMA at 1-833-MOPAC-66 with your invoice number and toll tag number so they can investigate. If the tag was faulty, CTRMA may waive the invoice and send you a replacement tag.