Mar 24, 2006 11:03 pm US/Central
Toll Tag Drivers Receive Violation Notices
DALLAS (CBS 11 News) ―
Thousands of drivers take the North Dallas Tollway everyday. Some of them are violating the law and don't even realize it until a mailed notice arrives with a hefty fine.
"I couldn't believe it," said driver Jessica Alaniz. "It was way too much. It was like $25 for each toll you went through."
What's causing the problem?
Alaniz has a toll tag on her car, but it's one she shares with her husband.
"At first it didn't make sense to us because we're under the same account," she said.
Clayton Howe of the North Texas Tollway Authority explains, "Each vehicle is identified by a license plate and we have cameras in the lanes and so we can identify it."
If the tag doesn't match up with the vehicle, the North Texas Tollway Authority is notified.
Howe continued, "Identify the owner of the vehicle, cross check that license plate back to the account holder's, and see if that tag is on an account."
If the license plate is not on the driver's account, the owner of the vehicle receives a notice.
The idea of getting a toll tag is catching on. Five years ago, there were about 125,000 active tags. Today, there are over a million. With more and more drivers getting toll tags, there will likely be more violators because few people read the fine print.
"They didn't mention to me anything about it, or warn me about it, to call them and let them know I was using a different car under it, until I got my violation with my license plate on there," said Charles Mulwa, another toll tag user.
Motorist Alex Hahn said, "I did know if you get a new car you have to notify them of your new car and new license number. I did know that. But I switched them by accident and they came off the same credit card, so I didn't think it would be a big deal."
If you receive a notice in the mail, contact the North Texas Tollway Authority. If you agree to get an extra toll tag for free, they'll waive the fines.
(CBS 11 News)
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