Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) operates all-electronic tolling on major roadways including the Sam Houston Tollway, Hardy Toll Road, Westpark Tollway, and Katy Managed Lanes. If you drove without a valid EZ TAG or sufficient account balance, HCTRA captures your license plate and issues a toll invoice. These invoices must be paid promptly to avoid late fees, collection actions, or vehicle registration issues. The process is simple whether you hold an EZ TAG account or are paying as a one-time visitor.
You can pay your HCTRA toll invoice directly through the official Pay Tolls & Invoices portal at https://www.hctra.org/Violations where you search using your Texas license plate number (and invoice number if available).
For complete account setup, EZ TAG management, and the lowest toll rates, visit the main HCTRA website at https://www.hctra.org/.
Understanding Your HCTRA Toll Invoice
HCTRA sends invoices when tolls are not paid at the time of travel through an active EZ TAG account. Tolls typically post within 7–10 business days of your trip; out-of-state plates may take up to 30 days. Invoices reflect the higher video-toll rate plus any applicable administrative fees. Unpaid invoices can escalate to additional penalties and may be referred for collection or registration holds through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
Step-by-Step: Paying Your Invoice Online (Guest Pay Option)
The fastest method for most drivers is the official online portal—no EZ TAG account required.
- Go to https://www.hctra.org/Violations.
- Select Texas as the state and enter your license plate number.
- Add your invoice number if known.
- Review the displayed toll amount and fees.
- Complete payment using a credit or debit card.
Payments post immediately and generate a printable receipt. This guest-pay process is designed for occasional drivers and out-of-state visitors. HCTRA also supports payment plans for qualifying invoices—search using the same license plate and invoice details on the dedicated Payment Plans page.
New EZ Tollpay Cash Option
HCTRA now offers EZ Tollpay, allowing cash payments at Walmart, H-E-B, and participating retail locations across the Houston area. This convenient in-store option eliminates the need for a card and provides immediate confirmation. Look for EZ Tollpay at your local participating retailer or check the HCTRA website for the full list of locations.
Paying at EZ TAG Stores (In-Person)
Drivers preferring face-to-face service can visit any HCTRA EZ TAG Store. Bring your invoice or license plate details, a valid photo ID, and payment (cash, credit, or debit). Stores also assist with account setup, transponder replacement, and disputes.
West Area EZ TAG Store 2901 W Sam Houston Pkwy N, Houston, TX 77043 Monday–Friday: 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Saturday: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Southwest Area EZ TAG Store 1855 S Sam Houston Pkwy W, Houston, TX 77047 Monday–Friday: 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Saturday: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Westpark Area EZ TAG Store 4012 S Dairy Ashford Rd, Houston, TX 77082 Monday–Friday: 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Saturday: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Additional locations serve Katy, North Houston/Spring, and other areas—use the official Store Locator on hctra.org for the nearest store and current hours.
Setting Up an EZ TAG Account to Avoid Future Invoices
Creating an EZ TAG account delivers the lowest toll rates, automatic replenishment, and multi-vehicle management. Sign up online at https://www.hctra.org/ or in person at any EZ TAG Store. New customers receive $10 in prefunded tolls with no tag cost. EZ TAG works seamlessly on HCTRA roads and interoperable systems in Texas and beyond (including Kansas, Oklahoma, Florida, and Colorado).
Account holders enjoy real-time balance monitoring through the HCTRA website or mobile app, toll discounts, and the ability to add or update license plates instantly. HCTRA processes tolls for partner authorities including Montgomery County (MCTRA) and Brazoria County (BCTRA), so one account covers multiple regional toll roads.
Current Toll Rates (Updated 2026)
HCTRA implemented annual toll rate adjustments effective January 1, 2026, increasing most EZ TAG rates by approximately 2% or the rate of inflation. For example:
- Sam Houston Tollway mainline EZ TAG tolls rose from $1.70 to $1.74.
- Westpark Tollway typical tolls increased from $1.95 to $1.99.
Video tolls (without EZ TAG) remain significantly higher. Exact rates vary by roadway, time of day (for managed lanes), and axle count. Always verify the latest schedule directly on the HCTRA website, as additional increases were announced for SH-249 Tollway and Brazoria County 288 Expressway in 2026.
Important Contact Information
Customer Service Phone: 281-875-EASY (281-875-3279) Hours: Monday–Friday 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. | Saturday 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Roadside Assistance: 281-584-7500 (available daily 5:00 a.m.–midnight)
Mailing Address (for correspondence only): 7701 Wilshire Place Dr, Houston, TX 77040
Email: Use the secure contact form on hctra.org/HelpAndSupport (general inquiries) or [email protected] for public records.
Customer service representatives can locate your invoice, assist with disputes, or guide you through payment plans.
Tips to Avoid Toll Scams
HCTRA never requests payment via unsolicited text messages or emails. Legitimate notices arrive by U.S. mail only. Always navigate directly to https://www.hctra.org/ or https://www.hctra.org/Violations using your browser. Report suspicious contacts to your carrier or the FTC. Phishing attempts have increased in 2026—verify every communication through official channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an EZ TAG account to pay an invoice? No. Guest pay is available by searching your Texas license plate on the official Violations portal.
Is pay-by-mail an option for HCTRA tolls? No. HCTRA operates all-electronic tolling with no pay-by-mail payment option on its roadways. Pay online, in-store, or at an EZ TAG Store.
What happens if I ignore an unpaid toll? Late fees accrue, and the invoice may be sent for collection. Unresolved balances can result in vehicle registration holds or additional enforcement actions.
How do I use EZ Tollpay for cash? Visit participating Walmart, H-E-B, or other retail locations and request EZ Tollpay using your license plate or invoice details.
Can I set up a payment plan? Yes. Search for your invoice on the Payment Plans page and follow the prompts to establish an affordable schedule.
Does my EZ TAG work on other Texas toll roads? Yes. EZ TAG is interoperable with TxTag and most major Texas toll authorities.
How long does online payment take to process? Payments are credited instantly, and your record updates within minutes. A confirmation receipt is available immediately.
