When it comes to toll roads in Texas, it's all about choice

An electronic chip in the sticker sends a signal to electronic equipment above toll lanes recording the amount of the toll.

With a TxTAG, tolls are recorded electronically and motorists don't have to slow down or stop at toll booths. The tag is read by the overhead device and the toll charge is then subtracted from a prepaid toll account set up by the vehicle owner. TxTAGs have become the norm rather than the exception for motorists driving Texas toll roads.

Those who don't purchase TxTAGs but still use toll roads still have to pay - their vehicle license plates are photographed and a bill is sent to the address of the owner of the vehicle…with a service charge added. Why would toll road users NOT buy a TxTAG?

TxDOT officials note that since the sale of TxTAGs began in April 2006, $52 million has been deposited by motorists into prepaid TxTAG accounts. And at the end of last month, there were 481,507 active TxTAGs being used in Texas. Although some toll roads are operated by other entities such as tollway authorities, TxTAGs can be used on most toll roads throughout the state.

Toll roads in Texas are controversial, no doubt. But they do offer motorists a choice. With 45 percent of the state's population living within 50 miles of Interstate 35, some of the state's toll roads are successfully providing much-needed additional road capacity while offering drivers an option about travel time.