TxTag to freeze customer accounts during transition to new management; what you need to know

The Texas Department of Transportation will freeze customers' TxTag accounts beginning Friday, Nov. 15, as they officially begin transitioning TxTag's customer-facing operations to the Harris County Toll Road Authority.

Once the transition is complete, TxTag customers will be able to keep using their TxTags on all toll roads in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. However, they'll be using the Harris County Toll Road Authority website to manage their accounts going forward.

TxTag previously indicated that customers in "good standing" will automatically be transitioned to the HCTRA system.

The agency sent out emails this week informing customers whether their account is in good standing. If you're not sure, you may want to check your email inbox.

Customers are advised to log into their TxTag accounts before they are frozen at the close of business Friday.

During the freeze period, customers will not be able to access their TxTag accounts on the TxTag website or in-person at the customer service center to view statements, add funds or make any updates, according to an email from TxTag.

The freeze is expected to be in effect through Dec. 1.

TxTag noted that customers who are enrolled in AutoPay might see multiple charges to their credit cards after the transition to cover the costs of tolls they've incurred during the freeze period.

Here are the other key account changes TxDOT says to expect when the freeze/transition period ends:

Online account management TxTag customers will begin managing their accounts on the HCTRA website instead of TxTag's website . Customers will be directed to create a new username and password. Current log-in information will not be transferred for security reasons.

Your account must be enrolled in AutoPay for your credit card information to be transferred to HCTRA. TxTag recommends verifying your payment methods and AutoPay status when you log into HCTRA's website. Your automatic replenishment amount may change after the transition.

Email communications You will automatically begin receiving HCTRA communications via email if there is an email address associated with your TxTag account.

Customer support Following the transition, HCTRA will provide customer support related to new tolls, statements or account issues.

Billing policies Upon transition, customers will be subject to HCTRA's EZ TAG Agreement. Information about account management and invoicing policies can be found on the HCTRA website.

Consolidated billing through HCTRA's account management system will provide toll billing consistency in the Austin and Houston regions.

Overlapping accounts or invoices TxTag customers may have overlapping accounts with both TxDOT and HCTRA during the transition and could receive invoices from both entities depending on when toll transactions occurred. Invoiced tolls will not be duplicate transactions or charges, and each invoice should be resolved with the agency that sent it.

For additional information about the transition, visit TxTag's Transition FAQs page .