I received a bill from the North Texas Toll Authority for $609.92. Between Jan. 4 and Jan. 19, my daughter drove her car (registered in my name) on the tolls, racking up a total bill of $34.92. But since the bills are past due, they tack on a $25 "administrative fee" for each unpaid toll. I'm not the one who drove through the tolls, yet I get the bill because the Texas Transportation Code 366.178, written to enrich the toll companies, says the registered owner of the car is responsible for the tolls, even if they aren't driving the car.in my case, the car is in my daughter's possession who lives 200 miles away.
They then state in the invoice sent to my address that I can pay the "discount" amount of $224.67 if I pay by the end of the month. They offer no explanation why the reduced amount is now acceptable to them, making the whole transaction read like negotiations at a used car lot.
I have sent them a check for the original amount of the unpaid tolls, $34.92, requesting they cease and desist any further collection efforts. If they can arbitrarily drop what they claim I owe to $224.67, then they can also drop it down to the original amount of $34.92.
I believe charging a person with a punitive "fee" which amounts to a fine without due process with threats of more fines and court costs is unconstitutional and I'd like to see a class action lawsuit against the NTTA.
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