Disabled Veteran Toll Exemption & Free Tolls | Complete State-by-State Guide 2026

Toll roads cost the average American driver $50–$200 per month — and most veterans with qualifying plates are paying every cent of it unnecessarily.

This guide covers every state where disabled veteran license plates, Purple Heart plates, or qualifying military designation plates unlock free or discounted tolls — including the exact steps to register, which roads are covered, which roads are excluded, and the critical distinction between states where the benefit is automatic and states where you must actively register or face getting billed anyway.

The financial stakes are real: A Dallas-area veteran commuting on NTTA toll roads pays $150–$400/month. A San Diego veteran crossing the Coronado Bridge pays $6–$12 each way. A veteran in Houston using HCTRA roads daily pays $80–$150/month. The exemptions that eliminate these costs take 10–30 minutes to register for — and almost nobody does it.

The Core Rule — Plates Are Necessary But Usually Not Sufficient

In virtually every state with a veteran toll exemption, the qualifying plate is required but not automatically processed. The vast majority of toll systems are all-electronic — cameras read plates, match them to accounts, and bill the registered owner. The exemption works one of two ways:

Type A — Automatic Plate Recognition: The toll authority maintains a database of qualifying plate numbers. Your plates are read, matched to the database, and you’re not charged. Registration is still required in most cases, but the system handles it electronically.

Type B — Transponder Registration Required: You must actively link your qualifying plate to a toll tag account (TxTag, EZ Tag, FasTrak, SunPass, Peach Pass, etc.) AND register with the specific toll authority’s veteran program. Without this active registration, you will be billed even with qualifying plates.

The critical mistake veterans make: Assuming that displaying qualifying plates means toll cameras automatically know not to charge. In states like Texas with multiple independent toll authorities, each authority has its own database and its own registration process. A veteran registered with TxDOT who drives on a Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority road will still receive a bill if they haven’t separately registered with CTRMA.

For a complete state-by-state financial comparison including tolls, property tax, and vehicle benefits → 10 Best States for Disabled Veterans →

Texas — The Most Complex and Most Valuable Veteran Toll System

Texas has the largest and most complex veteran toll exemption system in the country — covering multiple independent toll authorities, each with separate registration requirements, and a combined annual value that can exceed $3,000 for high-frequency commuters.

Who Qualifies for Texas Veteran Toll Exemptions

Qualifying Texas license plates are for recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, Air Force Cross (Legion of Valor), Distinguished Service Cross (Legion of Valor), Army Distinguished Service Cross (Legion of Valor), Navy Cross (Legion of Valor), and Purple Heart, and disabled veterans who qualify and meet the requirements for a disabled veteran license plate under Transportation Code Section 504.202.

Disabled Veteran (DV) plates: To qualify for a disabled veteran license plate, you must be certified by the Veterans Administration to have a 50 percent service-related disability, or 40 percent due to amputation of a lower extremity. VA Loan Network

Critical requirement: The vehicle must be:

• Registered with the State of Texas (Texas plates specifically — out-of-state plates don’t qualify)
• Displaying the qualifying specialty license plate
• Registered in the name of the qualifying veteran

The 8 Separate Texas Toll Authorities — Each Requires Separate Registration

Texas has multiple transportation agencies that operate toll roads. Each one operates its own veteran exemption program under the state mandate. The practical effect is the same across all of them, but enrollment is separate for each authority, and a few privately managed roads are excluded altogether.

Authority 1 — TxDOT (Texas Department of Transportation)

Since 2012, TxDOT has waived tolls for eligible veterans to support those who have served and sacrificed for our country.

Registration required? TxDOT does not require veterans to sign up or enroll in a Veteran Discount program to receive free tolls on the following toll roads when traveling in vehicles with qualifying Texas license plates.

TxDOT toll roads covered — No registration needed:

• SH 130 (Segments 1-4) — Georgetown to Austin
• SH 45 SE and SH 45 N
• Loop 1 (MoPac in some segments)
• SH 99 (Grand Parkway, Segment I-2 near Baytown)
• SH 255 Camino Colombia (near Laredo)
• SH 288 Managed Lanes (Houston)
• All other TxDOT-operated toll roads statewide

Important 2024 update: As of November 9, 2024, HCTRA took over toll billing and customer service for TxDOT toll roads in the Austin and Houston regions. Existing TxTag accounts were migrated to EZ TAG accounts managed through HCTRA.org instead of TxTag.org. For veterans, this means the contact point for account issues on TxDOT roads in Austin and Houston is now HCTRA, not TxTag. If you had a veteran exemption registered through a TxTag account, verify that it carried over properly after the migration.

If you receive an unexpected bill for TxDOT roads: Contact HCTRA at 281-875-3279 or email customercare@hctra.org.

Excluded from TxDOT program: Three sets of DFW-area TEXpress lanes are not covered because they are managed by private concessionaires rather than TxDOT: the LBJ TEXpress lanes, the North Tarrant Express (NTE) TEXpress lanes, and the NTE 35W TEXpress lanes. Veterans will be charged standard tolls on those roads regardless of their plate type.

Authority 2 — HCTRA (Harris County Toll Road Authority — Houston)

HCTRA offers free tolls to disabled veterans with qualifying plates under its Disabled Veteran Discount Toll Program. HCTRA identifies qualifying plates by comparing toll users against a database of DV plate patterns provided by TxDMV.

Registration: Generally automatic through plate recognition, but verify at hctra.org or call 281-875-3279 if you receive unexpected bills.

Roads covered: All HCTRA-operated roads in the Houston metro area including the Hardy Toll Road, Sam Houston Tollway, Westpark Tollway (portions), and others.

Authority 3 — CTRMA (Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority — Austin Area)

The Mobility Authority’s Qualified Veteran Discount Program waives tolls on several Mobility Authority toll roads for eligible veterans, who must be in a vehicle registered with the State of Texas and display a qualifying specialty license plate. Kansas Department of Revenue

Registration: REQUIRED — not automatic. Program enrollment is not automatic. After ensuring you have a qualifying license plate, electronic tag, and no outstanding toll charges, fill out the Program Registration Form and click Submit. You will need your vehicle information, license plate number, and full electronic tag ID. Veterans DMV Guide

An electronic tag is required: We accept several different tags for registration: Toll Tag, EZ Tag, TxTag, BancPass, K Tag, SunPass, and Pikepass.

Roads covered: 183A Toll, 290 Toll (Manor Expressway), 71 Toll Lane, 45SW Toll, 183 Toll Road

Roads EXCLUDED: The MoPac Express Lane and 183 Express Lanes are not eligible for the program as price is determined by demand.

Registration: mobilityauthority.com/projects-programs/programs/veterans/ — Phone: (512) 450-6317 — Allow 10 business days for confirmation email

Outstanding tolls issue: Have no outstanding tolls for MoPac Express Lane or 183 Express Lanes. Tolls incurred on Mobility Authority express lanes prior to successful registration in our program must be fully resolved to be eligible for participation in the program. Clear any existing balances before applying or the application will be denied.

Authority 4 — NET RMA (Northeast Texas Regional Mobility Authority — Toll 49, Tyler/East Texas)

The NET RMA Disabled Veteran’s Program waives tolls on Toll 49 for eligible disabled veterans. Eligible disabled veterans should have a disabled veteran license plate issued by the State of Texas, have an electronic tag, and be registered in our program.

Roads covered: Toll 49 (connecting Gregg, Harrison, Smith, and Upshur counties in East Texas)

Electronic tag accepted: NET RMA accepts NTTA’s TollTag, TxDOT’s TxTag or Harris County’s EZ Tag.

Registration: netrma.org or call 903-630-7894 — provide your tag ID to be added to the program

If registered elsewhere: You will need to register for the NET RMA program if you would like to receive free tolls on Toll 49. Separate registration always required. Douglas County KS

Authority 5 — FBCTRA (Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority — Fort Bend County/Southwest Houston)

It is the policy of the Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority to offer discounted tolls to all Disabled Veterans, Purple Heart, and Legion of Valor recipients who have the qualifying license plates and are registered. Hill & Ponton

Roads covered:

• Westpark Tollway — Segment A (F.M. 1464 to Grand Parkway/SH 99)
• Fort Bend Parkway — Segments A and B-1 (Sienna Parkway to Sam Houston Tollway)
• Grand Parkway Toll Road — Segment D

Electronic tags accepted: HCTRA EZ-Tag, TxDOT TxTag, NTTA TollTag, OTA PikePass, or KTA K-Tag.

Registration: fbctra.com/veterans/ — requires enrollment with qualifying plate

Authority 6 — NTTA (North Texas Tollway Authority — DFW Area)

The NTTA operates the major toll infrastructure in the Dallas-Fort Worth area including the Dallas North Tollway, Sam Rayburn Tollway (SH 121), President George Bush Turnpike (SH 190), and others. NTTA participates in the veteran discount program under Texas law.

Registration: NTTA.org or call 972-818-6882. Contact: 972-818-6882 — A $20 minimum balance is required for NTTA TollTag accounts (usable on toll roads throughout Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas).

Authority 7 — BCTRA and Other County Authorities

Several additional county toll authorities in Texas participate in veteran discount programs. Contact specific county authorities for enrollment details.

The Private Concession Exception — DFW TEXpress Lanes

The LBJ TEXpress lanes, the North Tarrant Express (NTE) TEXpress lanes, and the NTE 35W TEXpress lanes are managed by private concessionaires rather than TxDOT. Veterans will be charged standard tolls on those roads regardless of their plate type. These lanes look identical to other TEXpress-branded lanes — the exemption does not apply despite the same visual branding. Ks

Texas Toll Annual Savings — Real Dollar Values

Dallas veteran commuting on NTTA (Dallas North Tollway, 20 miles/day, 250 days/year): Standard toll: approximately $800–$1,200/year → With DV plates registered: $0

Houston veteran using HCTRA (Hardy Toll Road, 15 miles/day, 250 days/year): Standard toll: approximately $600–$900/year → With DV plates: $0

Austin veteran using CTRMA roads (183A, 15 miles/day): Standard toll: approximately $500–$800/year → With registered CTRMA enrollment: $0

Step-by-Step Texas Master Registration Checklist:

☐ Obtain Texas DV plates (50%+ SC) from your county tax assessor-collector ☐ Get a toll tag — TxTag, EZ Tag, or TollTag (any of these work across most Texas authorities) ☐ For TxDOT roads: No registration needed — automatic ☐ For CTRMA roads (Austin): Register at mobilityauthority.com → allow 10 business days ☐ For NTTA roads (DFW): Contact NTTA at 972-818-6882 ☐ For NET RMA Toll 49: Register at netrma.org or call 903-630-7894 ☐ For FBCTRA (Fort Bend): Register at fbctra.com/veterans/ ☐ Verify HCTRA migration if you had pre-November 2024 TxTag enrollment

Full Texas veteran DMV benefits →

California — AB 2949 (2023): Free Tolls Statewide on All Bridges and Roads

Beginning January 1, 2023, a new California law — Assembly Bill 2949 — will grant eligible veterans of the U.S. armed forces free tolls on California toll bridges. VeteransDMV

California’s AB 2949 created the most geographically comprehensive veteran toll exemption in the country — covering all state-owned bridges, toll roads, and toll facilities across the entire state (with the express lane exception).

Who Qualifies Under AB 2949

The exemption applies only to a vehicle that meets all of the following criteria: The vehicle is registered to a veteran; The vehicle is displaying one of the following license plates: A license plate issued to a disabled veteran, pursuant to Section 5007; A license plate issued to a Pearl Harbor survivor; A license plate issued to a recipient of the Army Medal of Honor, Navy Medal of Honor, Air Force Medal of Honor, Army Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross; A license plate issued to a former American prisoner of war; A license plate issued to a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor; A license plate issued to a recipient of the Purple Heart; The vehicle is registered to a transponder or other electronic toll payment device account. Military.com

Qualifying plates (California):

• Disabled Veteran (DV) plate
• Pearl Harbor Survivor plate
• Medal of Honor plate (Army, Navy, Air Force)
• Distinguished Service Cross / Navy Cross / Air Force Cross plates
• Former POW plate
• Purple Heart plate

What Is Covered — 8 Bay Area Bridges + Statewide

Vehicles registered to a veteran displaying eligible license plates will be exempt from paying tolls to cross the Golden Gate Bridge as well as the seven state-owned bridges: Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, San Francisco-Oakland-Bay, Richmond-San Rafael and San Mateo-Hayward. VeteransDMV

Bay Area bridges (8 bridges covered):

• Golden Gate Bridge — $9.75 standard car toll each way
• San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge — $7 standard toll
• Antioch Bridge
• Benicia-Martinez Bridge
• Carquinez Bridge (two spans)
• Dumbarton Bridge
• Richmond-San Rafael Bridge
• San Mateo-Hayward Bridge

Annual savings for Bay Area commuter: A veteran crossing the Bay Bridge daily for work (250 workdays): $7 × 250 = $1,750/year saved.

Southern California — The Toll Roads (SR 73, 133, 241, 261):

Disabled veterans can enroll in The Toll Roads’ Disabled Veteran Program to drive toll-free on The Toll Roads (State Routes 73, 133, 241 and 261) and certain other toll facilities in California on and after January 1, 2023, pursuant to Vehicle Code § 23301.3.

New October 2025 expansion: As of October 1, 2025, accountholders with The Toll Roads who qualify for the California DMV Disabled Veteran Registration Fee Exemption can drive toll-free on The Toll Roads only (73, 133, 241 and 261 Toll Roads) without displaying a qualifying license plate. Veterans who qualify for the DV registration fee exemption but choose not to display DV plates can still get free tolls on The Toll Roads specifically by enrolling with their registration exemption documentation.

Submit to The Toll Roads for enrollment: Email or fax (949) 743-8392: image of license plate, copy of vehicle registration, transponder number mounted on vehicle.

San Diego Region — SR 125 and SANDAG FasTrak:

In the San Diego region, this applies to the SR 125 Toll Road. This benefit does not apply to high-occupancy toll lanes, including the I-15 Express Lanes. Veterans DMV Guide

To enroll with SANDAG: Qualifying veterans must be the registered owner of a vehicle that has an eligible specialized license plate and registered to a SANDAG FasTrak account. Customers will need to verify they are the registered owner of an eligible vehicle by providing or presenting a copy of their vehicle registration to SANDAG Customer Service. Veterans DMV Guide

Contact SANDAG: 888-889-1515 or 619-671-9228 (TTY) — Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

California — What Is NOT Covered

This section does not exempt a vehicle described in subdivision (b) from a toll on a high-occupancy toll (HOT) lane. Military.com

Express lanes are excluded everywhere in California under AB 2949:

• Bay Area express lanes
• I-15 Express Lanes (San Diego)
• MoPac Express equivalent in California
• Any HOT (High Occupancy Toll) lane statewide

The FasTrak Mylar bag requirement for existing Bay Area FasTrak customers:

Veterans who already are FasTrak customers must place their FasTrak toll tag in a Mylar bag provided by FasTrak so they will not be charged for that particular trip when traveling through bridge toll plazas. Mylar bags may be ordered for free by logging into your FasTrak account or calling the FasTrak Customer Service Center at 877-BAY-TOLL.

This is a counterintuitive but critical requirement: if you already have a FasTrak transponder, it will charge you automatically unless it’s in the Mylar bag (which blocks the signal). Non-FasTrak vehicles with qualifying plates are detected by license plate cameras and the exemption is applied automatically — but FasTrak transponder holders are charged through the transponder unless the bag is used.

Step-by-Step California Registration:

• ☐ Obtain California DV plate or other qualifying plate (100% SC + mobility impairment for DV plates)
• ☐ For Bay Area bridges: Order free Mylar bag from FasTrak if you have a transponder (877-BAY-TOLL), OR drive without transponder (plate cameras apply exemption automatically)
• ☐ For The Toll Roads (SR 73, 133, 241, 261): Open FasTrak account → email/fax plate image + registration + transponder number to (949) 743-8392
• ☐ For SR 125 (San Diego): Contact SANDAG FasTrak at 888-889-1515 → provide vehicle registration copy
• ☐ Do NOT use HOT/express lanes expecting exemption

Full California veteran DMV benefits →

Georgia — DV Plates Include Toll Exemption on State Roads

Veterans with a Georgia Disabled Veteran license plate are exempt from paying tolls on Georgia roads, including the I-85 Express Lanes and other state-operated toll routes. To qualify, veterans must have a VA disability rating of 100% (or receive TDIU benefits) and must apply for the plate through the Department of Revenue.

Who Qualifies

• 100% SC disability rating
• IU/TDIU veterans paid at 100% rate

What Is Covered

Georgia’s DV plate toll exemption covers state-operated toll facilities including the I-85 Express Lanes in the Atlanta metro area and other SRTA (State Road and Tollway Authority)-operated facilities.

Peach Pass and Georgia’s toll network: Veterans with DV plates and Peach Pass accounts have the toll exemption applied. Georgia’s Peach Pass is interoperable with E-ZPass states including Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Gas station assistance law: Georgia law requires gas stations to provide refueling assistance to disabled veterans with a Disabled Veteran license plate. A veteran displaying Georgia DV plates is legally entitled to have gas station staff pump their fuel at no extra charge — a unique Georgia benefit connected to DV plate display.

How to apply for Georgia DV plates:

Submit Form MV-30 (Veterans Affidavit for Relief) and VA Summary of Benefits Letter showing 100% SC at your county tag office. Without Form MV-30, even qualified veterans are often turned away. Download from dor.georgia.gov before your tag office visit.

Register Peach Pass: mypeachpass.com — link your DV plate for exemption on Georgia Express Lane facilities.

SRTA Contact: srta.ga.gov | Phone: 404-893-1665

Full Georgia veteran DMV benefits →

Florida — Toll Exemption for Specially Adapted Vehicles + National Guard Program

Florida’s veteran toll benefit structure is one of the most frequently misunderstood in the country — and the confusion leads to veterans either missing the benefit entirely or getting unexpected toll bills.

Program 1 — Florida Disabled Toll Permit (Specially Adapted Vehicles)

Disabled drivers who are driving a specially adapted vehicle and are certified by a licensed physician, or by the VA as having a severe permanent disability that does not allow them to place coins in a toll basket are allowed to pass free through tollgates. The Florida Department of Transportation will issue a window sticker to authorize free use. Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs

Who qualifies: Veterans with a disability that specifically prevents them from placing coins in a toll basket — severe upper extremity limitations, loss of use of both hands, inability to operate toll equipment.

How to apply: Applicants must mail a completed Florida Disabled Toll Permit Application and required documentation to: Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged, 605 Suwannee Street, MS-49, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0450. Phone: 800-983-2435.

Result: A window sticker authorizing free passage through Florida toll gates.

Program 2 — Florida National Guard Toll Exemption

Florida National Guard service members are exempt from paying tolls on Florida highways. Active Florida National Guard members receive toll exemptions on Florida highways — contact Florida National Guard headquarters for current enrollment procedures.

Program 3 — Purple Heart Toll Exemption (July 2025 — New Law)

The bill takes effect July 1, 2025. Florida enacted a law effective July 1, 2025 specifically providing toll exemptions for Purple Heart recipients on Florida toll facilities. Implementation details — including the enrollment process and which specific facilities are covered — are being finalized by FDOT. Contact SunPass at 888-TOLL-FLA (888-865-5352) for current enrollment status.

Program 4 — SunPass Toll Relief Program (35+ Transactions = 50% Credit)

This state-wide initiative offers a 50% credit to any driver, including veterans, who uses a SunPass transponder and records 35 or more qualifying toll transactions in a single calendar month. Veterans DMV Guide

This is not veteran-specific — but it is available to all Florida veterans. A veteran who commutes regularly can qualify for 50% off simply by using a SunPass transponder and taking 35+ toll trips per month. For high-frequency commuters in Tampa, Miami, or Orlando: register at SunPass.com.

Florida Key Fact: While there is no specific discount program exclusively for veterans outside of the 100% disability exemption, veterans can take advantage of the Toll Relief Program. Veterans DMV Guide

Contact: SunPass: 888-TOLL-FLA (888-865-5352) | Florida Commission for Transportation Disadvantaged: 800-983-2435

Full Florida veteran DMV benefits →

Virginia — Select Roads and Bridges With Advance Registration

The Virginia Department of Transportation offers toll exemptions on select roads and bridges for veterans who qualify for special disabled veteran plates. This applies only to designated toll facilities and veterans must register in advance. Wisconsin Legislature

Virginia’s toll exemption is more limited in scope than Texas or California — it applies to specific VDOT-operated facilities and requires advance registration. Virginia uses the E-ZPass system for toll collection.

Who qualifies: Veterans with Virginia special disabled veteran plates (100% P&T SC)

What is covered: Designated VDOT-operated toll facilities — verify current facilities at vdot.virginia.gov or call 511

How to register: Contact Virginia E-ZPass Customer Service Center — 877-762-7824 or pay.virginiatoll.com — link qualifying plate to E-ZPass account and request veteran exemption enrollment

Virginia + E-ZPass network: Virginia’s E-ZPass is part of the national E-ZPass network covering 19 states — but the veteran exemption is Virginia-specific and applies only to Virginia VDOT facilities, not to E-ZPass roads in other states.

Full Virginia veteran DMV benefits →

Other States With Veteran Toll Benefits

New York

New York does not offer a blanket veteran toll exemption but provides significant E-ZPass discounts. Staten Island residents with E-ZPass get reduced rates, and certain veterans’ programs are available through specific bridge and tunnel authorities. Contact the New York State Thruway Authority: 800-333-8655 for current veteran program status.

North Carolina

North Carolina’s Express Lane facilities (operated through the NC Turnpike Authority) do not currently offer veteran-specific exemptions, but veteran-related discount programs are under review. Check ncturpike.org for updates.

Maryland

Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) does not currently offer a blanket veteran toll exemption but periodically reviews veteran benefit programs. Maryland veterans with qualifying plates may receive exemptions on specific facilities — contact MDTA at mdtamd.gov or 888-321-6824.

New Jersey / New York — Port Authority

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (bridges and tunnels between NY and NJ) does not currently offer veteran-specific toll exemptions beyond standard E-ZPass discounts. Purple Heart recipients should contact the Port Authority to inquire about special programs.

Illinois

Illinois Tollway (I-PASS system) does not currently offer veteran-specific toll exemptions beyond general I-PASS discounts available to all users.

Pennsylvania Turnpike

Pennsylvania Turnpike does not offer veteran-specific toll exemptions but all E-ZPass users save up to 50% compared to Toll-by-Plate rates — veterans with Pennsylvania DV plates should use E-ZPass at minimum to access standard electronic transponder discounts.

E-ZPass Military Discount — The National Network Situation

E-ZPass covers 19+ states in the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions. Veterans frequently ask whether there is a nationwide E-ZPass military or veteran discount.

The honest answer: There is no uniform national E-ZPass veteran discount. E-ZPass is a network of individual state and regional toll authorities that share the same transponder technology — but each authority sets its own pricing and exemption policies.

Research your state’s specific programs: Contact your local E-ZPass customer service center to ask about veteran-specific discounts. Apply for specialized license plates: These are often the key to unlocking toll benefits.

What E-ZPass does offer all veterans: Access to electronic transponder rates (typically 10–50% lower than cash or plate-billing rates). This is not a veteran-specific discount — it’s the standard E-ZPass benefit available to all account holders. But veterans who don’t have E-ZPass and rely on Toll-by-Plate are paying the maximum rate unnecessarily.

E-ZPass states: Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia — plus Georgia (through Peach Pass interoperability).

For veterans in E-ZPass states: Get an E-ZPass account at minimum — even without a veteran exemption, you’re likely paying 10–50% more than necessary by using Toll-by-Plate. Combine with qualifying state veteran plate programs for maximum savings.

The VA Beneficiary Travel Program — Toll Reimbursement for Medical Appointments

This is a completely separate benefit that exists independent of plate-based toll exemptions and is available to all veterans regardless of which state they live in.

Veterans and other beneficiaries may be eligible to have toll charges reimbursed by the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs when they use a toll road to travel for care at a Veteran’s Administration medical facility. The Beneficiary Travel Benefits program is established and administered by the Veterans Administration.

How to claim: To be reimbursed for toll charges, you must submit a form to the VA with your receipt for payment of the toll charge no later than thirty days after the date you traveled to a VA facility for medical care. Download the required VA Form 10-3542.

Contact: VA Beneficiary Travel Office at 254-743-0749 or your nearest VA medical center.

This means veterans traveling to VA appointments on toll roads in states without plate-based toll exemptions (like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Illinois) can still recover toll costs through this reimbursement program — providing a path to zero-cost toll travel for VA medical visits regardless of state programs.

Common Mistakes That Result in Unexpected Toll Bills

Mistake #1 — Assuming Plate Display Is Sufficient Without Registration

In Texas, CTRMA specifically requires registration — the plate alone is not enough. Veterans with qualifying plates who never registered with CTRMA receive full toll bills that can escalate to $500+ in fees within 120 days. Register with each authority proactively.

Mistake #2 — Not Updating After TxTag to HCTRA Migration

Veterans who had a veteran exemption registered through a TxTag account should verify that it carried over properly after the migration to HCTRA in November 2024. Log into HCTRA.org with your migrated account to confirm veteran exemption status is active.

Mistake #3 — Using FasTrak Transponder Without Mylar Bag at California Bridges

In the Bay Area, FasTrak transponder holders are charged through the transponder regardless of qualifying plate status — unless the transponder is in a Mylar bag. The system bills the transponder account before it checks the plate. Order the free Mylar bag from FasTrak at 877-BAY-TOLL.

Mistake #4 — Driving on Private Concession Lanes in Texas

The LBJ TEXpress, NTE TEXpress, and NTE 35W TEXpress lanes are managed by private concessionaires — veterans will be charged standard tolls on those roads regardless of plate type. These lanes look identical to other TEXpress branded lanes but are not covered by state veteran exemptions.

Mistake #5 — Not Applying for the VA Beneficiary Travel Reimbursement

Many veterans in states without plate-based exemptions drive toll roads to VA medical appointments and pay full tolls — then don’t claim the VA Beneficiary Travel reimbursement they’re entitled to. Submit VA Form 10-3542 within 30 days of each qualifying VA trip.

Mistake #6 — Assuming Express Lanes Are Covered in California

This benefit does not apply to high-occupancy toll lanes, including the I-15 Express Lanes. AB 2949 specifically excludes HOT lanes. In the San Diego region, SR 125 is covered but the I-15 Express Lanes are not. Plan routes accordingly to use covered facilities.