SH 45SW Toll Road Complete Guide: Electronic Tags, Rates & Payment 2025
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SH 45SW Toll Road Complete Guide
System: Electronic toll collection (TxTag, EZ TAG, TollTag) + Pay By Mail
Length: 3.6 miles connecting MoPac (Loop 1) to FM 1626
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: Electronic tags, License plate recognition, Cashless tolling
Operator: Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA)
Opened: June 1, 2019
Do I Need an Electronic Tag for SH 45SW? 2025 Update
No, you don't need an electronic tag to use SH 45SW - but you'll save 33% on toll costs with one. The 3.6-mile toll road operates with completely automated cashless tolling, accepting electronic tags from multiple providers or billing untagged vehicles through Pay By Mail.
Key Reality: Without an electronic tag, you'll pay 50% higher rates plus a $1 processing fee. A regular user can save hundreds of dollars annually by using an electronic tag versus Pay By Mail billing.
2025 Update: Toll rates increased 2.44% on January 1, 2025, consistent with the Consumer Price Index, adding approximately $0.01-$0.05 to electronic tag rates. The road continues to provide time savings of 9-17 minutes over local routes.
SH 45SW Toll Costs: Current Rates
SH 45SW operates with distance-based electronic toll collection, with rates varying by vehicle type and payment method. The road features multiple toll gantries along its 3.6-mile length.
Current Toll Rates by Payment Method (2025)
| Payment Method | 2-Axle Vehicle | Additional Axles | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Tag | Distance-based rates | Multiplied by axle count | Base rate |
| Pay By Mail | 50% higher + $1 fee | 50% higher + $1 fee | No savings |
| Prepaid Registered Account | 25% savings vs Pay By Mail | 25% savings vs Pay By Mail | Moderate savings |
Trip Examples & Time Savings
Full-Length Trip: MoPac to FM 1626 - saves 9-17 minutes over local routes (Slaughter Lane, Brodie Lane, Machaca Road)
Partial Trips: Multiple toll gantries allow entry/exit at various points along the 3.6-mile route
Non-Toll Benefit: Even drivers using alternative routes save 6-7 minutes due to reduced congestion
How to Pay SH 45SW Tolls
SH 45SW is completely automated with no need to stop or even slow down. You can utilize the all-electronic, or cashless, tolling method of payment through an electronic tag account; or if you don't have an electronic tag just keep moving and you'll be billed through the Pay By Mail program.
1. Electronic Tag Systems (33% Savings):
- TollTag (NTTA), EZ TAG (HCTRA), TxTag (now operated by HCTRA), Fuego Tag (CCRMA)
- K-TAG (Kansas), Pikepass (Oklahoma), SunPass (Florida), ExpressToll (Colorado), Bancpass
- Automatic account deduction - no stopping required
- Works on all Austin-area toll roads
2. Pay By Mail (License Plate Billing):
- Camera captures license plate for untagged vehicles
- Invoice mailed to registered vehicle owner
- 50% higher rates than electronic tags plus $1 processing fee
- Payment due within invoice timeframe to avoid additional fees
3. Prepaid Registered Account (No Tag Required):
- Register license plate with $25 minimum balance
- 25% savings compared to Pay By Mail rates
- Automatic toll deduction without physical tag
- Available online or by phone: (512) 410-0562
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types on SH 45SW, use TollGuru toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Rate Adjustments:
- January 1, 2025: 2.44% toll rate increase consistent with Consumer Price Index
- Electronic tag rates increased approximately $0.01-$0.05 per gantry
- Annual rate adjustments continue to avoid larger increases every five years
Payment System Updates:
- TxTag transition to HCTRA management completed November 2024
- Enhanced anti-scam measures - CTRMA never requests personal information via text/email
- Continued acceptance of all major regional electronic tag systems
Infrastructure Enhancements:
- Wrong-way driving detection technology operational - first in the region
- 4.5-mile shared use path connecting to future Violet Crown Trail
- Continued environmental monitoring and protection measures
Regional Toll Information
Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority Network:
- 183A Toll - Northwest Williamson County corridor with 2025 rate increases
- 290 Toll - Eastern Travis County connection to Manor and Elgin
- 71 Toll Lane - Airport Boulevard to SH 130 near Bergstrom International
- MoPac Express Lane - Variable pricing express lanes on Loop 1
- 183 Toll - East Austin corridor from US 290 to SH 71
TxDOT Austin-Area Toll Roads:
- SH 45 North - Northwest Austin bypass connecting US 183 to MoPac
- SH 45 Southeast - Southeast Austin to SH 130 connection
- SH 130 - Eastern bypass alternative to I-35 with 85 mph speed limit
- Loop 1 - MoPac toll lanes and improvements
Planning Your Journey
Route Planning:
- Primary connection: MoPac (Loop 1) to FM 1626 in 3.6 miles
- Serves southern Travis County and northern Hays County
- Alternative to congested Slaughter Lane, Brodie Lane, and Machaca Road
- Two lanes in each direction with no frontage roads
Cost Considerations:
- Electronic tag users save 33% compared to Pay By Mail
- Annual rate adjustments tied to Consumer Price Index
- Consider electronic tag if using multiple Austin-area toll roads
- Prepaid accounts available for occasional users without tags
Environmental Features:
- Located in Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone with extensive environmental protections
- Permeable Friction Course paving for improved water quality
- 90% stormwater runoff treatment - exceeding state requirements
- Hill Country Classroom educational area along shared use path
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid SH 45SW tolls?
Yes, you can use alternative routes including Slaughter Lane, Brodie Lane, and Machaca Road. However, these routes typically add 9-17 minutes to your journey and may experience significant congestion during peak hours.
What happens if I don't pay SH 45SW tolls?
Unpaid tolls result in escalating consequences: late fees after invoice due date, collection agency involvement, potential vehicle registration blocks, and classification as a habitual violator with additional enforcement measures.
Do veterans get discounts on SH 45SW?
Yes, the Qualified Veteran Discount Program applies to SH 45SW for eligible veterans with specialty license plates and registered electronic tags. Detection equipment automatically identifies qualified vehicles.
Can I use my out-of-state electronic tag?
Yes, SH 45SW accepts electronic tags from multiple states including Kansas K-TAG, Oklahoma Pikepass, Florida SunPass, and Colorado ExpressToll as part of the Central United States Interoperability Hub.
When did SH 45SW open?
SH 45SW opened to traffic on June 1, 2019, after construction beginning in November 2016. The project cost $110 million and included extensive environmental protections.
SH 45SW vs. Regional Toll Roads
| Toll Road | System Type | Length | Operator |
|---|---|---|---|
| SH 45SW | Electronic tags + Pay By Mail | 3.6 miles | CTRMA |
| SH 45 North | Electronic tags + Pay By Mail | 6.2 miles | TxDOT |
| SH 130 | Electronic tags + Pay By Mail | 91 miles total | TxDOT/Private |
| 183A Toll | Electronic tags + Pay By Mail | 11.6 miles | CTRMA |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Austin Toll Roads - Complete Central Texas toll road network
- Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority - CTRMA operations and projects
- Electronic Toll Collection Texas - TxTag, EZ TAG, and other systems
- Pay Toll Austin - Payment methods for Austin-area toll roads
- Texas Toll Roads - Statewide toll road information
Customer Service:
- CTRMA Customer Service: (833) 762-8655
- Online Account Management: PayMobilityBill.com
- In-Person Service: 12719 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78727
- Electronic Tag Setup: (512) 410-0562
