Sec. 370.178. USE AND RETURN OF TRANSPONDERS

(a) For purposes of this section, "transponder" means a device placed on or within an automobile that is capable of transmitting or receiving information used to assess or collect tolls. A transponder is insufficiently funded if there is no money in the account for which the transponder was issued.

(b) Any law enforcement or peace officer of an entity with which an authority has contracted under Section 370.181(c) may seize a stolen or insufficiently funded transponder and return it to the authority that issued the transponder. An insufficiently funded transponder may not be seized before the 30th day after the date that an authority has sent a notice of delinquency to the holder of the account.

(c) The following entities shall consider offering motor vehicle operators the option of using a transponder to pay tolls without stopping, to mitigate congestion at toll locations, to enhance traffic flow, and to otherwise increase the efficiency of operations:

(1) the authority;

(2) an entity to which a project authorized by this chapter is transferred; or

(3) a third-party service provider under contract with an entity described by Subdivision (1) or (2).

(d) Transponder customer account information, including contact and payment information and trip data, is confidential and not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 2.01, eff. June 21, 2003. Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 281 , Sec. 2.71, eff. June 14, 2005.