So recently I was going to go get a TxTag. I decided to research a little since I am Disabled Vet since many things in our great state are discounted or free for us. Come to find out, if you are a disabled vet and have a DV plate, purple heart plate or a couple other plates, you do not need an EZTag and can use the HCTRA tolls for free. The camera will scan your plate as you drive through the EZTag lanes an zero out your toll automatically. No need to get a tag, just drive through like you have one. One stipulation though is that it has to be an EZtag lane or exit. If you have to go through a lane where an arm has to be raised, you will have to pay the toll. But luckily there are very few of these.

One note though, this is only for Harris County and Fort Bend tollways. Austin and Dallas do not offer this.

thats awesome

That's excellent!

Yeah it is. Definitely makes living in Cypress that much easier.

That's great! More info here: https://www.hctra.org/about_faq/veteran-discount-tolling

My dad loves this. Now that the beltway is completed, when they come to visit me they get on Hwy 6 @ Briarcrest in Bryan and don't even slow down until they get to the W Lake Houston Pkwy exit - and no tolls in between.

Very awesome for someone who deserves awesomeness.

Also get free parking at the airport as well!

Texas is really one of the best states in treating Disabled Vets.

didn't know that, good deal.

and thank you for serving.

Wait, it is going to get even better... with the HOT lanes opening up in late January (at least the first corridor on IH 45 South), the same benefit to Vets will apply for the tolled lanes of the HOV lane. Free ride!

Thanks for your service!

To be a disabled vet you have to be disabled while in the service? or from combat? or how? Just curious...

[This message has been edited by BCOBQ98 (edited 11/4/2011 3:44p).]

From the link I posted above, which doesn't seem to be linking properly...

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Per Texas Transportation Code § 372.053, eligibility is limited to vehicles which are:

1. registered with the State of Texas and

2. displaying the qualifying specialty license plate for any of the following:

Disabled Veterans
Purple Heart Medal recipients
Medal of Honor recipients

Vehicles which are not eligible are required to pay the applicable toll.

NOTE: To see examples of qualifying Texas license plates please visit www.texasonline.gov and choose "Order Specialty License Plates" then "Specialty License Plates."

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BCOB you have to have one of those plates. And to have one as a DV I believe you have to be rated at 50% or higher or have a 40% with amputation.

My cousin's husband has a DV plate (served 20+ in USAF) and I have no idea what his disability is, it certainly isn't visible nor has anyone in the family ever mentioned it.

Then he is at least 50%. And not all our visible. Mine is a severe back issue that has me at 80%. I have had people stop me when I park in a handicap spot. I point at my plates and show them my scars. They generally shut up after that. Just because you can't see an injury doesn't mean we aren't injured and it doesn't hurt like hell just to walk from the parking lot.

oh i know, i actually think it's something with his knee, which honestly he f'ed up mostly during USAF softball tourneys worldwide

ttt

i read recently another law passing regarding disabled vets.. something to do with property taxes..

I think disabled vets are exempt from property tax? But if they died, then the widow was no longer exempt. And that's what changed, now widows of disabled vets are exempt for the remainder of their life in their home, or the value of that home if they move.

something like that.. i could be wrong on some of those details.

I did not know that. I wonder if I can call the tax office and get a refund for the past two years!

Never mind. You have to be 100% disabled

62strat - I believe that's one of the 10 state constitutional amendments upon which we are voting Tuesday.

yes it was 100% disabled now that you mentioned it.

You do have an exemption on your property taxes. Like you homestead exemption. I don't know the requirements or percentage of the exemption but have seen with with some transactions I have done.

Not everyone feels its a good thing...

http://texags.com/main/forum.reply.asp?topic_id=1964593&forum_id=16

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They served their country not their county.

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[This message has been edited by TxElsie (edited 11/7/2011 9:23p).]

It okay Elsie. I don't need their thanks or praise. I didn't do it for them. I served because I felt I was called to do so and to serve my country. I can still sleep at night without their gratitude.

People on that thread repeatedly gave their thanks and gratitude, even the ones arguing against the tolls. Don't let this issue cloud that. We all appreciate your sacrifice.

Your math on that thread seems a little iffy, but I'm all for free tolls for DV's. This is the first I've heard of it.

What about my math is iffy? The only number I am unsure of is the amount of disabled vets rated higher than 50% in the Houston area. But I can't imagine I am far off. I rarely see DV plates

ahh it is prop. 1.

quote:

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"The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a 100 percent or totally disabled veteran."

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