Most people do not realize that failing to pay a toll for using a highway in North Carolina can have severe consequences. First, if you receive two or more bills for unpaid open road tolls and do not pay them within 30 days you are assessed a penalty of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) and a processing fee. Not only that but if you fail to pay the toll fee, the processing fee and the penalty then the Turnpike Authority can block the renewal of your registration! This can cause you to be stopped and given a ticket that cost you another $250.00! In the end a simple $1.00 highway fee can end up costing you over $300.00.