Local law enforcement agencies are taking on a larger role patrolling North Texas toll roads after the longstanding agreement between the North Texas Tollway Authority and Texas Department of Public Safety expired Aug. 31. NBC 5 learned there are currently no formal agreements between NTTA and lo cal law enforcement agencies for patrolling more than 150 miles of roads, bridges and tunnels, including the Dallas North Tollway, President George Bush Turnpike and Sam Rayburn Tollway. NTTA said local agencies have indicated they are prepared to provide law enforcement support during the transition. “Although no formal agreements have been fully executed at this time, cities have indicated their willingness and readiness to provide law enforcement support during the transition period and until formal agreements can be put in place,” the NTTA said. DPS said it will continue working on NTTA roadways during the transition to local agencies. DPS has been meeting with local law enforcement agencies about tollway enforcement since June, when it announced its agreement with NTTA would end Aug. 31. Garland police will now handle enforcement on the portion of the President George Bush Turnpike within the city. “I think the biggest message we want the community to know is the fact that if something happens in the city of Garland, Garland police will show up,” said Lt. Pedro Barineau with the Garland Police Department. Barineau said Garland police previously responded to incidents on the tollway to assist with traffic and other needs, while DPS handled the investigation and report. Garland officers will now take on those responsibilities. The transition also puts traffic enforcement in the hands of local departments. In 2025, NTTA toll roads recorded 221 distracted driving crashes, including five fatal crashes and 47 involving injuries. NTTA continues to work with local agencies as it determines what formal law enforcement agreements will look like moving forward. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication. ...read more read less