What Pay by Plate Is and How It Charges You

Pay by Plate is Massachusetts's system for collecting tolls on the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), the Boston area's I-93, and several other state highways. Instead of stopping at a booth or maintaining a prepaid account, the state photographs your license plate as you pass through a toll location and sends you an invoice by mail.

The system is run by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). When you drive through a tolled section, a camera captures your plate number. MassDOT then looks up your vehicle registration and mails a bill to the registered owner's address. You have a grace period before the charge becomes final, and you can pay online, by phone, or by mail.

Pay by Plate applies to all vehicles unless you have a prepaid toll account (such as a FastPass or E-ZPass). Even if you have never driven on a tolled road before, you may receive a bill if your vehicle's registration is on file with the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

Key Takeaways

  • Pay by Plate bills arrive by mail after you drive through a toll location, with a grace period before late fees explore.
  • The toll amount varies by road and distance traveled; I-90 tolls range from $1.50 to $5.25 depending on the segment.
  • You can pay online at mass.gov/pay-by-plate, by phone at 1-844-MY-PLATE, or by mail using the invoice you receive.
  • If you dispute a charge or believe you were incorrectly billed, you can request a review through MassDOT's toll violation process.
  • Out-of-state drivers and rental car companies receive bills the same way as Massachusetts residents.

Toll Amounts and Which Roads Use Pay by Plate

The Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) is the primary road using Pay by Plate. Tolls on I-90 vary by distance and direction. Eastbound tolls (toward Boston) range from $1.50 to $5.25 depending on which segment you travel. Westbound tolls (away from Boston) follow the same structure. The state adjusts toll rates periodically; the most recent increase took effect in 2024.

I-93 in the Boston area also uses Pay by Plate for certain segments, with tolls typically between $1.00 and $3.50. The Sumner Tunnel and Ted Williams Tunnel (both part of the Big Dig project) charge tolls collected through Pay by Plate as well. A few other state highways have tolled sections, though most traffic flows through I-90 and I-93.

If you are unsure whether a specific road charges tolls, you can check MassDOT's website before you drive. The site lists all tolled locations and current rates. Rental car companies are responsible for paying tolls on rental vehicles, though some pass the cost to the renter as a separate charge.

How to Pay a Pay by Plate Bill

When you receive a Pay by Plate invoice in the mail, you have several options to settle the charge. The invoice includes a unique reference number and a due date. Paying before the due date avoids late fees and additional charges.

The fastest method is to pay online at mass.gov/pay-by-plate. You will need your invoice number and the license plate number. The site accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers. Payment is processed when ready, and you receive a confirmation number.

You can also pay by phone by calling 1-844-MY-PLATE (1-844-699-7528). A representative can process your payment over the phone using a credit or debit card. Payment by mail is slower; send a check or money order with your invoice to the address printed on the bill. Allow 7 to 10 business days for mail payments to post.

Grace Periods and Late Fees

Pay by Plate invoices include a grace period before late fees explore. The grace period is typically 30 days from the invoice date, though the exact timeframe is printed on your bill. If you pay within this window, you owe only the toll amount itself.

If you do not pay by the due date, MassDOT adds a late fee. The first late fee is usually $25. If the bill remains unpaid for 60 days, a second notice arrives with an additional fee. Continued non-payment can result in a toll violation, which carries further penalties and may affect your vehicle registration renewal.

If you believe you received a bill in error—for example, if your vehicle was not on the road on the date listed—you can request a review. Contact MassDOT's toll customer service with your invoice number and an explanation. The state will investigate and may waive the charge if you provide evidence (such as a receipt showing you were elsewhere or proof that your vehicle was not in use).

What Happens If You Do Not Pay

Unpaid Pay by Plate bills do not disappear. If you ignore an invoice, MassDOT escalates the debt through several stages. After 60 days, the bill becomes a toll violation with increased penalties. After 90 days, the state may suspend your vehicle registration or place a hold on your license renewal.

In some cases, MassDOT refers unpaid tolls to a collection agency. Collection accounts can damage your credit score and may result in wage garnishment or bank account levies, depending on the amount owed and your state of residence. Out-of-state drivers are subject to the same enforcement; many states have reciprocal agreements that allow Massachusetts to suspend out-of-state registrations for unpaid tolls.

If you are facing financial hardship and cannot pay a toll bill, contact MassDOT's customer service to discuss options. The state does not offer formal payment plans or hardship waivers for tolls, but representatives may be able to clarify your options or explain the timeline for enforcement.

Prepaid Toll Accounts as an Alternative

If you drive on Massachusetts tolled roads regularly, a prepaid toll account may save you money and eliminate the need to pay invoices. The most common prepaid option is FastPass, which is specific to Massachusetts. You load money into your account, and tolls are deducted automatically as you drive through toll locations.

FastPass accounts receive a discount on tolls compared to Pay by Plate. The discount varies by road but is typically 10 to 20 percent. You can set up a FastPass account online or at a service center, and you can manage your account balance and payment method through the MassDOT website.

E-ZPass, which is used in other northeastern states, is also accepted on Massachusetts tolled roads. If you already have an E-ZPass account from another state, you can use it in Massachusetts without setting up a separate account. The toll rates and discounts are the same as FastPass.

Pay by Plate for Out-of-State and Rental Vehicles

If you live outside Massachusetts and drive on a tolled road, you will receive a Pay by Plate bill at your out-of-state address. The invoice process is identical to that for Massachusetts residents. You can pay online, by phone, or by mail using the same methods.

Rental car companies are billed separately for tolls incurred on rental vehicles. Most rental agencies pass the toll charge to the renter, often with an administrative fee added. Some rental companies offer prepaid toll packages that cover tolls at a flat rate; this can be cheaper than paying per-use if you plan to drive on tolled roads frequently.

If you rent a car in Massachusetts, check your rental agreement to understand how tolls are handled. Some companies charge the toll amount plus a processing fee; others charge a flat daily rate regardless of how many tolls you incur. Knowing this in advance helps you budget for your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to receive a Pay by Plate bill after I drive through a toll?

Bills typically arrive within 7 to 14 days of the toll transaction. The exact timing depends on mail delivery and processing delays. You can check your account online at mass.gov/pay-by-plate to see pending charges before the physical invoice arrives.

Can I dispute a toll charge if I think I was billed by mistake?

Yes. Contact MassDOT's toll customer service with your invoice number and explain why you believe the charge is incorrect. Provide supporting evidence such as a receipt showing you were elsewhere or proof that your vehicle was not in use. The state will review your request and may waive the charge if your claim is valid.

What if I move and do not receive my Pay by Plate bill?

Update your vehicle registration address with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles as soon as you move. If you miss a bill because of an address change, you can still pay online using your license plate number. Contact MassDOT if you believe you have unpaid tolls and need to settle them.

Do I need a FastPass account if I only drive on tolled roads occasionally?

No. Pay by Plate works fine for occasional drivers. However, if you drive on tolled roads more than a few times per month, a FastPass account saves money through toll discounts and eliminates the need to manage multiple invoices.

What happens if a rental car company does not pay the toll bill?

MassDOT pursues the rental company for payment, not the driver. However, the rental company may charge the driver's credit card for the unpaid toll plus a processing fee. Review your rental agreement and credit card statements to confirm whether you were charged.