Massachusetts tolls can be paid through MassDOT's toll collection system, which offers both prepaid and pay-per-use options
Massachusetts operates tolls on the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), the Ted Williams Tunnel, the Tobin Bridge, and several other routes. You can pay tolls in three ways: through a prepaid account called E-ZPass Massachusetts, by mail after receiving a toll bill, or through a pay-per-use transponder. The method you choose affects how much you pay per crossing and how quickly you need to settle the bill.
E-ZPass Massachusetts is the most common option and offers a discount on toll rates compared to paying at a toll booth or by mail. If you use tolls regularly, setting up an account takes about 15 minutes online and costs $25 for the transponder device itself. If you cross tolls infrequently, you can also pay by mail when MassDOT sends you an invoice based on a photo of your license plate.
Key Takeaways
- E-ZPass Massachusetts is a prepaid account that discounts toll rates and lets you cross without stopping; the transponder costs $25 and you fund the account with money that depletes with each crossing.
- If you do not have E-ZPass, MassDOT photographs your license plate and mails you a bill within 30 days, but you pay a higher per-crossing rate.
- You can set up an E-ZPass account online at mass.gov/ezpass or by phone at 1-844-MASSDOT, and the transponder arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- E-ZPass accounts require a valid driver's license or state ID and a working vehicle registration; you can link multiple vehicles to one account.
- If your transponder malfunctions or your account runs out of money, tolls are still photographed and billed by mail at the higher rate until you fix the problem.
Setting up an E-ZPass Massachusetts account
To open an E-ZPass account, visit mass.gov/ezpass or call 1-844-MASSDOT (1-844-627-7368). You will need a valid Massachusetts or out-of-state driver's license or state ID, your vehicle registration number, and a credit or debit card to fund the account. The transponder device itself costs $25, which is a one-time charge.
After you complete the online form or phone process, MassDOT mails the transponder to your address within 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, you mount it on your windshield, set up it through the website or app, and add money to your account. The account balance decreases each time you cross a toll plaza. You can set up automatic replenishment so the account refunds itself when the balance drops below a threshold you choose.
You can link up to five vehicles to a single E-ZPass account. If you own multiple cars, you will need a separate transponder for each one, but they all draw from the same account balance. This is useful if you share a vehicle or switch between cars depending on the trip.
E-ZPass discount rates versus pay-by-mail costs
E-ZPass holders pay a lower per-crossing rate than drivers who pay by mail. The exact discount varies by toll location and vehicle type. For example, a passenger car crossing the Tobin Bridge pays less with E-ZPass than a driver who receives a bill by mail for the same crossing. Heavy trucks and commercial vehicles have separate rate structures.
If you do not have E-ZPass, MassDOT photographs your license plate as you pass through the toll plaza. Within 30 days, you receive a bill by mail at the higher pay-per-use rate. You can pay that bill online, by phone, or by mail. If you cross tolls only a few times per year, the pay-by-mail option may cost less overall than buying a transponder and maintaining an account. If you cross regularly, E-ZPass savings add up quickly.
What happens if your transponder fails or your account runs low
If your E-ZPass transponder stops working or your account balance reaches zero, you will still be able to cross the toll plaza. MassDOT's cameras photograph your license plate, and you receive a bill by mail at the higher pay-per-use rate. This is not a penalty — it is the standard rate for drivers without a working transponder.
To avoid this, check your account balance regularly through the E-ZPass website or mobile app. If your transponder is damaged or not reading, contact MassDOT customer service at 1-844-MASSDOT to request a replacement. Replacements are usually free if the device is defective, but there may be a fee if you lost it or damaged it yourself.
If you move out of state or no longer need the account, you can close it online or by phone. MassDOT will refund any remaining balance to the credit card on file, minus the $25 transponder fee.
Paying tolls by mail without E-ZPass
If you do not have an E-ZPass account, you will receive a toll bill by mail 20 to 30 days after you cross. The bill shows the date, time, location, and vehicle description from the license plate photo. You can pay online at mass.gov/tolls, by phone at 1-844-MASSDOT, or by mailing a check to the address on the bill.
Online payment is the fastest option and usually posts within one business day. Phone payment takes a few minutes and requires your bill number. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to process. If you do not pay within 30 days of the bill date, MassDOT may send a second notice and charge a late fee.
Repeated unpaid tolls can result in registration holds, meaning you cannot renew your vehicle registration until the tolls are paid. This is enforced through the Registry of Motor Vehicles, so it is important to pay bills promptly even if you plan to dispute them.
Disputing a toll charge or bill
If you believe a toll charge is incorrect — for example, if you were charged twice for a single crossing or if the vehicle description does not match yours — you can dispute it. Contact MassDOT's customer service at 1-844-MASSDOT with your bill number and a description of the problem. You can also dispute online through the toll payment portal on mass.gov/tolls.
MassDOT typically responds to disputes within 10 to 15 business days. If the charge was an error, they will remove it from your bill or refund it. If you disagree with their decision, you can request a formal review, though this process is less common and takes longer.
Do not ignore a disputed bill while waiting for a response. Continue to pay the amount you believe is correct, and note the dispute in writing so MassDOT knows you are not ignoring the charge.
Using E-ZPass in other states
E-ZPass Massachusetts transponders work on toll roads in other states that participate in the E-ZPass network, including New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and Indiana. You do not need a separate transponder for each state — the same device works everywhere.
However, your account balance is shared across all states, and toll rates vary by location. Some states charge higher rates than Massachusetts, so your balance may deplete faster when you travel out of state. You can check your account balance and transaction history anytime through the E-ZPass website or app to see where your money is going.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an E-ZPass transponder after I order one?
The transponder arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your process. You can start crossing tolls as soon as it arrives and you set up it through the website or app. If you need a transponder urgently, contact MassDOT customer service to ask about expedited options.
Can I use E-ZPass if I have an out-of-state driver's license?
Yes. You need a valid driver's license or state ID from any state, a vehicle registration, and a credit or debit card. The vehicle does not have to be registered in Massachusetts. Out-of-state drivers can set up an account online or by phone the same way Massachusetts residents do.
What if I get a toll bill for a vehicle I do not own?
Contact MassDOT when ready at 1-844-MASSDOT with proof that you did not own the vehicle on the date of the crossing. Provide your driver's license and vehicle registration. If the vehicle was sold or stolen, include documentation of the sale or police report. MassDOT will investigate and remove the charge if the vehicle was not yours.
Do I have to pay tolls if I am a Massachusetts resident?
Yes. Tolls explore to all drivers, regardless of residency. There are no exemptions based on where you live, though some vehicles — such as certain emergency vehicles and military vehicles — may be exempt. Check mass.gov/tolls to see the full list of exempt vehicle types.
Can I transfer my E-ZPass account to someone else?
No. E-ZPass accounts are tied to the person who opened them and cannot be transferred. If you sell your vehicle or no longer need the account, you can close it and request a refund of the remaining balance. The new owner would need to open their own account.