Maryland has three main ways to pay tolls: E-ZPass, pay-per-transaction at a toll booth, or online after you drive through

The easiest method is E-ZPass, a prepaid account linked to a tag on your windshield that deducts tolls automatically. If you don't have E-ZPass, you can pay cash or card at a toll booth when you encounter one. A third option is to pay online within a set window after you've driven through a toll location — this works if you missed a booth or drove through without paying.

Which method you choose depends on how often you use Maryland's toll roads and whether you want the convenience of automatic payment or prefer to pay as you go. Each has different costs and processes, which we'll break down below.

Key Takeaways

  • E-ZPass is a prepaid account with a windshield tag that automatically deducts tolls and usually costs less per trip than paying at a booth.
  • You can pay cash or card at staffed toll booths on most Maryland toll roads, though some newer toll facilities are cashless.
  • If you drive through a toll without paying, you can pay online through the Maryland Transportation Authority website within a specific timeframe to avoid a violation notice.
  • E-ZPass works across multiple states and toll systems, so one account can be used on roads in Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and other participating states.

Getting an E-ZPass account and tag

To set up E-ZPass, visit the Maryland Transportation Authority website or call their customer service line. You'll need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and a payment method (debit or credit card). The tag itself is free, but you must load money onto the account before you can use it — most people start with $25 to $100 depending on how often they drive tolled roads.

The tag attaches to your windshield and communicates with toll readers as you pass through. The system deducts the toll amount automatically, and your account balance decreases. When your balance drops below a certain threshold (usually $5 to $10), the account automatically replenishes from your payment method. You can also manually add money anytime through the website or phone.

E-ZPass rates are typically 10 to 30 percent lower than cash rates on the same road, so if you use tolled routes regularly, the account pays for itself quickly. The tag is linked to your vehicle, not your person, so if you sell the car you'll need to transfer the tag to a new vehicle or close the account.

Paying cash or card at toll booths

Most Maryland toll facilities still have staffed booths where you can hand over cash or use a debit or credit card. The toll amount varies by location and vehicle type — a passenger car typically costs $2 to $6 per crossing depending on the road and time of day. Some facilities charge higher rates during peak hours.

Not all toll booths accept cash anymore. The Fort McHenry Tunnel, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and some other newer or renovated facilities are cashless and only accept E-ZPass or pay-by-plate (see below). Before you drive, check which toll roads you'll encounter and whether they accept your preferred payment method.

If you're renting a car or driving someone else's vehicle, paying at the booth is often simpler than setting up a temporary E-ZPass account. Just have your payment ready when you reach the toll booth.

Paying online if you missed the booth

If you drive through a toll without paying — whether you didn't see the booth, took a wrong exit, or your E-ZPass tag malfunctioned — you can pay online through the Maryland Transportation Authority website. You'll need your license plate number and the date you drove through. The online payment window is usually 7 to 14 days after you pass through the toll, though this varies by facility.

Paying online within the allowed timeframe costs slightly more than the booth rate but less than a violation notice. If you don't pay within the window, you'll receive a toll violation notice in the mail, which includes a higher fee plus administrative costs. The violation notice will explain how to pay or contest the charge.

This option is useful if you're unfamiliar with a route or if your E-ZPass tag failed to read. Check the Maryland Transportation Authority website for the specific payment important date for the toll location you passed through.

Understanding toll rates and peak pricing

Maryland toll rates depend on the specific road, your vehicle type, and sometimes the time of day. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge, for example, charges different rates for cars, motorcycles, and trucks. Some facilities use congestion pricing, meaning tolls are higher during rush hours and lower during off-peak times.

E-ZPass users typically pay a lower rate than cash payers on the same road. Peak-hour tolls are higher than off-peak tolls, so driving outside rush hours can save money if your schedule allows. Check the Maryland Transportation Authority website or call their customer service to find the exact toll for your vehicle type and the specific road you'll use.

If you drive the same toll road regularly, tracking your monthly toll costs can help you decide whether E-ZPass makes financial sense for your situation. Many commuters find that the discount pays for the account setup within a few weeks.

What to do if your E-ZPass tag stops working

If your tag fails to read at a toll booth, you may see a red light or hear an alert. Don't panic — you can still pay at the booth or online afterward. If this happens repeatedly, contact the Maryland Transportation Authority to have your tag tested or replaced. Replacement tags are usually free.

Common reasons for tag failure include a cracked or dirty windshield, a tag placed too far from the reader, or a depleted account balance. Make sure your account has funds before you drive through a toll. If your balance is too low, the system may not process the toll, and you'll receive a violation notice.

Keep your E-ZPass account active even if you don't use it for a while. An inactive account may be closed, and you'll lose any remaining balance. If you're moving out of state or no longer need the account, contact the Maryland Transportation Authority to close it and request a refund of any remaining balance.

Toll roads in Maryland you should know about

The major toll facilities in Maryland include the Chesapeake Bay Bridge (connecting the Eastern Shore to the western part of the state), the Fort McHenry Tunnel (under Baltimore Harbor), the Intercounty Connector (ICC, a highway in the Washington, D.C. area), and the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. Each has its own toll rates and payment methods, though all accept E-ZPass.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is one of the longest toll bridges on the East Coast and is heavily used by commuters and travelers. The Fort McHenry Tunnel is cashless and requires either E-ZPass or pay-by-plate. The ICC charges tolls based on distance traveled and time of day. Knowing which roads you'll use helps you decide whether to set up E-ZPass or pay per trip.

If you frequently travel between Maryland and neighboring states, E-ZPass is especially useful because the same account and tag work on toll roads in Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and other participating states in the Northeast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use E-ZPass from another state on Maryland toll roads?

Yes. E-ZPass is interoperable across multiple states, so a tag issued by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or any other participating state will work on Maryland toll roads. You'll be charged the E-ZPass rate, and the toll will be deducted from your out-of-state account.

What happens if I don't pay a toll?

If you don't pay within the online payment window (usually 7 to 14 days), you'll receive a toll violation notice in the mail. The notice includes a higher fee than the original toll plus administrative costs. You can pay the violation or contest it if you believe it was issued in error.

Do I need E-ZPass for every vehicle I own?

No. One E-ZPass account can have multiple tags, one for each vehicle. You can manage all your tags through a single online account and add funds once to cover tolls across all your vehicles.

Can I get a refund if I move out of state?

Yes. If you close your E-ZPass account, any remaining balance will be refunded to the payment method on file. Contact the Maryland Transportation Authority to close your account and request the refund.

Are there discounts for frequent users?

E-ZPass rates are already discounted compared to cash rates. Some employers or organizations offer pre-loaded E-ZPass accounts as a commuter benefit, so check with your workplace to see if this option is available to you.