Maryland tolls can be paid through E-ZPass, pay-per-use accounts, or cash at certain toll facilities, depending on which road you're using and how often you travel

Maryland operates tolls on the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, Fort McHenry Tunnel, and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. The state also collects tolls on the Intercounty Connector (ICC) near Washington, D.C. Each facility accepts different payment methods, and your choice depends on whether you travel these roads regularly or only occasionally.

The fastest way to pay is through E-ZPass, an electronic toll collection system that deducts the toll automatically from a prepaid account as you drive through. If you don't want an account, you can pay cash at certain locations or receive a bill by mail. Understanding which method works for your situation saves time and often reduces the toll amount you pay.

Key Takeaways

  • E-ZPass is the cheapest option for regular travelers and works on all Maryland toll roads; the account links to your vehicle's license plate or a windshield transponder.
  • Pay-per-use accounts let you set up a toll bill without E-ZPass, and Maryland will mail you an invoice after you cross a toll facility.
  • Cash payment is available at the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel and Fort McHenry Tunnel toll plazas, but costs more than E-ZPass rates.
  • The Intercounty Connector (ICC) requires either E-ZPass or a pay-per-use account; there is no cash payment option at that facility.
  • You can set up any account online through the Maryland Transportation Authority website or by phone within minutes.

Setting up E-ZPass in Maryland

E-ZPass is the Maryland Transportation Authority's electronic toll system and offers the lowest toll rates. You can open an account online at mdta.maryland.gov or by calling 1-888-321-6511. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires your vehicle's license plate number, a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account), and a minimum prepaid balance.

When you set up E-ZPass, you choose between a transponder (a small device that mounts on your windshield) or plate-based tolling (where the system reads your license plate automatically). Plate-based tolling is simpler because you don't need to install anything; the toll authority photographs your plate as you pass through. If you choose a transponder, Maryland will mail it to you at no charge, and it arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Your E-ZPass account must maintain a minimum balance, which varies by facility but is typically $10 to $25. When your balance drops below a set threshold, the system automatically charges your payment method to replenish it. This means you never have to think about paying individual tolls—the account handles it for you.

Pay-per-use accounts without E-ZPass

If you don't want to set up E-ZPass but still want to avoid cash payment, Maryland offers a pay-per-use account. You register your vehicle's license plate with the Maryland Transportation Authority, and after you cross a toll facility, the system photographs your plate and mails you an invoice. You then pay the bill by the due date, usually 30 days after the crossing.

To open a pay-per-use account, visit mdta.maryland.gov or call 1-888-321-6511. You'll need your vehicle's license plate number and a mailing address. There is no prepaid balance required, and you only pay for the tolls you actually use. However, pay-per-use rates are higher than E-ZPass rates, and you'll receive a separate invoice for each crossing if you travel frequently.

Pay-per-use accounts work on all Maryland toll roads, including the Intercounty Connector. This option is useful if you cross a toll facility only a few times per year and don't want to maintain a prepaid balance.

Paying cash at toll plazas

The Baltimore Harbor Tunnel and Fort McHenry Tunnel toll plazas accept cash payment at staffed booths. You drive up to a toll booth, hand cash to the attendant, and receive a receipt. Cash tolls cost more than E-ZPass rates—typically 50 percent to 100 percent higher depending on the facility and your vehicle type.

The Intercounty Connector does not have a cash payment option. If you use the ICC without E-ZPass or a pay-per-use account, you will receive a violation notice in the mail and may face additional fees. For the ICC, you must set up either E-ZPass or a pay-per-use account before or when ready after your first crossing.

Cash payment is convenient for one-time travelers or people who rarely use Maryland tolls, but it becomes expensive if you cross regularly. If you plan to use Maryland tolls more than twice per year, E-ZPass saves money even after accounting for the account setup time.

Understanding toll rates and vehicle classifications

Maryland toll rates depend on your vehicle type and the facility you're using. Passenger cars, motorcycles, and light trucks are charged at one rate, while heavy trucks and commercial vehicles pay higher tolls. E-ZPass rates are typically 30 to 50 percent lower than cash rates for the same vehicle type.

When you set up an E-ZPass or pay-per-use account, you specify your vehicle type during registration. If you drive multiple vehicle types, you can register each one separately or add additional vehicles to your existing account. The system charges the correct rate based on the vehicle that passes through the toll facility.

Toll rates change periodically, and the Maryland Transportation Authority announces increases in advance. You can check current rates on mdta.maryland.gov or by calling 1-888-321-6511. Rates are the same regardless of which toll facility you use, except for the Intercounty Connector, which has its own rate structure.

Managing your account and checking your balance

Once your account is active, you can check your balance, view transaction history, and update your payment method online at mdta.maryland.gov. Log in with your account number and password, or create a new login if you don't have one. The website shows every toll crossing, the amount charged, and the date of each transaction.

If your E-ZPass balance runs low, the system automatically replenishes it using your saved payment method. You can also manually add funds to your account at any time through the website or by phone. If you want to pause automatic replenishment, you can disable it in your account settings, but you'll need to manually add funds before your balance reaches zero.

If you notice an incorrect charge or a toll you don't recognize, contact the Maryland Transportation Authority within 30 days. You can dispute the charge online, by phone at 1-888-321-6511, or by mail. Keep your transaction history and any receipts as proof if you need to dispute a toll.

What to do if you receive a toll violation notice

If you cross a toll facility without E-ZPass, a pay-per-use account, or cash payment, you'll receive a violation notice in the mail. The notice includes the toll amount, a violation fee (typically $25 to $50), and a due date for payment. You have 30 days to pay or contest the violation.

If you receive a violation notice, you can pay it online at mdta.maryland.gov, by phone, or by mail. You can also set up a pay-per-use account at that time, which may reduce or eliminate the violation fee depending on when you set up the account. If you believe the violation is incorrect—for example, if you had E-ZPass active but the system didn't read your transponder—you can dispute it by contacting the Maryland Transportation Authority with proof.

Repeated violations can result in vehicle registration holds or license suspension in some cases, so it's important to address a violation notice promptly rather than ignoring it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my E-ZPass from another state on Maryland tolls?

Yes. E-ZPass is accepted on all Maryland toll facilities. If you have an E-ZPass account from another state, it will work in Maryland without any additional setup. Your home state's account will be charged the Maryland toll rate.

What happens if my E-ZPass transponder stops working?

If your transponder malfunctions, contact the Maryland Transportation Authority at 1-888-321-6511 and request a replacement. They will mail you a new transponder at no charge. In the meantime, you can switch to plate-based tolling in your account settings so tolls continue to be charged correctly.

Can I get a refund if I overpay my E-ZPass account?

Yes. If your account balance exceeds a certain amount (typically $100 or more), you can request a refund through the website or by phone. Refunds are processed within 7 to 10 business days to your original payment method.

Do I need a separate account for each vehicle?

No. You can register multiple vehicles under one account. Each vehicle is charged at the appropriate rate based on its classification. You can manage all vehicles from a single login on mdta.maryland.gov.

Is there a discount for frequent travelers?

E-ZPass rates are already discounted compared to cash rates. Maryland does not offer additional loyalty discounts or frequent traveler programs beyond the standard E-ZPass rate reduction.