Maryland tolls are collected by the Maryland Transportation Authority, and you can pay them through several methods depending on which road you're using and whether you want to set up an account

Maryland has tolled highways and bridges, primarily the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, the Fort McHenry Tunnel, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and sections of Interstate 95. The Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA) collects these tolls. You can pay as you go without an account, or you can open an account to get discounts and avoid toll violations.

If you drive a tolled road without paying, the MdTA will photograph your license plate and send you a bill. Setting up an account ahead of time prevents this and often saves money through discounts.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay Maryland tolls at toll booths with cash or card, or through an online account without stopping.
  • The MdTA sends toll bills by mail to your vehicle's registered address if you don't pay at the booth, so opening an account first prevents extra fees.
  • An MdTA account gives you a discount on most tolls and lets you prepay or set up automatic payments.
  • You can open an account online at mdta.maryland.gov or by phone at 1-888-321-6824.
  • If you receive a toll violation notice, you can pay it online, by mail, or by phone within 30 days to avoid additional penalties.

How to open an MdTA account online

Go to mdta.maryland.gov and select "Open an Account" or "My Account." You'll need your vehicle's license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the state where it's registered. You can register one vehicle or multiple vehicles under the same account.

Once your account is created, you can add funds by credit card, debit card, or bank transfer. The account balance is used to pay tolls automatically when you drive a tolled road. You can also set up automatic replenishment so your balance refills when it drops below a certain amount.

If you prefer not to use the website, you can open an account by calling the MdTA customer service line at 1-888-321-6824. A representative can walk you through the process and take payment information over the phone.

Paying tolls without an account

If you drive a tolled road without an account, the MdTA photographs your license plate and mails a toll bill to the address on your vehicle registration. This bill includes the toll amount plus a $2.50 processing fee. You have 30 days to pay the bill online at mdta.maryland.gov, by mail, or by phone.

If you don't pay within 30 days, the MdTA sends a violation notice with additional penalties. Repeated unpaid tolls can result in vehicle registration holds or suspension.

Some toll booths still have cash lanes where you can pay directly. However, cash payment is slower and doesn't give you the discount that an account provides.

Discounts and payment methods through an account

An MdTA account typically offers a 20% discount on most tolls compared to paying at the booth or by mail. The exact discount varies by location and toll type, so check mdta.maryland.gov for current rates.

You can pay your account balance using a credit card, debit card, or bank account transfer. Automatic replenishment is available and can save time if you drive tolled roads regularly. You can also make one-time payments whenever you choose.

Some employers and organizations offer pre-tax commuter benefit programs that include toll payments. If your employer offers this, you can use pre-tax dollars to fund your MdTA account, which reduces your taxable income.

What to do if you receive a toll violation notice

A toll violation notice means the MdTA photographed your plate but you didn't pay within 30 days of the original bill. The notice includes the original toll, the $2.50 processing fee, and a violation penalty (usually $25 to $100 depending on how many violations you have).

You can pay the violation online at mdta.maryland.gov, by mail using the payment coupon included with the notice, or by phone at 1-888-321-6824. Payment must be received within 30 days of the violation notice to avoid further penalties.

If you believe the violation was issued in error — for example, if your vehicle was stolen or if you paid but the payment wasn't processed — you can dispute it by contacting the MdTA with documentation. Include photos, payment receipts, or police reports as evidence.

Using E-ZPass in Maryland

E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system used across multiple states, including Maryland. If you have an E-ZPass transponder from another state, it works on Maryland tolls and gives you the same discount as an MdTA account.

If you don't have an E-ZPass from another state, you can open an MdTA account instead, which provides the same functionality for Maryland roads. E-ZPass is useful if you regularly drive tolled roads in other states like Virginia, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey, but it's not required for Maryland tolls alone.

Checking your account balance and history

Log into your MdTA account at mdta.maryland.gov to view your current balance, recent toll transactions, and payment history. You can also set up email or text alerts to notify you when your balance is low or when a toll is charged.

If you notice a toll charge you don't recognize, contact the MdTA within 30 days. Provide your account number, the date of the charge, and details about your vehicle and route. The MdTA can investigate and adjust your account if an error occurred.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay Maryland tolls with my phone?

You can't pay tolls directly through a phone app while driving, but you can manage your MdTA account through the website on your phone and add funds before you drive. Some third-party payment apps may link to your account, but the official MdTA website is the most reliable method.

What happens if I don't pay a toll bill?

If you don't pay within 30 days, you'll receive a violation notice with additional penalties. Repeated violations can result in your vehicle registration being suspended or held, which prevents you from renewing your registration until the tolls and penalties are paid.

Do I get a refund if I overpay my MdTA account?

Yes. If your account balance is positive after you stop using tolled roads, you can request a refund by contacting the MdTA at 1-888-321-6824 or through your online account. Refunds are typically processed within two to three weeks.

Can I transfer my MdTA account to someone else?

No, accounts are tied to the vehicle's registration. If you sell your vehicle, the new owner will need to open their own account. If you keep the vehicle, you can continue using the same account.

Are there tolls on all Maryland highways?

No. Only specific roads and bridges are tolled: the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, Fort McHenry Tunnel, Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and sections of Interstate 95. Most Maryland highways are free. Check mdta.maryland.gov for a map of tolled roads.