Maryland toll roads charge you at the point of use, and the state operates three separate payment systems depending on which road you drive

Maryland has three toll facilities: the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, the Fort McHenry Tunnel, and the Intercounty Connector (ICC) near Washington, D.C. Each one collects tolls differently, and the money flows to different state agencies. The Bay Bridge and Fort McHenry Tunnel use a unified payment system called Maryland E-ZPass, while the ICC uses its own system. You can pay with a transponder, a license plate account, or cash (where available), and the state deposits toll revenue into dedicated transportation trust funds rather than the general budget.

Understanding which road you're using and which payment method works there matters because some routes no longer accept cash, and transponder discounts vary. The state also operates a toll violation system if you pass through without paying, so knowing your options upfront saves you from unexpected bills.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland E-ZPass covers the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Fort McHenry Tunnel; the ICC has its own separate toll system.
  • You can pay with a transponder, set up a license plate account, or use cash at the Bay Bridge toll plaza — but the Fort McHenry Tunnel and ICC no longer accept cash.
  • Transponder users get a discount on every toll; license plate accounts charge the full toll rate.
  • Toll revenue goes into dedicated transportation funds managed by the Maryland Transportation Authority, not the state's general fund.
  • If you don't pay, the state sends a toll violation notice to the vehicle owner's address within 30 days.

Maryland E-ZPass: The Bay Bridge and Fort McHenry Tunnel system

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MTA) operates both the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and the Fort McHenry Tunnel under a single toll collection system. You can set up an account in three ways: with a transponder (a small device mounted on your windshield), with a license plate account (toll-by-plate), or with cash at the Bay Bridge toll plaza.

A transponder account requires you to prepay a balance and receive a discount on every toll you pass through. The transponder communicates with overhead readers as you drive, and your account is debited automatically. You can set up an account online at mdta.maryland.gov, by phone at 1-888-321-6824, or in person at the Bay Bridge toll plaza. The transponder itself is free, and you can use it at any E-ZPass facility in the United States, not just Maryland.

A license plate account lets you drive through without a transponder; the MTA photographs your plate and sends you a bill. This method charges the full toll rate with no discount. You set it up the same way as a transponder account, and the state mails you an invoice monthly or allows you to pay online.

The Intercounty Connector (ICC): A separate toll system

The ICC, a 19-mile toll road connecting I-270 and I-95 near Washington, D.C., operates under a different system managed by the Maryland Transportation Authority but with its own toll collection. You cannot use a standard Maryland E-ZPass transponder on the ICC; you need an ICC-specific transponder or a license plate account.

The ICC transponder works the same way as the E-ZPass version: you prepay, get a discount, and the device communicates with overhead readers. You can obtain one through the same channels as the E-ZPass transponder (mdta.maryland.gov, 1-888-321-6824, or in person). The ICC does not accept cash; all payments are electronic via transponder or license plate account.

If you use a license plate account on the ICC, you receive the same full-toll rate as the E-ZPass license plate system. The state photographs your vehicle and sends you a bill. Many drivers who use the ICC regularly choose a transponder to reduce costs.

Toll rates and transponder discounts

Toll rates vary by vehicle type and time of day on some facilities. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge charges different rates for passenger vehicles, heavy trucks, and motorcycles. The Fort McHenry Tunnel uses a flat rate for most vehicles. The ICC charges based on vehicle class and has variable pricing during peak hours.

Transponder users receive a discount on every toll — typically 20 to 30 percent off the full rate, depending on the facility and vehicle type. License plate accounts charge the full posted rate. If you drive a toll road regularly, the transponder discount usually pays for the account setup within a few trips.

You can view current toll rates on the MTA website at mdta.maryland.gov. Rates are adjusted periodically, and the MTA announces changes in advance.

Where your toll money goes

Toll revenue collected by the Maryland Transportation Authority is deposited into the Transportation Trust Fund, a dedicated account separate from the state's general budget. This fund pays for maintenance, repairs, and improvements to the toll facilities themselves. Money does not flow to the state's general treasury or to other transportation projects outside the toll system.

The MTA publishes an annual financial report showing toll revenue, operating costs, and capital spending. For the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Fort McHenry Tunnel, toll money funds bridge and tunnel operations, employee salaries, equipment replacement, and structural repairs. ICC toll revenue similarly supports that road's operations and maintenance.

This structure is called a "revenue bond" system: the toll facilities are self-supporting through the tolls they collect, rather than relying on general tax revenue. If toll revenue declines, the MTA may raise rates to maintain the fund.

What happens if you don't pay a toll

If you pass through a toll facility without paying, the MTA captures your license plate and sends a toll violation notice to the vehicle owner's address within 30 days. The notice includes the toll amount, a violation fee (typically $25 to $50 depending on the facility), and instructions for payment.

You can pay the violation online, by mail, or by phone using the reference number on the notice. If you dispute the violation — for example, if you believe you paid or if the plate was misread — you can request a hearing. The notice includes instructions for requesting one.

If you do not pay within a set period (usually 30 to 60 days), the MTA may refer the debt to a collection agency or report it to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, which can suspend your vehicle registration. Unpaid tolls can also affect your credit report if sent to collections.

Setting up and managing your account

To open a Maryland E-ZPass account, visit mdta.maryland.gov, call 1-888-321-6824, or visit the Bay Bridge toll plaza in person. You will need a valid driver's license or state ID, a current vehicle registration, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account). Online setup takes about 10 minutes.

Once your account is open, you can add funds online, by phone, or by mail. Most accounts allow you to set up automatic replenishment, so your balance refills when it drops below a threshold. You can also view your transaction history, update your vehicle information, and manage multiple vehicles under one account.

If you move or change your vehicle, update your account information promptly so toll notices reach you. If you sell your vehicle, remove it from your account to avoid receiving toll bills for the new owner's use.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Any E-ZPass transponder issued by another state's program works on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Fort McHenry Tunnel. However, you cannot use an out-of-state E-ZPass on the ICC; you need an ICC-specific transponder or a license plate account.

What if I have a transponder but want to use a license plate account instead?

You can switch to a license plate account anytime by contacting the MTA or logging into your account online. Your transponder will no longer be charged, and tolls will be billed to your license plate instead. Note that you will lose the transponder discount and pay the full toll rate.

Do I have to pay tolls if I'm a Maryland resident?

Yes. All drivers, regardless of residency, must pay tolls on Maryland toll roads. There is no resident exemption or discount based on where you live.

How long does it take to receive a toll violation notice?

The MTA typically sends a toll violation notice within 30 days of the unpaid toll. If you do not receive one, check your mailing address on file with the MTA or contact them to confirm they have your correct address.

Can I pay a toll violation in installments?

The MTA does not typically offer installment plans for toll violations. You must pay the full amount by the important date. If you have financial hardship, contact the MTA directly to discuss your situation; they may have options available.