Maryland toll roads use three payment methods: prepaid accounts, pay-per-trip cash or credit, and video tolling that bills you later
Maryland operates toll roads through the Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA), which runs the major toll facilities including the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, the Fort McHenry Tunnel, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and the Intercounty Connector (MD 200). You can pay tolls as you drive by setting up a prepaid account, paying cash or card at toll booths, or driving through and receiving a bill by mail. The method you choose affects how much you pay — prepaid accounts typically cost less per toll than one-time payments.
The most common approach for regular drivers is opening a Maryland E-ZPass account, which is a prepaid toll account that deducts charges automatically as you pass through tolled sections. If you drive tolled roads only occasionally, you can pay per trip at a toll booth or use video tolling, where a camera reads your license plate and the MdTA mails you an invoice. Understanding which option fits your driving pattern can save you money and time.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland E-ZPass is a prepaid account that charges lower per-toll rates than paying cash or receiving video toll bills.
- You can open an E-ZPass account online, by phone, or by mail, and the account works across multiple states if you travel regionally.
- If you do not have an E-ZPass, you can pay cash at toll booths or let the MdTA photograph your plate and bill you by mail.
- Video tolling charges a higher rate than E-ZPass and includes a $1.00 administrative fee per transaction, so it is most practical for infrequent drivers.
- Toll rates vary by vehicle type and time of day on some facilities, and rates increase annually.
How Maryland E-ZPass accounts work and what they cost
A Maryland E-ZPass account is a prepaid toll account linked to a transponder — a small electronic device you mount on your windshield. As you approach a toll plaza, the transponder communicates with the toll reader, and the toll is deducted from your account balance automatically. You load money into the account in advance, and the MdTA charges you only when you use a tolled facility. E-ZPass rates are typically 20 to 30 percent lower than the cash or video toll rate for the same trip.
To open an E-ZPass account, you can visit the MdTA website at roads.maryland.gov, call 1-888-321-6511, or mail in an process. You will need a valid driver's license or ID, a vehicle registration, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account). The transponder itself is free, but you must maintain a minimum balance in your account — the MdTA will notify you when your balance drops below a threshold and can set up automatic replenishment so you never run out of funds mid-trip. There is no monthly fee for maintaining an E-ZPass account.
E-ZPass works across multiple states in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, so if you travel to Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or other participating states, your Maryland transponder will work at their toll facilities as well. This regional compatibility makes E-ZPass practical if you commute across state lines or take occasional trips outside Maryland.
Toll booth payment and video tolling for occasional drivers
If you do not have an E-ZPass, you can pay tolls in cash or by card at staffed toll booths on most Maryland toll facilities. Cash tolls cost more than E-ZPass rates — for example, a single trip across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge costs significantly more when paid in cash than when paid with E-ZPass. Toll booth staff can accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards, and payment is when ready.
Video tolling is an alternative for drivers who do not stop at a toll booth. If you drive through a tolled section without paying, a camera photographs your license plate, and the MdTA mails you an invoice within two weeks. Video toll rates are higher than E-ZPass rates and include a $1.00 administrative fee per transaction. This method is practical only if you use tolled roads very rarely, because the per-toll cost is the highest of all three options.
If you receive a video toll bill and do not pay it within 30 days, the MdTA may send a notice of violation and can pursue collection. Paying promptly avoids additional penalties. Some drivers set up a one-time E-ZPass account specifically to avoid video tolling charges on occasional trips.
Toll rates, vehicle classifications, and annual increases
Maryland toll rates depend on the specific facility, your vehicle type, and the time of day. Most facilities charge different rates for passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and commercial trucks. Some facilities, such as the Intercounty Connector, use congestion pricing — tolls are higher during peak travel times and lower during off-peak hours. E-ZPass users pay the lowest rate, cash payers pay a middle rate, and video toll payers pay the highest rate plus the administrative fee.
The MdTA raises toll rates annually, typically in January. The amount of the increase varies by facility and is set by the MdTA board. Before you plan a regular commute across a tolled facility, check the current rates on roads.maryland.gov, because your monthly toll costs will increase each year. Drivers who use the same facility daily should factor this into their transportation budget.
Discounts are available for certain groups. Disabled drivers with a valid disabled parking placard may be charged a reduced rate or exempted from tolls on some facilities — contact the MdTA directly to confirm your may be able to access and the process for registering your vehicle for a discount.
Setting up automatic replenishment and managing your account online
Once your E-ZPass account is open, you can manage it through the MdTA website or the E-ZPass customer service phone line. The most convenient feature is automatic replenishment, which allows you to link a credit card or bank account to your E-ZPass account. When your balance falls below a set amount, the system automatically charges your payment method to bring your balance back to a higher level. This prevents your account from running empty mid-trip.
You can check your account balance, view your transaction history, update your payment method, and modify your vehicle registration through the online portal. If you change vehicles, you can transfer your transponder to the new vehicle by updating your registration online or calling customer service. If your transponder is damaged or lost, you can request a replacement through your account.
If you dispute a charge or believe you were incorrectly tolled, you can file a claim through your account or by contacting customer service. The MdTA typically responds to disputes within 30 days. Keep your transaction history and any receipts in case you need to reference them.
What happens if you do not pay a toll
If you drive through a tolled facility without paying and do not receive or pay a video toll bill, the MdTA will send a notice of violation to the vehicle owner. This notice includes the toll amount, the administrative fee, and a important date to pay. If you do not respond within the important date, the MdTA may pursue collection through the mail, and additional penalties can accumulate. Unpaid tolls can also affect your vehicle registration renewal — the MdTA can place a hold on your registration until the toll debt is resolved.
If you believe you were incorrectly charged or that a toll notice was sent in error, contact the MdTA when ready with your vehicle information and the date of the alleged toll. Disputes are resolved more quickly if you respond promptly rather than ignoring the notice.
Comparing your payment options: cost and convenience
The choice between E-ZPass, toll booth payment, and video tolling depends on how often you use tolled roads and how much you value convenience versus cost. E-ZPass is the cheapest option per toll and requires no interaction at toll plazas — you straightforward drive through. Toll booth payment is practical if you use tolled roads only a few times per year and do not mind stopping to pay. Video tolling is the most expensive option but requires no action on your part — you straightforward drive and pay the bill when it arrives.
| Payment Method | Cost per Toll | Setup Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland E-ZPass | Lowest rate | 5–10 minutes online | Regular drivers, commuters |
| Toll Booth (Cash or Card) | Middle rate | None | Occasional drivers, no account |
| Video Tolling | Highest rate + $1.00 fee | None | Very rare drivers, no planning |
If you cross a tolled facility more than once or twice per month, E-ZPass will pay for itself within a few months through the lower per-toll rate. If you cross tolled facilities only once or twice per year, the cost difference is small enough that convenience may matter more than savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my E-ZPass transponder in other states?
Yes. Maryland E-ZPass works at toll facilities in Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and several other states in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Your transponder will work automatically at any participating toll plaza — you do not need to register separately in each state.
What if I lose my E-ZPass transponder?
Contact the MdTA when ready through your online account or by calling 1-888-321-6511. You can request a replacement transponder, which will be mailed to you. There is typically no charge for a replacement, but confirm the policy when you request it. Your account balance transfers to the new transponder automatically.
Do I have to pay tolls if I have a disabled parking placard?
Some facilities offer reduced rates or exemptions for disabled drivers with a valid placard, but the policy varies by facility. Contact the MdTA at 1-888-321-6511 to confirm whether your vehicle qualifies and what documentation you need to provide. You may need to register your vehicle separately for the discount.
What if I receive a video toll bill I believe is wrong?
Contact the MdTA within 30 days of receiving the bill with your vehicle information, the date of the toll, and an explanation of why you believe the charge is incorrect. The MdTA will investigate and respond within 30 days. If you believe the toll was charged in error, provide any evidence you have, such as proof you were not in Maryland on that date.
Can I transfer my E-ZPass account to someone else?
E-ZPass accounts are tied to the account holder and cannot be transferred. If you sell your vehicle, you should remove your transponder and either close the account or update it with a new vehicle. The new owner can open their own E-ZPass account if they wish.