Maryland toll payment works through E-ZPass or pay-per-trip, and your choice affects cost and convenience

Maryland operates toll roads on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and the Fort McHenry Tunnel. You can pay tolls three ways: with an E-ZPass transponder (a small device that charges your account automatically), by paying cash or card at a toll plaza, or by mail after receiving an invoice. E-ZPass is the cheapest option and the only one that works at all Maryland toll locations without stopping. Cash and card payments cost more per crossing and are not accepted at every toll point.

If you drive Maryland tolls regularly, E-ZPass saves money on every trip. If you cross occasionally, pay-per-trip may make sense. Understanding which method works for your situation and how to set up or reload your account prevents delays and extra charges.

Key Takeaways

  • E-ZPass transponders cost $25 to $35 upfront but cut toll rates by 20 to 50 percent depending on the road and vehicle type.
  • You can buy an E-ZPass through the Maryland Transportation Authority website, by phone at 1-888-321-6511, or at certain retail locations.
  • Pay-per-trip options include cash at toll booths, credit or debit card at some locations, and invoice-by-mail if you miss a toll.
  • E-ZPass accounts require a prepaid balance and can be reloaded online, by phone, or at retail partners; most accounts auto-replenish when the balance drops below a set amount.
  • If you receive a toll invoice by mail, you have a deadline to pay or contest it; ignoring it can result in late fees and vehicle registration holds.

E-ZPass: How it works and what it costs

E-ZPass is a prepaid account linked to a small transponder you mount on your windshield. When you pass through a toll plaza, the transponder communicates with a reader and charges your account automatically. You do not stop, do not hand over cash, and do not receive a receipt at the toll booth. The system is faster and the tolls are cheaper than any other method.

E-ZPass rates vary by road and vehicle type. A standard passenger car on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge costs $2.50 with E-ZPass versus $4.00 cash. On the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, rates are lower overall but E-ZPass still discounts the cash price. Heavy vehicles and commercial trucks pay higher rates but receive the same percentage discount. Rates change periodically; check the Maryland Transportation Authority website for current tolls before you buy.

The transponder itself costs $25 to $35 depending on the type. You also need to fund your account with at least $25 to $30 before you can use it. Most accounts auto-replenish: when your balance drops below a threshold (usually $10), the system automatically charges your payment method for a set amount (often $50 or $100). You can turn off auto-replenish if you prefer to reload manually.

Getting an E-ZPass transponder in Maryland

You can order an E-ZPass through the Maryland Transportation Authority (MTA) website at roads.maryland.gov, by calling 1-888-321-6511, or in person at certain retail locations including some AAA offices and government service centers. Online ordering is fastest; you provide your vehicle information, payment method, and mailing address, and the transponder arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Phone orders take longer because staff must process the request manually.

You need a valid driver's license or ID, a vehicle registration, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account). If you own multiple vehicles, you can buy additional transponders and link them to the same account, or keep separate accounts. Some people use one transponder in their most-driven vehicle and pay cash or by mail in others.

If your transponder breaks or stops working, contact the MTA to request a replacement. Replacements are usually free if the device is defective. If you lose it or damage it through misuse, there may be a replacement fee.

Pay-per-trip options: Cash, card, and invoice-by-mail

Not all Maryland toll locations accept cash anymore. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge has cash lanes at certain times, but the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Fort McHenry Tunnel are cashless and E-ZPass-only. Before you rely on cash, confirm which tolls you use accept it. If you do not have E-ZPass and a toll is cashless, you will receive an invoice by mail.

Some toll plazas accept credit and debit cards at the toll booth. This is slower than E-ZPass but faster than waiting for an invoice. Card payments are charged at the cash rate, which is higher than E-ZPass. Not every location has card readers, so do not assume you can pay by card at every toll.

If you pass through a toll without paying and do not have E-ZPass, the toll authority photographs your license plate and mails you an invoice. The invoice includes the toll amount plus an administrative fee (typically $2 to $5). You have a deadline to pay, usually 30 days. If you do not pay by the deadline, late fees accumulate and the state can place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal.

Managing your E-ZPass account and reloading your balance

Once you have an E-ZPass, you manage your account online at roads.maryland.gov, by phone at 1-888-321-6511, or through the MTA mobile app. You can check your balance, view your transaction history, update your payment method, and set up or adjust auto-replenish. Most people set auto-replenish to avoid running out of funds mid-trip.

If your balance is low and auto-replenish is off, you can reload manually online or by phone. Reloads process immediately for online payments and within one business day for phone orders. If your balance reaches zero, your transponder will not work and you will receive an invoice by mail instead.

Keep your account information current. If your payment method expires or your address changes, update it in your account to avoid service interruptions. If you move out of state or no longer need E-ZPass, you can close your account and request a refund of any remaining balance.

What to do if you receive a toll invoice by mail

A toll invoice arrives when you pass through a toll without paying or without a working transponder. The invoice shows the toll amount, the administrative fee, the date and location of the crossing, and a payment deadline. Read it carefully: some invoices include a photo of your vehicle and license plate.

You have three options: pay the invoice, contest it, or ignore it. Paying is straightforward: follow the instructions on the invoice to pay online, by phone, or by mail. Payment usually stops any further action. Contesting is appropriate if you believe the toll was charged in error, your transponder should have worked, or the vehicle in the photo is not yours. The invoice includes instructions for disputing the charge.

Do not ignore an invoice. If you do not pay or contest by the deadline, the toll authority can add late fees, report the debt to a collection agency, and place a hold on your vehicle registration. When you try to renew your registration, the state will deny it until the toll debt is resolved. This can happen months after the original invoice, making it harder to track.

E-ZPass reciprocity: Using your transponder outside Maryland

A Maryland E-ZPass works on toll roads in other states that participate in the E-ZPass network, including Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. You do not need a separate transponder; the same device works everywhere. Rates vary by state and road, so crossing into another state may cost more or less than Maryland tolls.

Your account balance is shared across all E-ZPass roads. If you drive frequently in multiple states, auto-replenish helps ensure your balance never runs out. Some states have different transponder types or special rules; check the E-ZPass website before your first trip outside Maryland if you are unsure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my E-ZPass in a rental car?

Yes, but you need to remove your transponder from your own vehicle and mount it in the rental. Some rental companies have their own E-ZPass transponders; ask when you pick up the car. If you use your personal transponder, make sure to move it back to your vehicle before you return the rental to avoid confusion with the rental company's billing.

What happens if my E-ZPass transponder stops working?

Contact the Maryland Transportation Authority at 1-888-321-6511 or through the website. If the device is defective, they will send a replacement at no charge. Until the replacement arrives, you will receive invoices by mail for any tolls you cross. Pay those invoices to avoid late fees.

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

Yes. If you have a balance remaining in your account, you can request a refund when you close it. Refunds are typically issued to the payment method on file within 7 to 10 business days. Contact the MTA to close your account and confirm the refund process.

Do I need a separate E-ZPass for a commercial truck?

No, but commercial vehicles have different toll rates than passenger cars. When you set up your E-ZPass, specify your vehicle type and weight. The system will charge the correct commercial rate automatically. If you have both a passenger car and a truck, you can link both to the same account with separate transponders.

What if I dispute a toll invoice and lose?

If your dispute is denied, you will be instructed to pay the original toll amount plus the administrative fee. Pay by the deadline to avoid late fees and registration holds. If you believe the decision was wrong, some toll authorities allow a second appeal; check the invoice for instructions.