How to pay tolls in Maryland

Maryland tolls are collected on the Interstate 95 corridor (the Toll Facilities), the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and a few other routes. You can pay with a transponder account (the fastest and cheapest option), a toll-by-plate system that photographs your license plate, or cash at certain locations. Most drivers set up a transponder account with the Maryland Transportation Authority (MTA) because it gives you a discount on every toll and lets you drive through toll plazas without stopping.

If you do not have a transponder, the MTA photographs your plate and sends you an invoice by mail. You then have 30 days to pay online, by phone, or by mail. If you do not pay within that window, late fees and penalties accumulate quickly. Setting up an account takes about 10 minutes online and costs nothing.

Key Takeaways

  • A transponder account with the Maryland Transportation Authority gives you a discount on tolls and lets you drive through toll plazas without stopping or waiting.
  • If you do not have a transponder, the MTA photographs your license plate and mails you an invoice within 5 to 7 business days; you have 30 days to pay.
  • You can set up a transponder account online at mdta.maryland.gov, by phone at 1-888-321-6824, or in person at an MTA customer service center.
  • Transponder discounts range from 25% to 50% depending on the toll facility, so regular users save significantly by opening an account.
  • Late payments on toll invoices trigger administrative fees and can eventually result in vehicle registration holds or license suspension.

Setting up a transponder account

To open a transponder account, visit mdta.maryland.gov and select "Open an Account" or call 1-888-321-6824. You will need your vehicle's license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account). The MTA will mail you a transponder device within 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, mount it on your windshield and add funds to your account online or by phone.

You can also open an account in person at an MTA customer service center. The main office is located at 2 South Road, Baltimore, MD 21202. Walk-in hours vary, so call ahead. If you need a transponder urgently, some customer service centers can issue one on the spot, though this is not may provide at all locations.

Transponder accounts require a minimum balance. The MTA will automatically replenish your account when the balance drops below a set threshold if you authorize automatic payments. This prevents you from running out of funds mid-trip. You can adjust the replenishment amount and threshold online anytime.

Transponder discounts and toll rates

Transponder users pay less than drivers who pay by plate or cash. On I-95, the discount is typically 25% to 30%. On the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, transponder users pay roughly 50% less than cash payers. Exact rates change periodically and vary by time of day on some facilities, so check mdta.maryland.gov for current pricing before your trip.

The discount applies automatically when you drive through a toll plaza with an active transponder. You do not need to do anything beyond maintaining a positive account balance. If your balance drops to zero, the system will photograph your plate and send you an invoice instead, so you lose the discount for that trip.

Paying tolls without a transponder

If you do not have a transponder, the MTA uses automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras to photograph your vehicle as you pass through the toll plaza. Within 5 to 7 business days, you will receive an invoice by mail. The invoice includes the toll amount, the date and time of the crossing, and instructions for payment.

You have 30 days from the invoice date to pay. You can pay online at mdta.maryland.gov, by phone at 1-888-321-6824, or by mail. Online and phone payments are processed when ready. Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days to clear. Pay by the important date to avoid late fees.

Some toll plazas still accept cash at designated lanes, though cash-only lanes are becoming less common. If you plan to pay cash, arrive during daylight hours when toll collectors are staffed. Cash payments are recorded on the spot, so you do not receive an invoice later.

What happens if you do not pay a toll invoice

If you do not pay within 30 days, the MTA adds an administrative fee to your invoice. The fee is typically $25 to $50, depending on the facility and how many unpaid tolls you have accumulated. If you still do not pay after 60 days, the MTA may refer your account to a collection agency, which adds further fees and can damage your credit score.

Maryland law allows the MTA to place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal if you owe tolls. You will not be able to renew your registration until the debt is paid. In some cases, the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) can also suspend your driver's license for unpaid toll debt, though this is less common than registration holds.

If you receive a collection notice or registration hold, contact the MTA when ready. You can set up a payment plan if you cannot pay the full amount at once. Call 1-888-321-6824 to discuss your options with a customer service representative.

Transponder troubleshooting and account changes

If your transponder stops working, the MTA will photograph your plate and send you an invoice. To avoid this, check your transponder battery periodically. Most transponders last 5 to 7 years before the battery dies. You can request a replacement transponder online or by phone at no charge.

If you sell your vehicle or change license plates, update your account when ready at mdta.maryland.gov or by calling 1-888-321-6824. If you do not update your account, tolls will be charged to your old plate number, and the new owner may receive invoices in your name. Updating takes less than 5 minutes online.

If you move out of state or no longer use Maryland toll roads, you can close your account and request a refund of any remaining balance. Refunds are issued by check within 4 to 6 weeks. You do not need to return the transponder device, but the MTA recommends destroying it to prevent misuse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Maryland transponder in other states?

No. The Maryland transponder works only on Maryland toll facilities. If you travel to other states with toll roads, you will need to pay by plate or cash. Some states have reciprocal agreements with Maryland, but you cannot use a Maryland transponder in Virginia, Pennsylvania, or other neighboring states.

What if I get an invoice for a toll I did not cross?

Contact the MTA when ready at 1-888-321-6824 with your invoice number and the date of the crossing. Provide details about where you were at the time. The MTA can review the photograph and correct the invoice if there was an error. Do not ignore the invoice while disputing it; continue to pay on time to avoid late fees.

Can I transfer my transponder account to someone else?

No. Transponder accounts are tied to the vehicle's license plate and the account holder's name. If you sell your vehicle, the new owner must open their own account. You can close your account and request a refund once the vehicle is no longer in your name.

How do I check my transponder balance?

Log into your account at mdta.maryland.gov anytime to view your current balance, recent transactions, and account settings. You can also call 1-888-321-6824 to speak with a representative. If you have automatic replenishment enabled, your balance will be topped up automatically when it falls below your set threshold.

What if my transponder was damaged or lost?

Request a replacement at mdta.maryland.gov or by calling 1-888-321-6824. The MTA will mail a new transponder at no charge within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, tolls will be charged to your plate. If you need a replacement urgently, visit an MTA customer service center to see if one is available when ready.