Maryland toll payment basics
Maryland tolls are charged on the Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA) roads, which include the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, the Fort McHenry Tunnel, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and several toll roads in the Baltimore and Washington areas. You can pay tolls three ways: with a transponder (a small device mounted on your windshield), by mail after receiving an invoice, or through the MdTA website if you have a registered account.
The transponder method is the most common and usually the cheapest. When you drive through a toll plaza with a transponder, the toll is deducted from a prepaid account. Without a transponder, the MdTA photographs your license plate and sends you an invoice in the mail, which costs more because there is an additional processing fee.
If you drive Maryland tolls regularly, setting up a transponder account saves money and time. If you cross occasionally, you can pay by mail or through the website without setting up anything in advance.
Key Takeaways
- A transponder account costs less per toll crossing than paying by mail, because mail invoices include a processing fee.
- You can set up a transponder account online through the MdTA website or by phone, and the transponder itself is free.
- If you do not have a transponder, the MdTA will photograph your license plate and mail you an invoice within two weeks.
- You can pay an invoice online, by phone, or by mail, and you must pay within 30 days to avoid a late fee.
- Maryland residents and non-residents can both use transponders; you do not need to live in the state.
Setting up a transponder account
To set up a transponder account, go to the MdTA website (mdta.maryland.gov) and select "Transponder Accounts" or call 1-888-321-6824. You will need your vehicle's license plate number, a valid email address, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account). The transponder itself is free; you only pay for the tolls you use.
When you order a transponder online, it arrives by mail within 5 to 7 business days. Once it arrives, mount it on the inside of your windshield (usually behind the rearview mirror) and set up it on the website or by phone. Your account is then ready to use. You can add money to your account before you drive, or set up automatic replenishment so the account refills when the balance drops below a certain amount.
If you have multiple vehicles, you can add up to five transponders to one account. Each transponder is linked to a specific vehicle, so the MdTA knows which car used which toll. This is useful if you own more than one vehicle or share a vehicle with family members.
Toll rates and transponder discounts
Toll rates vary by location and vehicle type. Cars pay one rate, and trucks and motorcycles pay different rates. The MdTA website lists current rates for each toll facility. Transponder users typically pay a lower rate than drivers who pay by mail, because the transponder method is cheaper for the MdTA to process.
Some toll facilities also offer off-peak discounts if you cross during certain hours. Check the MdTA website or call 1-888-321-6824 to see if any of the tolls you use have time-based pricing.
Paying tolls without a transponder
If you do not have a transponder, the MdTA photographs your license plate as you pass through the toll plaza. Within 10 to 14 days, you will receive an invoice by mail at the address registered with your vehicle's license plate. The invoice includes the toll amount plus a processing fee, which makes the total cost higher than if you had used a transponder.
You can pay the invoice online at mdta.maryland.gov, by phone at 1-888-321-6824, or by mail. Payment must be received within 30 days of the invoice date. If you do not pay within 30 days, a late fee is added to your bill.
If you cross the same toll multiple times without a transponder, you will receive separate invoices for each crossing. This adds up quickly, so if you drive Maryland tolls more than once or twice a year, a transponder saves money.
Handling unpaid tolls and late fees
If an invoice is not paid within 30 days, the MdTA adds a late fee to your account. If the bill remains unpaid for several months, the MdTA may report it to a collection agency or place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal. This means you cannot renew your registration until the toll debt is paid.
If you receive a notice that your registration is on hold due to unpaid tolls, contact the MdTA when ready at 1-888-321-6824 to set up a payment plan or pay the full amount. You can also pay online at mdta.maryland.gov. Once the toll debt is paid, the hold is lifted and you can renew your registration.
If you believe an invoice is incorrect—for example, if you were charged twice for one crossing or if the toll amount is wrong—contact the MdTA with details about the crossing (date, time, and location). The MdTA can review the transaction and correct your account if an error occurred.
Transponder account management
Once your transponder account is active, you can manage it online or by phone. You can check your balance, view your crossing history, update your payment method, add or remove vehicles, and set up automatic replenishment. Most account changes take effect within one business day.
If your transponder is damaged, lost, or stolen, contact the MdTA to request a replacement. There is no charge for a replacement transponder. If your transponder is damaged, you can continue to use your account without it—the MdTA will photograph your license plate and charge your account based on your vehicle registration. However, you will pay the higher mail-invoice rate instead of the transponder rate, so it is worth replacing a damaged transponder quickly.
If you move to a new address, update your account information on the MdTA website so invoices and correspondence reach you. If you sell your vehicle, remove it from your transponder account so tolls are not charged to you after the sale.
Out-of-state drivers and temporary accounts
You do not need to live in Maryland to use a transponder. Out-of-state drivers can set up an account online or by phone using the same process as Maryland residents. The only requirement is a valid payment method and a current email address.
If you are visiting Maryland and do not want to set up a transponder account, you can pay tolls by mail after receiving an invoice. The invoice will be mailed to the address on your vehicle registration, wherever that is. This method costs more per crossing because of the processing fee, but it requires no advance setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Maryland transponder in other states?
Maryland transponders work only on Maryland toll roads. Other states have their own toll systems and transponders. If you drive tolls in multiple states, you may need separate transponders for each state, or you can use a national interoperable transponder like E-ZPass, which works in Maryland and many other states. Check the MdTA website for information about E-ZPass compatibility.
What happens if I drive through a toll plaza without a transponder and do not receive an invoice?
The MdTA should send an invoice within 10 to 14 days. If you do not receive one after three weeks, contact the MdTA at 1-888-321-6824 to confirm your address is correct and to ask about the crossing. It is possible the license plate photograph was unclear or the address on file is outdated.
Can I get a refund if I overpay my transponder account?
Yes. If your account balance is positive and you no longer need the transponder, you can request a refund of the remaining balance. Contact the MdTA at 1-888-321-6824 or submit a refund request through the website. Refunds are typically processed within two to four weeks.
Do I need a transponder to renew my vehicle registration?
No, a transponder is not required to renew your registration. However, if you have unpaid tolls, the MdTA will place a hold on your registration renewal until the tolls are paid. This applies whether you have a transponder account or not.
What if my transponder stops working?
If your transponder is not being read at the toll plaza, the MdTA will photograph your license plate and charge your account the mail-invoice rate (which is higher). Request a replacement transponder through the website or by phone. Once the replacement arrives and is activated, tolls will be charged at the transponder rate again.