Maryland has two toll systems, and how you pay depends on which road you're using
Maryland operates tolls through two separate systems: the Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA) tolls on Interstate 95, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and a few other routes, and E-ZPass, which is a regional transponder system accepted across Maryland and 16 other states. If you drive a toll road in Maryland without a transponder or payment plan, the state photographs your license plate and sends you an invoice. You can pay that invoice by mail, phone, or online, but you'll pay a higher rate than transponder users and may face additional fees if you ignore it.
The key difference is timing: transponder users pay when they cross; non-transponder drivers pay after the state sends them a bill. If you drive Maryland tolls regularly, a transponder saves money. If you cross occasionally, you can pay the invoice when it arrives. Either way, understanding which system applies to your route and how to set up payment prevents confusion and extra charges.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland's MdTA tolls (I-95, Bay Bridge) and E-ZPass are separate systems, though E-ZPass works on both.
- Drivers without a transponder receive a toll invoice by mail weeks after crossing, with a higher per-crossing rate than transponder users pay.
- E-ZPass accounts can be opened online or by phone and work across Maryland and 16 other states, reducing your per-crossing cost.
- Unpaid toll invoices accumulate late fees and can result in vehicle registration holds or license suspension if ignored for months.
- You can pay a single toll invoice online, by phone, or by mail without opening an account if you cross only occasionally.
How the Maryland Transportation Authority toll system works
The MdTA operates tolls on I-95 (the Beltway and the stretch between Baltimore and the Delaware border), the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, the Fort McHenry Tunnel, and the Intercounty Connector (MD 200). If you drive one of these routes without a transponder, a camera reads your plate and the state mails you an invoice within two to three weeks. The invoice includes the toll amount plus a video toll fee (a processing charge for the plate-reading system). As of 2024, the video toll fee is $1.00 per crossing on most MdTA roads, though the exact amount can change.
The toll amount itself varies by route and vehicle type. A standard passenger car on I-95 between Baltimore and the Delaware border costs less than the Chesapeake Bay Bridge crossing. The state's website lists current rates by route. If you pay the invoice within 30 days, you pay the stated toll plus the video fee. If you wait longer, late fees begin to accumulate.
Setting up an E-ZPass account to reduce costs
An E-ZPass transponder is a small device that mounts on your windshield and communicates with toll readers as you pass. E-ZPass works on all Maryland MdTA tolls and is also accepted in Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Opening an E-ZPass account costs nothing; you pay only for the transponder (usually $25 to $35, depending on the type) and the tolls you cross.
To open an account, visit www.ezpassmd.com or call 1-888-321-6388. You'll need your vehicle registration, a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account), and a mailing address. The transponder arrives by mail in five to seven business days. Once it's mounted and your account is funded, you'll be charged the transponder rate each time you cross, which is lower than the video toll rate. You can also add multiple vehicles to one account and set up automatic replenishment so your balance refills when it drops below a threshold you choose.
E-ZPass users also avoid the video toll fee entirely. If you cross an MdTA toll more than once or twice a year, the transponder pays for itself in savings.
Paying a toll invoice without an account
If you receive a toll invoice in the mail and don't want to open an E-ZPass account, you can pay it directly. The invoice will include a toll number and instructions for payment. You have three options: pay online at the MdTA website using the invoice number, call the toll payment line and provide your invoice details, or mail a check to the address listed on the invoice.
Pay within 30 days of the invoice date to avoid late fees. The invoice itself is due, but if you ignore it, the state adds a $25 late fee after 30 days, then another $25 after 60 days. After 90 days of non-payment, the state may place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal or suspend your driver's license. If you receive multiple invoices and fall significantly behind, the debt can be sent to a collection agency.
What happens if you don't pay a toll invoice
Ignoring a toll invoice creates a cascade of problems. The first late fee ($25) arrives 30 days after the original invoice date. A second late fee ($25) is added at 60 days. At 90 days, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) may place a hold on your vehicle registration, preventing you from renewing it. If you try to renew your registration online or at an MVA office, the system will flag the unpaid toll debt and block the transaction.
If the debt remains unpaid for several months, the state may suspend your driver's license or report the debt to a collection agency, which can damage your credit. The total amount owed grows quickly: a single $5 toll can become $55 or more with video fees and late charges. If you've received a toll invoice and can't pay it when ready, contact the MdTA toll payment line to discuss a payment plan or hardship options.
Checking your toll account and disputing charges
If you have an E-ZPass account, log in to www.ezpassmd.com to view your transaction history, current balance, and account settings. You can see exactly which tolls you've crossed and when. If you spot a charge you don't recognize or believe is incorrect, you can dispute it through your account or by calling 1-888-321-6388.
If you received a toll invoice and believe the charge is wrong—for example, you don't own the vehicle listed or you weren't driving that day—you can dispute it by calling the MdTA toll payment line or responding to the invoice with a written explanation. Provide any evidence you have, such as proof you sold the vehicle or documentation that you were out of state. The state will investigate, though the process can take several weeks.
Toll rates and payment methods by road
| Road | Transponder Rate (E-ZPass) | Video Toll Rate | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-95 (Beltway) | Varies by distance | Toll + $1.00 video fee | E-ZPass, invoice by mail, online, phone |
| Chesapeake Bay Bridge | $2.50 (standard car) | $4.00 + $1.00 video fee | E-ZPass, invoice by mail, online, phone |
| Fort McHenry Tunnel | $1.00 | $2.00 + $1.00 video fee | E-ZPass, invoice by mail, online, phone |
| Intercounty Connector (MD 200) | Varies by distance | Toll + $1.00 video fee | E-ZPass, invoice by mail, online, phone |
Rates are current as of 2024 and subject to change. Check www.mdta.maryland.gov for the most up-to-date toll amounts by route and vehicle type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my E-ZPass from another state on Maryland tolls?
Yes. E-ZPass is accepted on all Maryland MdTA tolls and works across 17 states total. Your out-of-state E-ZPass account will be charged the transponder rate when you cross Maryland tolls. You don't need a separate Maryland account.
What if I get a toll invoice for a vehicle I no longer own?
Contact the MdTA toll payment line when ready with proof of sale (bill of sale, registration transfer, or auction receipt). Provide the invoice number and explain that you sold the vehicle before the toll date. The state will investigate and may dismiss the charge if you can prove you no longer owned it.
How long does it take to receive a toll invoice after crossing?
Toll invoices typically arrive two to three weeks after you cross. If you cross on a Friday, expect the invoice in mid-to-late the following week. If you haven't received an invoice within a month, contact the MdTA to confirm they have your correct mailing address.
Can I set up a payment plan if I owe multiple toll invoices?
Yes. Call the MdTA toll payment line at the number on your invoice to discuss your situation. The state may offer a payment plan if you're unable to pay the full amount when ready. Explain your circumstances and ask what options are available.
Do I need a transponder if I only cross the Bay Bridge once a year?
A transponder is optional if you cross infrequently. You'll pay the video toll rate (higher per crossing) but avoid the $25–$35 transponder cost. If you cross more than five or six times per year, a transponder saves money. If you cross fewer than three times per year, paying invoices as they arrive is usually cheaper.