Massachusetts tolls are collected electronically through the E-ZPass system or pay-per-use accounts, with no toll booths on major highways

Massachusetts replaced traditional toll booths on Interstate 90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike) and other highways with an all-electronic toll collection system. You do not stop to pay — tolls are charged to an account linked to your vehicle's license plate or transponder. If you do not set up an account before driving, the state's tolling system photographs your plate and sends an invoice to the vehicle's registered owner.

The two main ways to pay tolls in Massachusetts are through E-ZPass, a prepaid transponder account, or through a pay-per-use account set up directly with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). Both systems charge the same toll rates. The difference is how you fund the account and how you receive bills.

Key Takeaways

  • E-ZPass is a prepaid transponder you mount on your windshield; you load money into it and tolls deduct automatically as you drive.
  • A pay-per-use account lets you pay tolls without a transponder — MassDOT photographs your plate and bills you monthly by mail or email.
  • If you do not set up either account, you will receive an invoice for each toll trip, usually within two weeks.
  • E-ZPass transponders work across multiple states and toll systems, while pay-per-use accounts are specific to Massachusetts.
  • You can set up either account online through MassDOT's website or through E-ZPass customer service.

E-ZPass transponders and how they work

An E-ZPass transponder is a small electronic device you mount on your windshield. When you drive through a tolled section of highway, the transponder communicates with overhead readers and automatically deducts the toll from your prepaid account. You do not need to do anything while driving — no stopping, no waving a card, no manual payment.

To use E-ZPass in Massachusetts, you open an account with E-ZPass Group (the regional operator) and load money into it. Tolls are deducted as you drive. When your balance drops below a set threshold, you can set up automatic replenishment so the account refills itself. E-ZPass transponders issued in Massachusetts work on toll roads in 16 other states, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, so if you travel regionally, a single transponder covers most toll systems.

You can open an E-ZPass account online at the E-ZPass Group website or by calling their customer service line. You will need your vehicle's license plate number, a valid driver's license, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account). The transponder is mailed to you, usually within 5 to 10 business days. There is a one-time transponder fee (typically around $35, though this varies) and no monthly account fee.

Pay-per-use accounts for drivers without a transponder

If you do not want to buy and mount a transponder, you can set up a pay-per-use account directly with MassDOT. With this option, you do not need any equipment. When you drive through a tolled section, a camera photographs your license plate, and MassDOT matches it to your vehicle registration. You receive an invoice by mail or email, usually within 10 to 14 days, and you pay the toll plus a small processing fee.

The processing fee for pay-per-use is higher than the transponder rate for the same toll, so E-ZPass is cheaper if you drive tolled highways regularly. However, pay-per-use is simpler if you only cross tolls occasionally or if you rent vehicles frequently.

To set up a pay-per-use account, visit the MassDOT toll payment website and enter your vehicle's license plate number and vehicle registration information. You can choose to receive bills by mail or email and set up automatic payment from a credit card or bank account. There is no upfront fee to open the account — you only pay when you drive through a toll.

What happens if you do not set up an account

If you drive through a Massachusetts toll without an E-ZPass transponder or an active pay-per-use account, MassDOT's camera system photographs your plate. The state matches the plate to your vehicle registration and mails an invoice to the registered owner's address. This invoice includes the toll amount plus a processing fee, which is higher than both E-ZPass and pay-per-use rates.

You have a set number of days (usually 30) to pay the invoice. If you do not pay, MassDOT can place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal and report the debt to a collection agency. Unpaid tolls can also affect your ability to renew your registration or obtain a new one.

If you receive an invoice and believe it was issued in error — for example, if your vehicle was stolen or if the plate was misread — you can dispute it by contacting MassDOT's toll customer service with documentation of the error.

Toll rates and which roads charge tolls

Tolls in Massachusetts are charged on Interstate 90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike) and on the Ted Williams Tunnel and Sumner Tunnel in Boston. Rates vary by distance traveled and by vehicle type (passenger cars, motorcycles, trucks, and commercial vehicles have different rates). E-ZPass and pay-per-use accounts are charged the same toll rate for the same trip.

You can view current toll rates and calculate the cost of a specific trip on the MassDOT toll payment website. Rates are updated periodically, so check the site before a long trip if you want to know the exact charge.

Some vehicles are exempt from tolls or may be able to access for discounts, including certain commercial vehicles, emergency vehicles, and vehicles displaying a disability placard. If you believe your vehicle qualifies for an exemption or discount, contact MassDOT toll customer service with proof of your vehicle type or disability status.

Setting up your account step by step

For E-ZPass: Visit the E-ZPass Group website or call their customer service number. You will need your vehicle's license plate, a valid driver's license, and a payment method. Complete the online form or provide information over the phone. Pay the one-time transponder fee. The transponder will be mailed to you within 5 to 10 business days. Once you receive it, mount it on your windshield (usually on the upper left or right corner, following the instructions included with the device). Your account is active once the transponder is mounted and registered.

For pay-per-use: Visit the MassDOT toll payment website. Enter your vehicle's license plate number and look up your vehicle registration information. Create an account with an email address and password. Choose your billing method (mail or email) and set up automatic payment if you want. Your account is active when ready, and you can start driving tolled roads right away. You will receive your first invoice within 10 to 14 days of your first toll trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my E-ZPass from another state in Massachusetts?

Yes. E-ZPass transponders issued in any of the 17 participating states work on Massachusetts tolls. You do not need a separate Massachusetts transponder. If you already have E-ZPass from New York, Connecticut, or another state, you can use it when ready on Massachusetts highways.

What if I move to Massachusetts and need to register a new vehicle?

You can set up an E-ZPass or pay-per-use account using your new Massachusetts license plate and registration. If you already have E-ZPass from another state, you can update your account with your new plate number and continue using the same transponder.

Do I have to pay tolls if I take a different route to avoid the Turnpike?

No. Massachusetts has toll-free alternative routes on most highways, though they may take longer. Route 2, Route 2A, and local roads parallel much of Interstate 90. Check a map or GPS before you drive if you want to avoid tolls.

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

Yes. If your E-ZPass account has a positive balance and you no longer need it, you can request a refund through E-ZPass customer service. Refunds are typically processed within 4 to 6 weeks.

What if my transponder is damaged or lost?

Contact E-ZPass customer service when ready to report the issue. They can deactivate the old transponder and issue a replacement. You may be charged a replacement fee, typically around $35, depending on the reason for replacement.