Massachusetts tolls can be paid through a prepaid account called E-ZPass, by mail after receiving an invoice, or at toll plazas that still accept cash — though cash lanes are disappearing and E-ZPass is now the standard method.

Massachusetts operates tolls on the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), the Boston area highways, and a few other routes. If you drive these roads regularly, you'll encounter tolls. The state's preferred payment method is E-ZPass, a prepaid account linked to your vehicle that deducts tolls automatically as you pass through toll gantries. If you don't have E-ZPass, the state will photograph your license plate and mail you an invoice weeks later — which costs more per toll and takes longer to process.

Setting up E-ZPass takes about 15 minutes online or by phone. You'll need a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account) and a Massachusetts address. Once active, your account balance depletes as you use tolled roads, and you can set it to auto-replenish when it drops below a threshold you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • E-ZPass is the fastest and cheapest way to pay tolls in Massachusetts, with automatic deduction as you drive and discounts compared to pay-by-plate invoices.
  • You can open an E-ZPass account online at mass.gov/e-zpass or by calling 1-844-4-EZPASS (1-844-439-9727) with a credit card and Massachusetts address.
  • If you don't have E-ZPass, the state photographs your plate and mails an invoice within two to three weeks, which costs significantly more per toll.
  • E-ZPass accounts require a minimum opening balance (typically $25 to $50) and can be set to auto-replenish so you don't run out mid-trip.
  • You can link one E-ZPass account to multiple vehicles, making it convenient if you own more than one car that uses tolled roads.

Opening an E-ZPass Account Online

The fastest route is the Massachusetts E-ZPass website at mass.gov/e-zpass. Click "Open an Account" and you'll enter your name, address, phone number, and email. You'll then add vehicle information: license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the state where the vehicle is registered. Have your registration document handy so you can pull the VIN quickly.

Next, you'll choose your payment method — credit card, debit card, or bank account — and set your opening balance. Massachusetts requires a minimum opening balance, which varies but typically falls between $25 and $50. You'll also set your auto-replenish threshold: for example, you might choose to add $50 automatically whenever your balance drops below $10. This prevents your account from running empty mid-trip.

After you submit, the account activates when ready for online toll payment, but the transponder (the small device that communicates with toll gantries) takes three to five business days to arrive by mail. Until it arrives, tolls will still be charged to your account, but they'll be processed as plate-reads rather than transponder reads. Once the transponder arrives, mount it on your windshield as instructed, and future tolls will be deducted when ready as you pass through.

Setting Up E-ZPass by Phone

If you prefer to speak with someone, call 1-844-4-EZPASS (1-844-439-9727). The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. A representative will walk you through the same information: name, address, vehicle details, and payment method. They'll also help you choose your opening balance and auto-replenish settings.

Phone registration takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You'll receive a confirmation number, and the transponder will be mailed to you within the same timeframe as online registration. If you have questions about your account or need to add a second vehicle later, this number is also the main customer service line.

Paying Tolls Without E-ZPass: Plate-Read Invoices

If you drive a tolled road without E-ZPass, the toll gantry photographs your license plate. The state then mails you an invoice to the address on your vehicle registration. This process takes two to three weeks, so you won't see the charge when ready.

Plate-read tolls cost more than E-ZPass tolls on the same road — typically 50% to 100% higher per crossing. For example, a $2.50 E-ZPass toll might be $4.00 or $5.00 when paid by invoice. If you drive tolled roads even occasionally, E-ZPass saves money quickly. When the invoice arrives, you can pay online, by phone, or by mail using the instructions on the bill.

One important note: if you rent a vehicle in Massachusetts, the rental company's E-ZPass account (if they have one) will cover tolls automatically. Check your rental agreement to see whether tolls are included in your rental fee or billed separately to your credit card after the trip.

Managing Your E-ZPass Account

Once your account is open, you can manage it online at mass.gov/e-zpass or by calling customer service. Log in to check your balance, view your toll history, adjust your auto-replenish settings, or add another vehicle to the same account. Many drivers link multiple cars to one E-ZPass account so they don't have to maintain separate balances.

If your transponder is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement through your online account or by phone. There is typically a replacement fee (usually $10 to $25), and a new transponder will be mailed to you. Until it arrives, tolls will continue to be charged to your account via plate-read, so you won't lose coverage.

Your account balance does not expire, but if your account is inactive for an extended period, the state may close it. If you move out of Massachusetts or no longer drive tolled roads, you can close your account online and request a refund of any remaining balance. Refunds are typically processed within two to four weeks.

Which Roads in Massachusetts Require Tolls

The Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) is the primary tolled highway, running from the New York border near Stockbridge to Boston. Tolls are collected at multiple gantries along the route. The Boston area also has tolled sections on I-93 (the Ted Williams Tunnel and the Zakim Bridge) and on Route 3 (the Tobin Bridge). A few other bridges and tunnels in the state also charge tolls.

If you're unsure whether a specific route is tolled, you can check mass.gov/e-zpass or use a mapping app like Google Maps, which often displays toll roads in blue or with a toll icon. When you search for directions, the app will show you whether your route includes tolls and estimate the cost if you have E-ZPass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my E-ZPass account in other states?

Yes. Massachusetts E-ZPass is part of a regional network that works on tolled roads in Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and several other states. Your transponder will work at toll plazas in any of these states without any changes to your account. Tolls are deducted from your Massachusetts E-ZPass balance regardless of which state you're in.

What happens if my E-ZPass balance runs out while I'm driving?

If your balance drops to zero, tolls will be charged to your account as plate-reads (photographed license plate), and you'll receive an invoice by mail. This costs more per toll than E-ZPass rates. To avoid this, set your auto-replenish threshold low enough that your account refills before you run out — for example, replenish when the balance drops below $10.

Do I need a separate E-ZPass account for each vehicle I own?

No. You can link multiple vehicles to a single E-ZPass account and share one balance across all of them. This is convenient if you own two or three cars and want to manage tolls from one account. Each vehicle will need its own transponder, but they all draw from the same prepaid balance.

How long does it take to get my transponder after I open an account?

The transponder typically arrives within three to five business days of opening your account. Your account is active when ready for toll charges even before the transponder arrives — tolls will be processed as plate-reads until the transponder is mounted and activated. Once it arrives, mount it on your windshield as instructed, and future tolls will be deducted when ready.

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

Yes. If your account has a balance remaining when you close it, you can request a refund through your online account or by calling customer service. Refunds are typically processed within two to four weeks and returned to the payment method you used to fund the account.