How to Pay Massachusetts Tolls and What Happens If You Don't

How Massachusetts toll payment works

Massachusetts tolls are collected on the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), the Ted Williams Tunnel, the Tobin Bridge, and a few other highways. You can pay in three ways: with a transponder (a small device that charges your account automatically), with a toll-by-plate system (the state photographs your license plate and sends you a bill), or by stopping at a toll booth and paying cash. Most drivers never see a toll booth anymore—the state has moved to all-electronic collection, which means you either have a transponder or you get a bill in the mail.

If you drive a Massachusetts highway without a transponder, the state's cameras read your plate and mails you an invoice within two weeks. You then have 30 days to pay online, by phone, or by mail. The bill includes the toll amount plus a $2.50 administrative fee. If you pay within that window, you are done. If you do not, late fees and collection actions begin.

Key Takeaways

• Massachusetts tolls are collected electronically on I-90, the Ted Williams Tunnel, the Tobin Bridge, and other routes; you either use a transponder or receive a bill by mail.
• A toll-by-plate bill arrives within two weeks and gives you 30 days to pay the toll amount plus a $2.50 fee.
• If you miss the 30-day deadline, the state adds late fees and can suspend your vehicle registration or report the debt to a collection agency.
• A transponder account costs nothing to open and saves you money because you avoid the $2.50 per-trip administrative fee.
• If you dispute a toll charge, you must request a hearing within 30 days of the bill date; the state will review photos and toll records.

Getting a transponder and setting up an account

A transponder is a small wireless device that mounts on your windshield and communicates with toll readers as you pass through. Massachusetts calls its system E-ZPass. You can open an E-ZPass account online at mass.gov or by phone at 1-844-839-9727. You will need a valid driver's license or ID, a vehicle registration, and a payment method (debit card or bank account). There is no fee to open the account.

Once your account is open, the state mails you a transponder within 7 to 10 business days. You mount it on the inside of your windshield, and tolls are deducted from your prepaid balance. You can set up automatic replenishment so the account refills itself when the balance drops below a threshold you choose. Most drivers set it to $25 or $50. Using a transponder saves you the $2.50 administrative fee on every trip, so if you drive the Turnpike regularly, it pays for itself quickly.

What happens if you do not pay a toll bill

If you ignore a toll-by-plate bill past the 30-day deadline, the state adds a $25 late fee. If you still do not pay after another 30 days, a second $25 late fee is added. At that point, the Registry of Motor Vehicles can suspend your vehicle registration, which means you cannot legally drive the car. The state can also report the unpaid toll to a collection agency, which will contact you and may pursue a judgment against you.

Suspension happens automatically—you do not receive a separate notice. If you try to renew your registration or get pulled over, you will learn the registration is suspended. To lift the suspension, you must pay the original toll, both late fees, and a $100 reinstatement fee to the Registry. If the debt has gone to a collection agency, you may also owe collection costs.

Paying a toll bill online, by phone, or by mail

Once you receive a toll-by-plate bill, you have three payment options. Online is fastest: go to mass.gov/tolls, enter your invoice number and license plate, and pay by debit card or credit card. Payment posts within one business day. By phone, call 1-844-839-9727 and have your bill ready; the same payment methods apply. By mail, send a check or money order to the address on your bill; allow 7 to 10 business days for processing.

Pay within the 30-day window to avoid late fees. If you are unsure whether a bill has been paid, log into your account online or call the number on your bill to check your balance. If you pay by mail and the check arrives after the deadline, the state may still assess a late fee—so mail payment earlier than you think you need to.

Disputing a toll charge you believe is wrong

If you believe a toll charge is incorrect—for example, you did not drive that route, or you were charged twice for one trip—you can request a hearing. You must submit your request within 30 days of the bill date. Go to mass.gov/tolls, find the "Dispute a Toll" section, and fill out the form with your invoice number, the date of the trip, and an explanation of why you believe the charge is wrong. Include any evidence you have: a receipt from a gas station showing you were elsewhere, a photo of your vehicle in a different location, or a record from your transponder account.

The state will review the toll camera photos and your account history. If the hearing officer agrees with you, the charge is removed and any payment you made is refunded. If the officer upholds the charge, you still owe the toll. The hearing process usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. During that time, continue to pay other bills on time; disputing one charge does not pause the 30-day payment deadline for others.

Toll rates and which roads charge tolls in Massachusetts

Massachusetts toll rates vary by vehicle type and location. A standard passenger car pays different amounts on different sections of I-90; rates range from roughly $1 to $5 per trip depending on distance. The Ted Williams Tunnel charges a flat rate. Heavy trucks pay more. Motorcycles and certain vehicles may pay less or nothing. Rates change periodically, so check mass.gov/tolls for current amounts before a long trip.

The main toll roads are I-90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike) from the New York border to Boston, the Ted Williams Tunnel (connecting Boston to Logan Airport), and the Tobin Bridge (connecting Boston to the North Shore). Some smaller bridges and tunnels also charge tolls. If you are unsure whether a specific route has tolls, search the road name on mass.gov/tolls or call 1-844-839-9727.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a toll bill with a credit card?

Yes. Online and by phone, you can pay with a debit card or credit card. By mail, you must send a check or money order. Credit card payments post within one business day online.

What if I rent a car and get a toll bill in someone else's name?

The bill goes to the registered owner of the vehicle, not the driver. If you rented the car, the rental company receives the bill. Check your rental agreement; many rental companies charge you a processing fee if they have to pay a toll on your behalf. To avoid this, ask the rental company if the car has a transponder and use it, or pay tolls yourself if you can.

Does a suspended registration affect my insurance?

A suspended registration is a separate issue from insurance. However, driving with a suspended registration is illegal and can result in a fine or criminal charge. Your insurance may also deny a claim if you were driving illegally at the time of an accident. Pay the toll and reinstatement fee to the Registry as soon as possible.

Can I set up an E-ZPass account if I do not have a Massachusetts driver's license?

You need a valid government-issued ID and a vehicle registration. A Massachusetts driver's license is not required. A passport, military ID, or other state's driver's license will work. You will also need a U.S. mailing address for the transponder to be sent to.

What if I move out of Massachusetts—do I keep my E-ZPass account?

Yes. E-ZPass works in most states along the East Coast and Midwest, so your account remains active if you travel back to Massachusetts. If you move permanently and no longer own a Massachusetts-registered vehicle, you can close the account online and request a refund of any remaining balance.