How to Pay Maryland Tolls and Manage Your Account
How Maryland toll payments work
Maryland has two toll roads: the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (I-495 between Baltimore and Washington, D.C.) and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge (US-50 between the Eastern Shore and the Western Shore). Both charge tolls based on the vehicle class and time of day. You can pay tolls three ways: with a transponder (a small device mounted on your windshield), with a toll-by-plate account, or with cash at toll booths.
A transponder is the fastest method. When you drive through a toll plaza, the transponder communicates with overhead readers and deducts the toll from your prepaid account. Toll-by-plate uses your license plate number instead—a camera photographs your plate, and you receive an invoice by mail. Cash payment is available at some toll booths, though lanes are limited and tolls are higher than transponder rates.
Most drivers use a transponder because it offers the lowest toll rate and the smoothest experience. You can set up automatic replenishment so your account refills when the balance drops below a certain amount, meaning you never have to think about it again.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland's two toll roads are the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and you can pay with a transponder, toll-by-plate, or cash.
- A transponder offers the lowest toll rate and automatic payment, while toll-by-plate sends you an invoice by mail based on your license plate.
- You can set up automatic account replenishment so your transponder balance refills without manual payment each time.
- If you receive a toll notice by mail, you have a deadline to pay or dispute it, and unpaid tolls can lead to late fees and vehicle registration holds.
Setting up a transponder account
To use a transponder on Maryland toll roads, you must open an account with Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA). You can register online at mdta.maryland.gov, by phone at 1-888-321-6382, or in person at an MDTA customer service center. You will need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account).
Once your account is open, MDTA will mail you the transponder. When it arrives, you mount it on your windshield—usually on the upper right or left corner, depending on the type. The transponder is linked to your account, so tolls are deducted automatically when you pass through a toll plaza. You can register multiple vehicles to the same account if you own more than one.
Transponder tolls are lower than cash tolls. For example, a passenger car crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge during peak hours costs less with a transponder than at a cash booth. MDTA publishes current toll rates on its website, and rates vary by vehicle type (passenger car, motorcycle, truck) and time of day.
Toll-by-plate and mail invoices
If you do not have a transponder, MDTA can identify your vehicle by photographing your license plate as you pass through a toll plaza. You will receive an invoice by mail within two weeks. The toll-by-plate rate is higher than the transponder rate but lower than cash. You can pay the invoice online, by phone, or by mail using the instructions on the notice.
If you receive a toll notice and believe it is incorrect—for example, the toll was charged twice or the vehicle listed is not yours—you can dispute it. Contact MDTA with your invoice number and explanation. Keep any evidence, such as a receipt from a transponder payment at the same time or proof that your vehicle was elsewhere.
Unpaid toll invoices accumulate late fees. After 60 days without payment, MDTA can place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal. If your registration expires while a toll debt is unpaid, you cannot legally drive the vehicle. Paying the toll and any late fees removes the hold immediately.
Automatic replenishment and account management
Once your transponder account is open, you can set up automatic replenishment. You choose a minimum balance—for example, $10—and a replenishment amount, such as $50. When your balance falls below the minimum, MDTA automatically charges your payment method and adds the replenishment amount to your account. This prevents your account from running empty and means you never miss a toll.
You can manage your account online through the MDTA website. Log in to view your balance, transaction history, and upcoming replenishments. You can also update your payment method, change your replenishment settings, or add or remove vehicles. If you lose your transponder or it stops working, you can request a replacement through your account or by calling MDTA customer service.
If you move out of state or no longer use Maryland toll roads, you can close your account. Any remaining balance will be refunded to your original payment method within 30 days, though some refunds may take longer depending on your bank.
What to do if you receive a toll notice
A toll notice arrives by mail when MDTA has photographed your license plate and you do not have an active transponder account or a toll-by-plate account set up. The notice includes the toll amount, the date and time of the crossing, the toll plaza location, and instructions for payment. You have a deadline to pay—usually 30 days from the notice date—or to dispute the charge.
To pay, follow the instructions on the notice. You can pay online using the invoice number, by phone, or by mailing a check. Payment removes the charge from your account. If you do not pay within 30 days, MDTA sends a second notice with a late fee added. If you still do not pay after 60 days, MDTA can place a hold on your vehicle registration.
To dispute a notice, contact MDTA with your invoice number and the reason you believe the charge is wrong. Common disputes include duplicate charges, tolls charged for a vehicle you no longer own, or tolls charged when you were not driving. MDTA will investigate and either remove the charge or confirm it is correct. Disputes do not stop the clock on payment deadlines, so pay the toll if you are unsure and request a refund after the dispute is resolved.
Transponder troubleshooting and replacement
A transponder can malfunction or stop working for several reasons: the battery dies (transponders last about 5 to 7 years), the device is damaged, or it loses its connection to the toll plaza readers. If your transponder is not working, you may be charged by toll-by-plate instead, and you will receive a mail invoice.
If you notice your transponder is not deducting tolls, contact MDTA immediately. You can request a replacement transponder through your online account or by phone. MDTA will mail a new one at no charge. In the meantime, keep any toll-by-plate invoices you receive and contact MDTA to request a refund once your new transponder is working—MDTA may waive or reduce late fees if the malfunction was not your fault.
To prevent problems, check your transponder occasionally to make sure it is securely mounted and not damaged. If you see cracks, water inside, or loose wiring, request a replacement. A working transponder is the most reliable way to pay tolls and avoid mail invoices and late fees.
Toll rates and payment methods comparison
The three payment methods differ in cost, convenience, and setup. A transponder offers the lowest rate and requires no action once it is mounted—tolls deduct automatically. Toll-by-plate is automatic too, but the rate is higher and you receive invoices by mail that you must pay by deadline. Cash is the most expensive option and requires you to stop at a toll booth, but it needs no account or advance setup.
The table below shows how each method compares. If you cross the tolls regularly, a transponder saves money over time. If you cross only occasionally, toll-by-plate is simpler because there is no account to manage, though you will pay more per crossing. Cash is useful only if you have no other option or cross so rarely that an account is not worth opening.
| Payment Method | Rate Level | How It Works | Setup Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transponder | Lowest | Device on windshield; automatic deduction from prepaid account | 3–7 days (mail delivery) |
| Toll-by-Plate | Medium | License plate photographed; invoice mailed; you pay by deadline | None (automatic) |
| Cash | Highest | Pay at toll booth with coins or bills | None |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Maryland transponder on other toll roads outside Maryland?
Maryland transponders work only on MDTA toll roads (the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and Chesapeake Bay Bridge). Other states have their own toll systems. If you travel frequently on out-of-state toll roads, you may want to open a separate account with those systems or use a national program like E-ZPass, which works across multiple states.
What happens if I drive through a toll plaza without paying?
MDTA will photograph your license plate and mail you a toll invoice. If you do not pay within 30 days, late fees are added. After 60 days, MDTA can place a hold on your vehicle registration, preventing you from renewing it. The best course is to pay the toll as soon as you receive the notice.
Can I get a refund if I was overcharged?
Yes. If you believe you were charged twice for the same crossing or charged incorrectly, contact MDTA with your invoice number or transponder account details. MDTA will investigate and issue a refund if the charge was an error. Refunds typically appear in your account within 30 days.
Do I need a transponder if I only cross the tolls once or twice a year?
You do not need one, but a transponder saves money on every crossing. Even if you cross only a few times yearly, the lower transponder rate adds up. A transponder is free to obtain, and you can close the account anytime if you move or stop using the roads.
What if my transponder was damaged in an accident?
Contact MDTA and request a replacement. MDTA will mail a new transponder at no charge. In the meantime, you may receive toll-by-plate invoices. Contact MDTA with details of the accident and ask them to waive late fees on any invoices received while you were waiting for the replacement.