Maryland Toll Roads Complete Guide: E-ZPass, Rates & Payment 2025
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Maryland Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: All Electronic Tolling (AET) - E-ZPass, Pay-By-Plate, Video Tolling
Coverage: 8 major toll facilities statewide including Bay Bridge, tunnels, I-95 Express Lanes
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: E-ZPass transponders, License plate recognition, All electronic collection
Operator: Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA)
Do I Need E-ZPass for Maryland? 2025 Update
No, you don't need E-ZPass to drive on Maryland toll roads - but you'll save up to 77% on toll costs with one. All Maryland toll facilities converted to All Electronic Tolling (AET) in 2021, with no cash payment available anywhere.
Key Reality: Without E-ZPass, you'll pay Video Toll rates that are 1.5 times the base toll (minimum $1, maximum $15 above base rates). For Bay Bridge alone, this means $8.00 vs $3.00 per crossing.
2025 Update: Maryland E-ZPass accounts offer the lowest rates on all state facilities. Due to Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse fallout, toll increases are planned for 2027 on Bay Bridge and Harbor tunnels, moved up from the original 2028 timeline.
Maryland Toll Costs: Current Rates
Maryland operates 8 major toll facilities statewide, with costs varying by facility, payment method, and vehicle type. All facilities use identical pricing structure with significant E-ZPass discounts.
Current Toll Rates by Facility (2025)
| Facility | E-ZPass Maryland | Out-of-State E-ZPass | Video Toll | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chesapeake Bay Bridge | $2.50 | $4.00 | $6.00 | $3.50 (58%) |
| Baltimore Harbor Tunnel | $3.00 | $4.00 | $6.00 | $3.00 (50%) |
| Fort McHenry Tunnel | $3.00 | $4.00 | $6.00 | $3.00 (50%) |
| Francis Scott Key Bridge | CLOSED | CLOSED | CLOSED | Rebuild by 2028 |
| JFK Memorial Highway (I-95) | $6.00 | $8.00 | $12.00 | $6.00 (50%) |
| Thomas J. Hatem Bridge | $6.00 | $8.00 | $12.00 | $6.00 (50%) |
| Harry Nice Memorial Bridge | $4.50 | $6.00 | $9.00 | $4.50 (50%) |
| I-95 Express Toll Lanes | $0.46-3.01 per trip | Same as Maryland | 1.5x E-ZPass rate | Variable by time |
Where You Pay Tolls in Maryland (2025)
Major Bridges: Bay Bridge (US-50/301), Harry Nice Bridge (US-301), Thomas Hatem Bridge (US-40)
Tunnels: Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895), Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95)
Express Lanes: I-95 Express Toll Lanes (I-895 to MD-152), ICC/MD-200 (full length)
Closed: Francis Scott Key Bridge (collapsed March 26, 2024; rebuild by 2028)
How to Pay Maryland Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods to pay tolls in Maryland:
1. E-ZPass Electronic System:
- Maryland E-ZPass: Lowest rates on all state facilities (minimum 25% off)
- Out-of-state E-ZPass: Same base rates as Maryland E-ZPass (but fewer discounts)
- Works across 17 E-ZPass states from Maine to North Carolina
- Commercial discount plans available for qualifying vehicles
2. Pay-By-Plate (Video Tolling):
- Automatic license plate recognition cameras
- Notice of Toll Due (NOTD) mailed to registered vehicle owner
- Rate: 1.5x base toll (minimum $1, maximum $15 above base)
- Payment due within 30 days of notice
3. Cash Payment:
- NO CASH ACCEPTED - All facilities converted to All Electronic Tolling (AET) in 2021
- Emergency cash payment available at some facilities via attendants
- Rental car companies may provide transponder services (additional fees apply)
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Maryland toll roads, use TollGuru Maryland toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse Impact:
- Bridge collapsed March 26, 2024; replacement opening targeted for fall 2028
- $143.9 million in lost revenue estimated through 2028
- Toll increases moved up from 2028 to 2027 for Bay Bridge and Harbor tunnels
- 40% of Key Bridge traffic redirected to Fort McHenry and Baltimore Harbor tunnels
I-95 Express Toll Lanes Expansion:
- Northbound extension from MD-43 to MD-152 opened December 18, 2024
- Additional 6.5 miles of express lanes providing alternative to MD-24
- Variable pricing: $0.07-0.53 per mile depending on traffic and time of day
- Southbound extension not currently programmed
Payment System Updates:
- Enhanced license plate recognition technology deployment
- Improved NOTD processing and customer service
- Ongoing SMS phishing scam warnings (only pay via DriveEzMD.com)
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Bay Bridge crossing: $3.00 E-ZPass vs $8.00 Video Toll
- Baltimore tunnel network: $3.00 E-ZPass vs $4.50 Video Toll
- I-95 Express Lanes: Dynamic pricing based on traffic (higher during rush hour)
- ICC/MD-200: Full-length tolls vary by distance traveled
Key Bridge Closure Alternatives:
- Fort McHenry Tunnel: Primary detour for I-95 south traffic
- Baltimore Harbor Tunnel: Alternative for I-695 traffic
- I-495 Capital Beltway: Toll-free detour (adds 15-30 minutes)
- Local Baltimore surface streets: Toll-free but significantly slower
Discount Programs:
- Baltimore Regional Plan: $70 for 50 trips (valid 45 days)
- Bay Bridge Shoppers Discount: Special rates for frequent users
- Commercial vehicle discounts: Post-usage and supplemental rebates
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Maryland tolls completely?
Partially - you can use I-495 Capital Beltway and local roads to avoid most tolls, but this adds 15-45 minutes to most trips. The Bay Bridge is the only crossing of the Chesapeake Bay, making it unavoidable for Eastern Shore travel.
What happens if I don't pay Maryland tolls?
Unpaid tolls escalate through a collection process: NOTD issued (30 days), administrative fees added ($25-50), citation issued with civil penalties, potential vehicle registration suspension for multiple unpaid violations.
Do motorcycles pay tolls in Maryland?
Yes, motorcycles pay the same tolls as 2-axle passenger vehicles. However, they're exempt from video toll penalty fees on most facilities due to license plate visibility issues.
When will Francis Scott Key Bridge reopen?
The new bridge is targeted to open in fall 2028. The rebuild will cost at least $1.7 billion, with federal funding covering 90% and Maryland responsible for $170+ million.
Do out-of-state E-ZPass accounts work in Maryland?
Yes, any E-ZPass from the 17-state network works in Maryland at the same base rates. However, Maryland E-ZPass accounts receive the best discount plans and customer service for regular users.
Maryland vs. Neighboring States
| State | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | All Electronic Tolling | $3.00-6.00/crossing | 8 major facilities |
| Virginia | Mixed system | $0.50-7.50/mile | Extensive network |
| Pennsylvania | E-ZPass + Cash | $0.08-8.20/mile | Turnpike system |
| West Virginia | E-ZPass + Cash | $0.10-4.00/trip | Turnpike + 2 bridges |
| Delaware | E-ZPass + Cash | $0.80-2.00/mile | Limited facilities |
Regional Toll Information
Baltimore Metro Area - Hub of Maryland Toll Network:
- Baltimore Harbor Tunnel - I-895 crossing under Patapsco River
- Fort McHenry Tunnel - I-95 primary route, largest underwater tunnel
- Francis Scott Key Bridge - CLOSED (collapsed March 2024, rebuild by 2028)
- I-95 Express Toll Lanes - Variable pricing lanes from I-895 to MD-152
- Baltimore Regional Plan - 50-trip discount program
Chesapeake Bay Region - Eastern Shore Connection:
- Chesapeake Bay Bridge - US-50/301 dual-span crossing, 4.3 miles
- Bay Bridge Shoppers Discount - Frequent user program
- Eastern Shore Access - Bridge is only crossing option
Northern Maryland - I-95 Corridor:
- JFK Memorial Highway - I-95 toll plaza northbound only
- Thomas J. Hatem Bridge - US-40 crossing over Susquehanna River
- Delaware Border Crossings - Coordination with Delaware facilities
Southern Maryland - Potomac River Region:
- Harry Nice Memorial Bridge - US-301 crossing to Virginia
- Virginia Border Coordination - Interstate connectivity
Express Lanes Network:
- ICC/MD-200 - Intercounty Connector full-length tolling
- I-95 ETL Northbound - Extended to MD-152 in December 2024
- Future Express Lanes - Potential expansion projects
Useful Links & Resources
Official Maryland Toll Resources:
- Maryland E-ZPass - Account setup and management
- Pay Toll Maryland - Official toll rates and payment information
- Maryland Toll Violations - Pay violations and understand penalties
- Maryland Commercial Tolls - Truck and commercial vehicle rates
- Maryland Toll Discounts - Available discount programs
- DriveEzMD Customer Service - Official support and contact information
Facility-Specific Resources:
- Bay Bridge Information - Traffic alerts and construction updates
- I-95 Express Toll Lanes - Project updates and pricing schedules
- Toll Rate Calculator - Calculate costs for your specific trip
- Traffic Advisories - Construction and maintenance alerts
Official Agencies:
- Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA): (410) 537-7000
- DriveEzMD Customer Service: (410) 537-7000
- E-ZPass Customer Service: (410) 537-7000
- NOTD Payment Line: (410) 537-7000
