Paying tolls in Massachusetts is necessary for using the state’s highways and bridges. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to pay tolls in Massachusetts, including information on the various payment options available and instructions for using each one.
Types of Tolls in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, tolls are collected on several major roadways, including the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), the Tobin Memorial Bridge, and the Sumner Tunnel. Tolls are also collected on some smaller bridges and tunnels.
Toll payment options in Massachusetts
- E-ZPass: This is the most convenient way to pay tolls in Massachusetts. E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system that allows you to pay tolls automatically as you drive through the toll plaza. To use E-ZPass, you’ll need to purchase a transponder, a small electronic device that attaches to the inside of your windshield. Once you have a transponder, you’ll need to open an E-ZPass account and fund it with a credit or debit card. You’ll be automatically charged the tolls you owe as you drive through the toll plaza. E-ZPass can be used on the Massachusetts Turnpike, Tobin Memorial Bridge, and Sumner Tunnel, as well as on many other toll roads and bridges in the northeastern United States.
- Pay-by-Plate: This is a new way to pay tolls in Massachusetts, also known as Plate Toll, that uses cameras and license plate recognition technology to take a photo of your license plate as you drive through the toll plaza. The camera will automatically match the license plate number to the vehicle registration on file, and the toll will be charged to the vehicle’s registered owner.
- All-Electronic Tolling: This is another new way to pay tolls in Massachusetts, using electronic toll collection gantries above the highway instead of toll booths. Drivers without E-ZPass will have their license plates photographed, and the toll will be billed to the vehicle’s registered owner.
- Credit Card, Debit Card, and Cash: This is the traditional way of paying tolls in Massachusetts. Tolls can be paid with a credit card, debit card, or cash at the toll booth. However, with all the other options available, this option is becoming less common.
How to pay with E-ZPass?
- Purchase a transponder: To use E-ZPass, you’ll need a transponder. Transponders can be purchased online, at one of the customer service centers, or at selected retailers. The cost of a transponder varies depending on the type of transponder you choose.
- Open an E-ZPass account: Once you have a transponder, you’ll need to open an E-ZPass account and fund it with a credit or debit card. You can open an account online or at one of the customer service centers.
- Place transponder on vehicle: The transponder should be placed inside the windshield, typically on the driver’s side, behind the rearview mirror.
- Drive-through toll plaza: As you drive through the toll plaza, the transponder will automatically deduct the toll from your E-ZPass account. The toll amount will be displayed on the sign as you pass through.
- Monitor account balance: To ensure that your account stays funded, you can check your account balance online or by phone. You’ll also receive a statement in the mail each month that shows your account balance and all of the tolls you’ve paid. You’ll need to ensure that your account stays funded as if your account runs out of money, you’ll be charged a penalty fee.
How to pay with Pay-by-Plate?
- Drive through the toll plaza: As you drive through it, cameras will take a photo of your license plate and match it to the vehicle registration on file.
- Receive bill in the mail: You’ll receive a bill that shows the toll amount and the date and time of the transaction. The bill will be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle.
- Pay bill: You can pay the bill online, by mail, or by phone. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or electronic check.
How to pay with All-Electronic Tolling?
- Drive through the toll plaza: As you drive under the electronic toll gantries, cameras will take a photo of your license plate and match it to the vehicle registration on file.
- Receive bill in the mail: You’ll receive a bill that shows the toll amount and the date and time of the transaction. The bill will be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle.
- Pay bill: You can pay the bill online, by mail, or by phone. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or electronic check.
Conclusion
Paying tolls in Massachusetts is necessary for using the state’s highways and bridges. With the various payment options available, it’s easy to choose the one that best suits your needs. E-ZPass is the most convenient way to pay tolls, as it allows you to pay automatically as you drive through the toll plaza.
Pay-by-Plate and All-Electronic Tolling are new options that use cameras and license plate recognition technology to take a photo of your license plate and charge the toll to the vehicle’s registered owner. Whichever method you choose, be sure to monitor your account balance and pay your bills on time to avoid any penalties or fines.