If you’ve ever driven on a toll road in Maryland, chances are you’ve encountered EZ-Pass. EZ-Pass is an electronic toll collection system that allows drivers to pay tolls without stopping at a booth. Instead, a device mounted on the vehicle reads the EZ-Pass tag and automatically deducts the toll from the driver’s account.
However, sometimes drivers may encounter an error message or beep when passing through a toll lane. One potential issue is an “invalid tag.” But what does this mean, and how can it be resolved?
In this article, we’ll explore what an invalid tag means for EZ-Pass in Maryland, the potential causes of this issue, and how to fix it.
What is an invalid tag?
An invalid tag is a term used by the EZ-Pass system to indicate that the device mounted on the vehicle is not recognized or authorized to use the toll road. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including:
- The tag is not mounted correctly or in the correct location on the vehicle.
- The tag is damaged or has malfunctioned.
- The tag is not registered or activated.
- The account associated with the tag has been suspended or terminated.
When a vehicle with an invalid tag passes through a toll lane, the system will typically generate an error message or beep to alert the driver. Depending on the severity of the issue, the driver may also be issued a fine or violation notice.
What are the potential causes of an invalid tag?
There are several potential causes of an invalid tag, which we’ll explore in more detail below.
Improperly mounted or located tag:
One common issue is that the EZ-Pass tag is not mounted correctly or located on the vehicle. EZ-Pass tags are typically mounted inside the windshield, behind the rearview mirror. If the tag is not mounted correctly or is not in this location, it may not be correctly read by the toll system.
To fix this issue, drivers can ensure that their EZ-Pass tag is mounted correctly and located inside the windshield, behind the rearview mirror.
Damaged or malfunctioning tag:
Another potential cause of an invalid tag is if the tag is damaged or has malfunctioned. EZ-Pass tags are electronic devices susceptible to water, heat, or impact damage. If the tag is damaged or has malfunctioned, it may not be correctly read by the toll system.
To fix this issue, drivers can request a replacement tag from the EZ-Pass customer service center. Drivers may need to update their account information to reflect the new tag.
Not registered or activated tag:
If a driver has a new EZ-Pass tag that has not yet been registered or activated, it may be considered an invalid tag by the toll system. To use an EZ-Pass tag, it must be registered and activated with an account. This typically involves providing personal and vehicle information and linking a payment method to the account.
To fix this issue, drivers can register and activate their EZ-Pass tag by visiting the EZ-Pass website or contacting the customer service center.
Suspended or terminated account:
If a driver’s EZ-Pass account has been suspended or terminated, the toll system will no longer recognize their EZ-Pass tag. This can happen for various reasons, including unpaid tolls, violation notices, or other issues.
To fix this issue, drivers will need to resolve any outstanding issues
and pay any unpaid tolls or fines in order to reinstate their EZ-Pass account. This can typically be done by contacting the EZ-Pass customer service center or visiting the EZ-Pass website.
How to fix an invalid tag:
Now that we’ve explored some of the potential causes of an invalid tag let’s look at how to fix this issue. Here are a few steps drivers can take to resolve an invalid tag issue:
- Check the tag: First and foremost, drivers should ensure that their EZ-Pass tag is mounted correctly and located inside the windshield behind the rearview mirror. If the tag is not in this location or is not mounted correctly, it may not be properly read by the toll system.
- Check for damage: Drivers should also check their EZ-Pass tag for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks or water damage. If the tag is damaged, it may need to be replaced to function correctly.
- Check the account: If the EZ-Pass tag is mounted correctly and undamaged, drivers should check their account to ensure that it is registered and activated. Drivers can check their account status by logging into the EZ-Pass website or contacting the customer service center.
- Check for outstanding issues: If the account is registered and activated, drivers should check for any outstanding issues that may be causing the invalid tag issue. This may include unpaid tolls, fines, or a suspended or terminated account. Drivers will need to resolve these issues to use their EZ-Pass tag on toll roads.
Conclusion:
An invalid tag is a common issue encountered by EZ-Pass users in Maryland. It can be caused by various issues, including an improperly mounted or located tag, a damaged or malfunctioning tag, a not registered or activated tag, or a suspended or terminated account. To fix an invalid tag issue, drivers can check their tag, and account for any outstanding issues, and take the necessary steps to resolve them. By following these steps, drivers can ensure that their EZ-Pass tag is functioning properly, and they can continue using it on Maryland’s toll roads.