NEW LAW EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1:  MARYLAND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY MAY TOLL REAR LICENSE PLATES ON TRAILERS WHEN MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE PLATES CANNOT BE CAPTURED

NEW LAW EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1: 
MARYLAND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY MAY TOLL REAR LICENSE PLATES ON TRAILERS WHEN MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE PLATES CANNOT BE CAPTURED
Motorists are encouraged to sign up for E-ZPass to avoid higher video toll rates or civil penalties

BALTIMORE, MD (October 22, 2026) — Effective January 1, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) will begin using images of the rear license plates on towed trailers or semitrailers to ensure proper payment of tolls. This is not a new toll, and motorists will not be charged twice. The new legislation was passed into law during the 2026 General Session and authorized the MDTA to use an image of the rear license plate to toll the registered owner of a towed trailer or semitrailer, also called Class G vehicles, only if an image of the front or rear registration plate of the motor vehicle towing the trailer cannot be captured. 

“If you tow a trailer on Maryland toll roads whether for work or recreation, now is the time to sign up for E-ZPass to avoid the higher video toll rates or civil penalties,” said MDTA Executive Director Bruce Gartner. “E-ZPass customers should add your vehicle and trailer's license plate to your DriveEzMD account, make sure your transponder is mounted correctly, and always keep your account funded before traveling.”

A Class G vehicle is any trailer or semitrailer that is towed by another vehicle:

The new law does not affect Maryland toll rates, which are based on the number of vehicle axles. The new law does assist the MDTA in toll collections. Previously, the MDTA was not authorized to assess tolls using the rear license plate on towed trailers or semitrailers because they were not considered motorized or self-propelled vehicles. For more information about the new Class G law, visit DriveEzMD.com to view the frequently asked questions.

Video toll customers who use Maryland toll facilities without an E-ZPass or Pay-by-Plate account will receive a Notice of Toll Due in the mail. Each time you travel through a Maryland toll facility, a camera takes a photo of your license plate. The system then sends a Notice of Toll Due to the registered owner of the vehicle, based on MVA/DMV records for your state.

E-ZPass is the easiest and most economical way to pay tolls in Maryland and in all other states that accept E-ZPass. It uses a properly mounted electronic transponder, which is free for Maryland residents. E-ZPass account holders are eligible to receive even deeper discounts by enrolling in one or more E-ZPass discount plans. For more information, visit DriveEzMD.com. 

The MDTA finances, owns, operates, secures and maintains Maryland’s toll bridges, tunnels and turnpikes. The MDTA is self-sufficient and receives no gas tax, motor vehicle fees or other revenue from the state’s Transportation Trust Fund, and the MDTA's projects and services are funded through tolls paid by the customers who use their facilities.

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