Boston skyline in sunny summer day, view from harbor on downtown, Massachusetts, USA
If you’re driving through Massachusetts, chances are you’ll encounter a toll road at some point. Toll roads are a common way for states to fund their transportation infrastructure, and Massachusetts is no exception. However, paying tolls can be confusing, especially if you’re not familiar with the state’s toll system. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on how to pay Massachusetts tolls.
1. Understand the Toll System
Before we dive into how to pay Massachusetts tolls, it’s important to understand the state’s toll system. Massachusetts has two types of tolls: open-road tolling and traditional tolling. Open-road tolling uses overhead gantries with electronic sensors to collect tolls, while traditional tolling uses toll booths where drivers must stop and pay a toll.
2. Get an E-ZPass Transponder
If you plan on driving through Massachusetts frequently, getting an E-ZPass transponder is the easiest and most cost-effective way to pay tolls. E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system that allows drivers to pay tolls automatically without stopping at a toll booth. You can get an E-ZPass transponder online or at a customer service center.
3. Register Your E-ZPass Transponder
Once you have an E-ZPass transponder, you’ll need to register it online or by phone. During the registration process, you’ll link your transponder to a payment method, such as a credit card or bank account. You’ll also need to provide information about your vehicle, including its make, model, and license plate number.
4. Use Your E-ZPass Transponder
When you drive through an open-road tolling gantry, your E-ZPass transponder will be read automatically and the toll will be deducted from your account. If you’re driving through a traditional toll booth, you’ll need to use the dedicated E-ZPass lane and your transponder will be read by a toll collector.
5. Pay with Cash or Credit Card
If you don’t have an E-ZPass transponder, you can still pay tolls with cash or a credit card at traditional toll booths. When you approach a toll booth, look for signs indicating which lanes accept cash or credit card payments. You’ll need to stop at the toll booth and pay the toll before continuing on your journey.
6. Use the Pay By Plate System
If you don’t have an E-ZPass transponder and don’t want to pay with cash or a credit card, you can use the Pay By Plate system. This system takes a photo of your license plate as you drive through an open-road tolling gantry and sends you a bill for the toll. You can pay the bill online, by mail, or over the phone.
7. Set Up an E-ZPass Account for Out-of-State Drivers
If you’re an out-of-state driver and plan on driving through Massachusetts frequently, you can set up an E-ZPass account with another state’s E-ZPass program. Many states have reciprocal agreements with each other, meaning that their E-ZPass transponders can be used in other states.
8. Check Your Account Balance
It’s important to check your E-ZPass account balance regularly to ensure that you have enough funds to cover tolls. You can check your account balance online or by phone. If your account balance is low, you can add funds using a credit card or bank account.
9. Resolve Toll Violations
If you don’t pay a toll or your E-ZPass transponder doesn’t work properly, you may receive a toll violation notice in the mail. It’s important to resolve toll violations promptly to avoid additional fees and penalties. You can pay toll violations online, by mail, or over the phone.
10. Plan Ahead
Finally, it’s important to plan ahead when driving through Massachusetts. Check the state’s toll road map before your trip to see which roads have tolls and how much they cost. If you’re using the Pay By Plate system, make sure your license plate is clean and visible so that the system can read it accurately.
In conclusion, paying Massachusetts tolls doesn’t have to be a headache. By understanding the state’s toll system, getting an E-ZPass transponder, and planning ahead, you can easily navigate Massachusetts’ toll roads and get to your destination safely and efficiently.
