These Terms and Conditions govern how pay by plate ma toll charges are assessed, billed, and enforced under the electronic tolling framework managed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation through the EZDriveMA system.
By using any license plate–based toll payment service, account registration, or toll facility, you confirm that you understand and accept these legally binding conditions in accordance with Massachusetts and applicable federal regulations.
Legal Framework and Toll System Authority
The tolling program operates under statutory authority granted to MassDOT, enabling it to collect and enforce toll payments across designated infrastructure.
Applicable toll facilities include:
- Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90 / Mass Pike)
- Ted Williams Tunnel
- Sumner Tunnel
- Callahan Tunnel
- Tobin Memorial Bridge
The system relies on:
- Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR)
- Toll gantries and digital capture systems
Every toll transaction is electronically recorded and linked to a vehicle’s registration data or account profile.
Account Setup and User Responsibility
To create and maintain a valid toll account, users must provide accurate and verifiable details.
Required information includes:
- Full legal name and contact details
- Registered vehicle license plate
- Vehicle classification (type and axle count)
- Valid payment method
Key condition:
All information must remain updated at all times. Failure to maintain accurate details can result in billing errors, violations, or enforcement actions.
Toll Calculation and Charge Mechanism
Toll charges are automatically calculated based on:
- Vehicle class and configuration
- Toll location and route
- Travel timing (where applicable)
How it works:
- Cameras capture your license plate at toll points
- The system identifies the vehicle
- Charges are applied to the linked account or issued as an invoice
If no valid account is found, billing defaults to plate-based invoicing, typically at higher rates than transponder users.
Billing, Payments, and Auto-Charge Authorization
Users authorize MassDOT to process toll payments through registered payment methods.
Core billing conditions:
- Charges may be deducted automatically
- Auto-replenishment may trigger when the balance is low
- Recurring payments are authorized upon enrollment
User obligations:
- Maintain sufficient funds
- Ensure payment method validity
- Monitor account activity regularly
Declined payments may lead to suspension or violation processing.
Device Usage and Vehicle Compliance Rules
Where applicable, toll devices or identifiers must be used correctly.
User must:
- Register all vehicles linked to the account
- Avoid using incorrect vehicle classifications
- Prevent duplicate billing (e.g., rental vehicles with active toll devices)
If a device fails, tolls may still be charged using plate recognition technology.
Violations, Penalties, and Enforcement Actions
Failure to comply with payment or account conditions triggers enforcement procedures.
Violation process includes:
- Original toll charge
- Administrative fees
- Escalating penalties
Serious consequences may include:
- Referral to collections agencies
- Vehicle registration holds via RMV
- Legal enforcement under Massachusetts toll laws
MassDOT retains full authority to enforce unpaid toll obligations.
Interstate Toll Usage and Cross-State Billing
This system integrates with the broader multi-state toll network.
Key conditions:
- Toll usage in other states may still be billed through your account
- Charges follow the rules of the respective state
- Processing delays (up to 48 hours) may occur
Massachusetts authorities are not responsible for rate differences applied by other jurisdictions.
Data Collection and Privacy Policy
Participation requires the collection of operational and personal data.
Data collected includes:
- License plate images
- Travel timestamps and locations
- Payment and billing records
Usage purpose:
- Toll processing
- Enforcement and compliance
- Fraud prevention
All data handling follows Massachusetts and federal privacy regulations.
Account Suspension, Closure, and Termination
Accounts may be suspended or terminated under certain conditions.
Common triggers:
- Repeated violations
- Fraud or misrepresentation
- Nonpayment of dues
After termination:
- Outstanding balances remain payable
- Devices may need to be returned
- Refunds (if any) are processed after settlement
Termination does not eliminate prior financial liability.
System Limitations and Liability Disclaimer
The toll system operates on an “as available” basis.
MassDOT does not guarantee the following:
- Continuous system uptime
- Error-free toll capture
- Immediate correction of technical issues
Users are responsible for actively monitoring their accounts and resolving discrepancies.
Updates and Modifications to Terms
MassDOT reserves the right to update these terms at any time due to:
- Policy changes
- Regulatory requirements
- Toll rate adjustments
Continued use of the system implies acceptance of updated conditions.
Governing Law and Legal Jurisdiction
All terms are governed under:
- Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- Applicable United States federal laws
Any legal disputes must be resolved within the jurisdiction.