Crime & Safety
Maryland Toll Law Jan. 1: Trailer Plates Can Be Used for Billing
Baltimore, MD – Maryland drivers towing trailers, recreational vehicles and other equipment will face a change in toll collection beginning January 1, 2027, as a new state law allows transportation of
By Lena Wood · 2026-10-22T15:20:55.450Z
Baltimore, MD – Maryland drivers towing trailers, recreational vehicles and other equipment will face a change in toll collection beginning January 1, 2027, as a new state law allows transportation officials to use rear trailer license plates to identify vehicles for toll payments.
According to the Maryland Transportation Authority MDTA , legislation approved during the 2026 General Assembly session authorizes the agency to bill registered trailer owners when cameras cannot capture the license plate of the towing vehicle.
New Toll Rules Take Effect January 1
The change applies to Class G vehicles, including utility trailers, boat trailers, recreational trailers, farm trailers, semitrailers and other equipment pulled behind motor vehicles.
Previously, Maryland transportation officials were not authorized to assess tolls using trailer license plates because trailers are not self propelled vehicles.
Under the new law, cameras may capture a trailer's rear plate when the towing vehicle's plate is unavailable.
Will Maryland Drivers Pay More?
The MDTA emphasized that the legislation does not create a new toll or increase existing toll rates.
Drivers will not be charged twice for the same trip.
Maryland toll rates will continue to be determined by vehicle axle counts.
However, motorists using video tolling without an E ZPass or Pay By Plate account may face higher payment rates or applicable civil penalties.
E ZPass Customers Encouraged to Update Accounts
MDTA Executive Director Bruce Gartner encouraged motorists to register both their vehicle and trailer license plates through their DriveEzMD accounts.
Drivers should also ensure their E ZPass transponders are properly mounted and their accounts have sufficient funds.
Motorists without electronic toll accounts may receive toll notices by mail based on registered vehicle information.
The changes affect toll collection at MDTA operated facilities, including Maryland's toll bridges, tunnels and turnpikes.
Additional information about the Class G trailer law and account registration is available at DriveEzMD.com.