Many drivers in Massachusetts use the state’s toll roads to get around quickly and conveniently. However, failure to pay tolls can result in serious consequences. In this article, we will explore what happens if you don’t pay a toll in Massachusetts.
First and foremost, if you don’t pay a toll in Massachusetts, you will receive a Pay By Plate MA invoice in the mail. This invoice includes the toll fee, as well as a $0.60 fee for each invoice issued. Drivers have approximately 7-10 business days after the trip to settle this invoice. If the invoice goes unpaid, the fees will continue to accrue, and the driver may face additional consequences.
It’s important to note that Massachusetts can put a hold on the vehicle owner’s registration renewal if they do not pay their toll bill. This means that drivers will be required to settle their toll bill before renewing their registration. This process can take up to two years, and the driver will not be able to renew their registration until the bill is paid in full.
Immediate Consequences of Non-Payment
If you don’t pay a toll in Massachusetts, there are immediate consequences that you should be aware of. These consequences can include receiving violation notices and incurring late fees.
Violation Notices
If you don’t pay your toll, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will send you a violation notice. This notice will inform you of the toll that you failed to pay and the amount of the violation fee that you owe. The violation fee is typically higher than the original toll amount.
It’s important to note that if you fail to pay the violation fee, MassDOT may take legal action against you. This can result in additional fees and penalties, including suspension of your driver’s license.
Late Fees
If you don’t pay your toll within the required time frame, you may also incur late fees. These fees can add up quickly and can make it even more difficult to pay off your toll debt.
It’s important to pay your tolls on time to avoid these consequences. If you’re having trouble paying your tolls, MassDOT may be able to work with you to set up a payment plan or provide other assistance.
Remember, it’s always better to pay your tolls on time to avoid additional fees and penalties.
Long-Term Implications
If a driver fails to pay their toll in Massachusetts, there can be long-term implications that can affect their ability to drive and their finances. Here are some of the potential long-term implications of not paying tolls in Massachusetts.
Registration Hold
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) can place a hold on a vehicle’s registration renewal if the driver fails to pay tolls. This means that the driver will not be able to renew their registration until they settle their toll bill. According to MassLive, it may take up to two years for the hold to be lifted, and the driver will have to pay all of their outstanding tolls and fees before the hold is removed.
Legal Action
If a driver continues to ignore their toll bill, MassDOT may take legal action against them. According to USA Today, more states are taking legal action against out-of-state motorists who do not pay tolls. In Massachusetts, if a driver does not pay their toll bill, they may be subject to civil penalties and fines, and their case may be referred to a collection agency or a court.
It is important for drivers to pay their tolls in a timely manner to avoid these long-term implications. MassDOT offers several toll payment options, including EZDriveMA, an electronic tolling system that collects toll payments through video images of the vehicle. With EZDriveMA, drivers have four different options for paying tolls, including automatic payments and online payments. By paying their tolls on time, drivers can avoid registration holds and legal action and ensure that they can continue to drive without any interruptions.
Payment Recovery Process
If a driver fails to pay a toll in Massachusetts, the state has a process in place to recover the payment. This process involves two main methods of payment recovery: Pay By Plate and Invoice Adjustments.
Pay By Plate
Pay By Plate is a payment option for drivers who do not have an E-ZPass transponder. The system uses cameras to capture the license plate number of a vehicle that passes through a toll plaza. The system then sends an invoice to the registered owner of the vehicle for the toll amount.
If a driver fails to pay the invoice, the state can put a hold on the vehicle owner’s registration renewal. Drivers will be required to settle their toll bill before renewing.
Invoice Adjustments
If a driver has an E-ZPass account but the transponder fails to register, the driver will receive an invoice for the toll amount. In this case, the driver can contact customer service to have the invoice adjusted to reflect the E-ZPass payment.
To avoid any issues, drivers are encouraged to ensure their E-ZPass account is properly funded and the transponder is functioning correctly. Drivers can also pay their tolls with cash or a credit card at a toll plaza.
Avoiding Future Penalties
If you fail to pay your toll in Massachusetts, it can result in hefty fines and other penalties. However, there are ways to avoid future penalties. Here are two ways to do so:
E-ZPass Usage
One way to avoid future penalties is to use E-ZPass. E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system that allows you to pay tolls without stopping at a toll booth. With E-ZPass, you can save time and money because you don’t have to wait in long lines or pay cash for tolls. You can sign up for E-ZPass online or at one of the E-ZPass Customer Service Centers located throughout Massachusetts. Once you have an E-ZPass account, you can link it to your vehicle’s license plate number and start using it immediately.
Dispute Resolution
Another way to avoid future penalties is to dispute any toll violations that you believe are unfair or inaccurate. If you receive a toll violation notice in the mail, you have the right to dispute it within 30 days of the date on the notice. To dispute a toll violation, you can either call the customer service number on the notice or visit the EZDriveMA website and follow the instructions for disputing a violation. Be sure to provide any evidence you have to support your dispute, such as receipts, toll tickets, or other documentation.
By using E-ZPass and disputing any unfair toll violations, you can avoid future penalties and keep your driving record clean.
