Maryland to Use Trailer Plates for Tolls in 2027
Starting January 1, the Maryland Transportation Authority will use trailer plates to collect unpaid toll fees.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Trucks
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Beginning January 1, 2027, the Maryland Transportation Authority will begin using trailer license plates to collect tolls when a towing vehicle's plates are unreadable. This new policy applies to Class G vehicles, including trailers and semitrailers, to ensure accurate billing.
Why it matters
The change is intended to help the state effectively collect unpaid tolls by filling a gap in the agency's current enforcement authority. It ensures that owners are held responsible for toll payments even when the primary towing vehicle's plate remains uncaptured by traffic cameras.
The new policy specifically targets Class G vehicles, which encompasses all trailers and semitrailers operating on state roads. The Maryland Transportation Authority will now leverage these plates for identification purposes whenever the towing vehicle's plates remain uncaptured.
The players
Maryland Transportation Authority
This state agency is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and toll collection of major Maryland bridges, tunnels, and highways.
Maryland General Assembly
This is the legislative branch of the state government responsible for drafting and passing the laws that govern Maryland.
The details
The agency will utilize camera images of trailer plates to identify registered owners for billing purposes. This enforcement measure is authorized exclusively for instances where both the front and rear license plates of the towing vehicle cannot be identified by the tolling system.
Timeline
The Maryland General Assembly passed the new toll collection law during the 2026 session.
The new toll collection law officially takes effect on January 1, 2027.
Roadmap
This policy change represents a shift in how state authorities utilize vehicle identification to modernize toll collection infrastructure. It follows the Maryland Transportation Authority toll enforcement protocols by closing a specific loophole regarding unidentifiable towing vehicles.
Drivers using trailers in Maryland should ensure their trailer plates are clean and clearly visible to avoid potential billing issues. If your towing vehicle's plates are unreadable, you will now be identified and billed through the secondary trailer registration.
The takeaway
Vehicle owners should maintain clean, legible license plates on all trailers to avoid unexpected toll invoices. Ensuring your registration information is current with state agencies will prevent potential identification errors when the new law takes effect.
Further reading
For more information on state transport regulations, visit the Maryland Trucks section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBFF.
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Should transportation authorities have the power to bill trailer owners for unreadable vehicle license plates?
