Maryland to Use Trailer Plates to Collect Unpaid Tolls
Owners of Class G trailers and semitrailers should prepare for new toll billing protocols beginning January 1, 2027.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Trucks
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Maryland will begin using trailer license plates to identify owners for toll billing starting January 1, 2027. This change allows the Maryland Transportation Authority to assess unpaid tolls when a towing vehicle's license plate remains uncaptured by monitoring cameras.
Why it matters
This policy update aims to close gaps in toll enforcement for drivers hauling trailers or semitrailers. By enabling the use of secondary plates, the authority seeks to ensure more accurate collection of highway tolls across the state.
The law applies specifically to Class G vehicles, which include all trailers and semitrailers registered in the state. This new enforcement capability will be active for the Maryland Transportation Authority beginning January 1, 2027.
The players
Maryland Transportation Authority
The state agency responsible for managing toll facilities and enforcing toll collection across Maryland infrastructure.
Maryland General Assembly
The state legislative body that passed the 2026 law authorizing the use of trailer license plates for toll enforcement.
The details
The Maryland Transportation Authority will now utilize camera images of a trailer's license plate as a fallback identification method. This process is only initiated when sensors fail to capture the license plate of the towing vehicle itself, either at the front or rear. Once the trailer plate is identified, the agency will bill the registered owner of that specific trailer for the toll. Previously, the agency lacked the legal authority to use trailer-based identification for these assessments.
Timeline
The Maryland General Assembly passed the new toll collection law during the 2026 session.
The law officially takes effect across Maryland on January 1, 2027.
The Home Front
This move reflects a broader trend of state authorities updating infrastructure oversight to match modern automated monitoring technology. It updates the enforcement scope for trailer owners relative to existing toll protocols established in previous legislative cycles.
If you own a trailer or semitrailer, ensure your license plate is properly attached and readable to avoid potential billing issues. Check your current registration documents to confirm your vehicle is correctly classified as a Class G unit before the new rules take effect.
The takeaway
Maryland trailer owners should be aware that their license plates will now be legally recognized for toll collection purposes starting in 2027. Ensure that your trailer's registration is up to date and your plate is clearly mounted to prevent any discrepancies in automated toll billing.
Further reading
For more details on vehicle 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?
