Maryland to use trailer plates for tolls when car plates unread starting Jan 1

A new Maryland law effective January 1 allows the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) to collect tolls using trailer license plates when cameras fail to capture the towing vehicle's license plate, FOX45 Baltimore reported.

This change applies to trailers and semitrailers, classified as Class G vehicles, and aims to improve collection of unpaid tolls, according to WBFF.

Previously, MDTA could not use trailer plate images for toll collection because trailers are not motorized vehicles, the Baltimore Sun noted.

The law does not create new tolls or result in double charges for the same trip, officials emphasized.

The legislation was passed during the 2026 General Assembly session and permits billing the registered owner of a trailer only when the towing vehicle’s front or rear plate cannot be read by toll cameras.