Maryland Toll Increases Paused for One Year
Maryland commuters will avoid higher toll costs in 2027 following a new one-year freeze ordered by the state.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Taxes
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Maryland Governor Wes Moore has directed the Maryland Transportation Authority to pause all planned toll increases for 2027. This one-year freeze aims to provide financial relief to state residents who frequently travel on toll roads and bridges.
Why it matters
The pause on toll hikes provides immediate budgetary relief for Maryland households that rely on the state's toll infrastructure for daily commuting. This move arrives alongside revelations of significant outstanding uncollected revenue from out-of-state drivers.
The one-year toll freeze is projected to save Maryland residents an estimated $50 million. This decision follows a September 2026 audit identifying $230 million in uncollected tolls and $587.2 million in uncollected penalties from out-of-state drivers.
The players
Wes Moore
The current Governor of Maryland who ordered the one-year pause on state toll increases.
Maryland Transportation Authority
The state agency responsible for managing toll facilities and implementing the governor's directive.
The details
The Maryland Transportation Authority is executing this pause under the direction of the Governor, ensuring that toll rates on major thoroughfares remain unchanged throughout 2027. The freeze covers all facilities managed by the authority, including the Bay Bridge, I-95, and various tunnels in the Baltimore area. Officials confirmed that this delay will not impact ongoing infrastructure projects or the operational capacity of the transportation network.
Timeline
September 2026: State legislative audit released findings on uncollected toll revenue.
2027: Period during which Maryland toll increases are delayed.
Money Landscape
This pause on toll hikes interrupts the planned fiscal schedule for the Maryland Transportation Authority. The move maintains current cost levels for commuters at a time when toll revenues are balanced against high volumes of uncollected penalties from out-of-state traffic.
Maryland households can expect their toll-related commuting costs to remain at current levels throughout 2027. If you budget for annual transportation inflation, you may adjust your 2027 transit projections accordingly.
The takeaway
The state's decision to forgo toll increases provides a fixed cost for drivers across Maryland through the end of 2027. Use this period to review your transportation budget and ensure your records for recurring travel expenses are up to date.
Further reading
For additional context on how state policy changes affect your annual expenses, visit our Taxes section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WTOP.
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Do you believe the one-year pause on Maryland toll increases will help your household budget?
