Maryland Transportation Authority Faces Nearly $1 Billion in Unpaid Out-of-State Tolls
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is grappling with approximately $818 million in unpaid tolls from out-of-state drivers, an issue that has become more pronounced since the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent audit revealed that the MDTA currently lacks an effective recovery process for these outstanding tolls. Unlike in-state drivers, whose vehicle registrations can be withheld for unpaid tolls, collecting from out-of-state motorists requires cooperation from other states' motor vehicle administrations. MDTA Executive Director Bruce Gartner noted that cross-state collections are a widespread challenge in the toll industry due to differing enforcement mechanisms. Drivers from Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Florida account for the largest portions of the unpaid tolls. 
