Code of Massachusetts Regulations
700 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Title 700 CMR 7.00 - Use of the Massachusetts Turnpike and the Metropolitan Highway System
Section 7.03 - Tolls

(1) Vehicle Classification. The Department applies the vehicle classification schedules specified in 700 CMR 7.03(1): Table 1, to determine tolls for the use of a way for which the Department collects a toll. (See Note 1).

TABLE 1

* Motor Vehicle Description determined by type of registration (Massachusetts vehicles) or by image and/or type of vehicle (non-Massachusetts vehicles).

Note 1. Toll Rates may vary for vehicles qualifying for specific toll rate Programs established by the Department.

(2) Payment of Toll. Each Operator shall pay the toll as established by MassDOT. MassDOT may obtain an image of the vehicle and/or vehicle license plate for purposes of assessing a toll, invoicing, assessing fees, fines, and/or penalties; evaluating transaction disputes and appeals; and toll collection and violation enforcement.

(3) Evasion of Toll. No person may commit, or attempt to commit, any act with the intent to evade the payment of a toll or to defraud the Department with respect to the payment of a toll. Refusal to pay a toll are both considered to be acts done with intent to evade the payment of a toll.

(4) Special Permit Fees. The operator of a motor vehicle requiring a special permit for use of a way shall pay the fee that the Department determines in accordance with the provisions of the permit and of 700 CMR 7.07.

(5) Car Pool Program. Only authorized E-ZPass MA equipped Car Pool Vehicles will be eligible for the car pool program. Qualifying individuals who choose to participate in the car pool program shall adhere to the E-ZPass MA terms and conditions and regulations governing the use of the EZDriveMA system and the car pool program. To be eligible for the car pool program, qualifying individuals shall renew on an annual basis. Qualifying individuals must submit on an annual basis a valid Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles registration and/or lease agreement, and a valid driver's license. Failure to renew by the applicable expiration date will result in the loss of the car pool program discount. While not in the program, the subject individual shall be responsible for the full toll rate and the full, non-discounted toll rate.

(6) Vehicle Classification. Each motor vehicle displaying a private passenger registration number plate or a motorcycle displaying a motorcycle registration number plate shall pay the toll established by MassDOT for a Private Passenger Motor Vehicle, provided such vehicles are listed on a Private Passenger Account. Each motor vehicle which does not display a private passenger registration number plate or a motorcycle registration number plate, or any private passenger registration or motorcycle that is listed on a Commercial Account shall pay the toll established by MassDOT for a Commercial Motor Vehicle. Toll rates may vary depending upon the method in which the toll was assessed.

(7) Resident Discount Program. Only authorized E-ZPass MA equipped vehicles will be eligible for the resident discount program. Residents who qualify and choose to participate in the resident discount program shall adhere to the E-ZPass MA terms and conditions and regulations governing the use of the EZDriveMA system. To be eligible for the resident discount program, qualifying Boston residents shall renew on an annual basis. Eligible residents must submit on an annual basis a valid Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles registration and/or lease agreement, a valid Massachusetts driver's license, and current proof of residency as determined by the Department. Failure to re-qualify by the applicable expiration date will result in the loss of the resident toll rate. While not in the program, the subject resident shall be responsible for the full toll rate and the full, non discounted toll rate will be posted to the subject E-ZPass MA account or invoiced as a Pay By Plate toll transaction.

St. 1995, c. 102, § 14 was enacted as a mitigation measure resulting from construction activities of the Central Artery/Tunnel Project and the increased amount of traffic passing through the affected communities of East Boston, the North End of Boston, and South Boston. In order to mitigate the impacts of construction and traffic on certain sections of the city of Boston most directly affected, St. 1995, c. 102, § 14 was enacted which states in pertinent part that the Department may not charge and collect tolls for transit through the Callahan tunnel, the Sumner tunnel or the Third Harbor tunnel by private passenger vehicles registered in the East Boston or South Boston sections of the city of Boston, that are greater than the tolls in effect for such vehicles at existing tunnel toll facilities on August 10, 1995; and further, that the Department may not charge and collect tolls for transit through the Callahan or Sumner tunnels to private passenger vehicles registered in the North End section of the city of Boston, that are greater than the tolls in effect for such transit through either the Sumner tunnel or Callahan tunnel for such vehicles on August 10, 1995.

(8) E-ZPass MA Requirement Two Axle Commercial Vehicles and Common Carriers.