The following article has been submitted by District 7 State Senator J.B. Jennings of Perry Hall and Kingsville about E-ZPass fines with fees
I’ve heard from far too many constituents who are overwhelmed by tens of thousands of dollars in E-ZPass fines, often without even realizing there was a problem.
Just one unpaid toll can trigger a $50 late fee per violation. For example, a single trip to Delaware without an E-ZPass can lead to as much as $400 in penalties.
Once accounts are sent to the Central Collection Unit (CCU), fees skyrocket beyond the original toll and leave working Marylanders with little hope for resolution.
In mid-June, I sent a letter to MDOT Secretary Paul Wiedefeld urging a more balanced, compassionate approach. Yes, E-ZPass tolls need to be paid, however, we should be enforcing tolls fairly, not pushing Marylanders into deep debt.
It is unconscionable to burden Marylanders with excessive fees, then send those debts to collections—without offering a path to recall the debt or enroll in a reasonable payment plan with those outrageous fees waived.
