Will Maine Fine Me If My EZ-Pass Transponder Is Busted?

Compared to a lot of people, I am new to using an EZ-Pass.

Rarely going south of Gardiner (the point where you encounter tolls on the I-95), I never ever saw a need for one.

During the half-dozen times a year that I did go to Southern Maine or New Hampshire, I would just make sure I had some cash on hand to pay for tolls.

Then, I started booking more DJ gigs in Southern Maine. When I started making two or three trips per month to Saco, Biddeford, Freeport, North Conway, etc. it just made sense to get an EZ-Pass.

Now, I never have to worry about having cash on hand.

One question has been rattling around in my brain, though. What happens if my EZ-Pass is busted or it just doesn't get read? Will I get a fine?

Here's the answer!

Will the State of Maine Fine Me If My EZ-Pass Cannot Be Read?

There are several reasons why your transponder may not be read. It could be busted, it may be sealed in that signal blocking bag, or maybe it is buried in the bottom of your console (instead of being mounted on the windshield).

The good news is that you probably will not be fined if there is an issue with your EZ-Pass.

Google Maps

You may have noticed that the EZ-Pass lanes always take a picture of your vehicle's license plate. If your transponder cannot be read, your plate will be matched with a list of plates with an EZ-Pass account. If your plate matches, you'll have that trip through the tolls charged on the account associated with that plate number.

The Maine Turnpike website explains:

When the E-ZPass lane does not register a valid E-ZPass transponder reading, a photograph is taken of the license plate. The system then searches all active E-ZPass accounts for a matching number. If a match is found, the toll is posted to the account using that data. If a match is not found, a violation notification is issued to the registered owner.

If you don't have an EZ-Pass and you frequently make trips on toll roads, it is worth getting one. They are so convenient!