How to Avoid Higher Tolls at Hatem, I-95 Bridges

Tolls are increasing July 1 across Maryland, and for Havre de Grace residents, that hits close to home.

Drivers on the Hatem Bridge, where US Route 40 crosses the Susquehanna River to Perryville, will pay $8 (up from $6) for two-axle vehicles as of 12:01 a.m. Monday. The return trip, on Route 40 westbound, remains toll-free.

Are you planning to cross the Hatem Bridge more than a few times in the next year? Then you will want to sign up for the Hatem Bridge Plan through E-ZPass. The one-year plan is $10 if you enroll before July 1, and it includes unlimited trips across the Hatem Bridge (translation: in two trips, it will have paid for itself!). Drivers can add the Hatem Bridge plan onto another E-ZPass plan if they already have the transponder. After July 1, the one-year Hatem Bridge plan will cost $20. 

At the I-95 bridge, also called the Tydings Bridge, tolls are going up as of July 1 as well, from $6 to $8 for two-axle vehicles. Drivers pay a toll heading northbound; southbound is toll-free.

On Tydings Bridge, which connects Harford to Cecil County, there is no specific plan as there is with the Hatem Bridge. However, there is a way to cut down on the cost; E-ZPass customers can get up to 65 percent off toll rates at this bridge and other toll facilities. There are several E-ZPass plans from which to choose based on the frequency with which people plan to travel.

After the Hatem and Tydings bridges, the next highest toll in the state is at the Bay Bridge, which will cost $6 for two-axle vehicles to cross, up from $4.

Where to Get an E-ZPass

The Motor Vehicle Administration offices in Bel Air (501 West MacPhail Rd.) and Elkton (105 Chesapeake Blvd.) can enroll people in E-ZPass programs.

Mars retailers in Aberdeen (1018 Beards Hill Rd.), Bel Air (599 Baltimore Pike) and Edgewood (1401 Pulaski Hwy.) also accept applications for E-ZPass.

While the highest tolls in Maryland will be at the Hatem and I-95 bridges, tolls are increasing at other facilities statewide including at the Bay Bridge, Harbor Tunnel, Nice Bridge, Fort McHenry Tunnel and Key Bridge. See the rates for all vehicles and toll facilities here.