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Bill

HD 579

An Act to establish a monthly payment plan and protect motorists from excessive EZ-Pass fees and fines

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Donato and 2 co-sponsors

Creates a monthly payment plan for Pay By Plate/EZ-Pass debts of $250+; on-plan drivers won't be blocked from license/registration renewal, easing debt resolution.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 579

Summary of HD 579: An Act to establish a monthly payment plan and protect motorists from excessive EZ-Pass fees and fines

Overview

HD 579 proposes new consumer protections and payment options for motorists with outstanding tolls, fines, and other debts arising under Massachusetts Pay By Plate and EZ-Pass MA systems. The bill would require the state to monitor and address outstanding balances, create a formal monthly payment plan for eligible debts, and adjust license/registration relief and reinstatement procedures to accommodate ongoing payment arrangements. The act is designed to reduce automatic penalties tied to unpaid tolls and to facilitate orderly debt resolution without immediate loss of driving privileges.

  • Introduced: November 29, 2025
  • Status: Proposed bill (pending consideration)
  • Scope: Applies to Pay By Plate and EZ-Pass MA systems (per 700 CMR 11.02)
  • Implementing agencies: Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)

Key Provisions

1) Monthly payment plan for tolls and related debts

  • New Section 13 of Chapter 6C (addition to Sec. 13) (subsections (d) and (e)):
    • (d) Regular review: MassDOT must review tolls, fines, and related debts under Pay By Plate/E-ZPass MA at least monthly, focusing on accounts with balances over $100. The department must attempt contact via multiple channels (address verification, email, phone) to inform account holders of status and options.
    • (e)(1) Plan eligibility: A monthly payment plan must be established for debts of $250 or more, with a minimum monthly payment of $25. Upon the first payment, the department may not assess additional late fees or fines on the existing debt. Automatic payments by credit/debit on file or payments by check/money order are allowed.
    • (e)(2) License/registration neat-guard: If a debtor adheres to the plan, the RMV must not refuse to renew their license or vehicle registration solely due to unpaid tolls/fines (provided the debtor complies with the plan and regulations). The RMV must notify relevant records.

2) Amended consequences for nonpayment tied to license/registration

  • Amends Chapter 90, Sec. 20G:
    • (a) Standard action: If a person fails to appear or pay fines, the registrar may suspend or not renew their license/registration until disposition of the matter.
    • (b) Conditional reinstatement: A person owing tolls/fines who participates in the monthly plan and has completed at least one payment may receive conditional reinstatement (pending compliance and qualification).
    • (c) Revocation conditions: If arrears exceed 30 days under the plan or if other violations occur, conditional reinstatement may be revoked.
    • (d) Completion: Upon successful completion of the plan, full license and registration renewal is required/allowed if otherwise qualified.
    • Note: There is explicit language about lessors’ liability aligning with authority regulations (consistent with existing sections).

3) Regulatory implementation timeline

  • MassDOT and RMV must promulgate or amend regulations to implement the act within 5 years of passage.

4) Effective date

  • The act takes effect 120 days after passage.

Affected Parties

  • Motorists with outstanding tolls, fines, or fees under Pay By Plate or EZ-Pass MA systems (especially those with balances $250+ and existing plans).
  • RMV and MassDOT, which would administer the new payment plan and adjust license/registration practices.
  • Lessor operators of motor vehicles may be affected by related provisions governing liability and compliance.

Implementation and Impact

  • Prospective benefits: More flexible debt management, reduced risk of immediate license/registration loss, a structured path to debt resolution, and centralized outreach for account statuses.
  • Considerations: Administrative workload for ongoing monthly reviews; ensuring secure handling of payment data; monitoring compliance and timely reporting to RMV; potential impact on revenue timing due to extended payment arrangements.

This summary captures the bill’s core changes, who is affected, and the operational timeline for HD 579.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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