My Maine EZ Pass Wasn’t Working For 3 Years and I Had No Idea

For many people in Maine, it can be difficult to let go of something they're used to. That could be as simple as a routine, their favorite dish at the their favorite takeout restaurant, their favorite route into work or taking the same weekend trip every single year.

For me, one of the things i struggled to let go of was my original EZ Pass. I know it sounds stupid, but the big, clunky EZ Pass that I carried around in my car worked for me. It worked for years. It worked until suddenly it didn't.

The problem is, I had no idea it wasn't working.

During a weekend trip this summer, I decided to bring my EZ Pass with me while driving another vehicle. Entering on to the Maine Turnpike seemed like a non-issue, the light turned yellow indicating "low funds" but that had been happening to me for years. I thought nothing of it.

From there, I breezed through several more speed EZ Pass tolls without a care in the world. Until a couple weeks later, when some mail arrived letting me know that a fine of nearly $100 was due for EZ Pass violations. What?

I visited the customer service center in Portland and come to find out, my trusty, old school, clunky EZ Pass hadn't been working for more than 3 years. Apparently, your EZ Pass tag should probably be replaced every 3-5 years.

I had been using mine since 2005. 19 entire years. 16 if you count the three years it didn't work at all.

Thankfully, the Maine Turnpike waived my violations based on the fact that I brought them a relic of an EZ Pass. I also learned a valuable lesson. Don't trust the lights on the Maine Turnpike entrances. Change out that EZ Pass tag instead.