Maryland
Ditching the gas tax and charging per mile; Maryland testing new way to fund transportation needs
BALTIMORE — Faced with a $3.3 billion transportation budget shortfall, the Maryland Department of Transportation had to make tough funding choices. State leaders scrambled to balance the deficit by pausing certain improvement projects and raising registration fees. They’re also considering a new way of collecting revenue from drivers.
Earlier this year, MDOT, in partnership with The Eastern Transportation Coalition, launched a pilot program testing the mileage-based user fee (MBUF).
“So, it’s pretty simple in concept. If you use the roads, you pay for the roads. You use the roads more, you pay for the roads more, so it’s really creating that link between use and payment and getting away from the fuel tax as being the way we fund transportation,” said Trish Hendren, executive director for The Eastern Transportation Coalition (TETC).
As cars become more fuel efficient and drivers switch to electric vehicles, less gallons of fuel are being sold. In addition, the fuel tax rate in Maryland declined from 47 cents per gallon to 46.1 cents per gallon, due to an inflation adjustment. MDOT expects this to further impact the amount of fuel tax revenue generated adding that the fuel tax revenue is the “largest source of funding for transportation in Maryland, comprising nearly one-third of annual revenues to the Transportation Trust Fund. The Transportation Trust Fund funds the operation and maintenance of transit, road and bridge, port, and airport facilities across Maryland,” a MDOT spokesperson wrote in an email to WMAR-2 News Mallory Sofastaii.
“This is not a Maryland issue, this is a transportation issue that every state needs to really think about how we’re going to close that gap,” said Hendren.
Hendren’s coalition of 19 states plus D.C. was awarded federal grant money to explore the feasibility of the mileage-based user fee. In Maryland, around 150 drivers participated in the pilot program that ended on May 31. Drivers had their mileage tracked through odometer readings, a plug-in device, vehicle reporting data, or a phone app.
Hendren said the cost to drivers is comparable to the state’s fuel tax, which she said averages around $27 per month.
One concern they’ve received is how the fee might impact rural commuters.
“Right now, rural communities are actually paying more than some of their urban counterparts in fuel tax. And you’re thinking, why is that? It’s because a lot of those vehicles in rural communities, on average, are larger and a bit older. So right now, it’s not necessarily a fair situation. So, if we moved to a distance-based approach, what the data is showing us is that rural communities may pay less,” Hendren said.
The results of the pilot program are expected to be released in August.
Currently, four states have enacted legislation authorizing the collection of per-mile fees: Oregon, Utah, Virginia, and Hawaii. These are voluntary programs for drivers with fuel-efficient and/or alternative fuel vehicles. In exchange for paying by the mile, they’re exempt from paying an annual registration surcharge on their vehicles.
Meanwhile, Maryland has increased its registration fees by 64 percent from $135 to $221 for two years and a 73 percent increase for heavier vehicles upping the two-year rate from $187 to $323.
Maryland car owners will soon be forced to pay significantly higher registration fees
EV drivers will eventually have to pay an annual surcharge between $100 to $125, most likely starting July 1, 2025.
“The challenge with a flat fee is really about fairness, and we need to have that discussion in the transportation field with the general public, with elected officials. So, somebody only drives, I don’t know, a thousand miles a year, versus someone who’s driving 12,000 miles a year, but they’re paying the same annual flat fee. Is that how we want to fund transportation?” asked Hendren.
She understands it’s a challenging road ahead trying to navigate from a 100-year-old system, but she said her organization is focused on finding a fair and sustainable solution.
To see how much you’d pay under the mileage-based user fee model, TETC created an online calculator. Drivers input details about their car and how far they drive per month. It’ll then show the estimated difference between the fuel tax and MBUF.
And for answers to frequently asked questions on the MBUF, click here.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Maryland Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at April 19, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 19 drawing
Midday: 9-7-6
Evening: 9-9-0
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 19 drawing
Midday: 8-9-6-5
Evening: 5-4-6-8
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 5 numbers from April 19 drawing
Midday: 4-1-8-4-3
Evening: 3-8-7-7-7
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from April 19 drawing
9 a.m.: 13
1 p.m.: 15
6 p.m.: 08
11 p.m.: 02
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Bonus Match 5 numbers from April 19 drawing
06-19-27-30-36, Bonus: 12
Check Bonus Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Keno
Drawings are held every four minutes. Check winning numbers here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
Maryland Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes above $600, winners can claim by mail or in person from the Maryland Lottery office, an Expanded Cashing Authority Program location or cashiers’ windows at Maryland casinos. Prizes over $5,000 must be claimed in person.
Claiming by Mail
Sign your winning ticket and complete a claim form. Include a photocopy of a valid government-issued ID and a copy of a document that shows proof of your Social Security number or Federal Tax ID number. Mail these to:
Maryland Lottery Customer Resource Center
1800 Washington Boulevard
Suite 330
Baltimore, MD 21230
For prizes over $600, bring your signed ticket, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your Social Security or Federal Tax ID number to Maryland Lottery headquarters, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD. Claims are by appointment only, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This location handles all prize amounts, including prizes over $5,000.
Winning Tickets Worth $25,000 or Less
Maryland Lottery headquarters and select Maryland casinos can redeem winning tickets valued up to $25,000. Note that casinos cannot cash prizes over $600 for non-resident and resident aliens (tax ID beginning with “9”). You must be at least 21 years of age to enter a Maryland casino. Locations include:
- Horseshoe Casino: 1525 Russell Street, Baltimore, MD
- MGM National Harbor: 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD
- Live! Casino: 7002 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, MD
- Ocean Downs Casino: 10218 Racetrack Road, Berlin, MD
- Hollywood Casino: 1201 Chesapeake Overlook Parkway, Perryville, MD
- Rocky Gap Casino: 16701 Lakeview Road NE, Flintstone, MD
Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Maryland Lottery.
When are the Maryland Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 11 p.m. ET Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 5 Midday: 12:27 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, 12:28 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday.
- Pick 3, 4 and 5 Evening: 7:56 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET on Sunday.
- Cash4Life: 9 p.m. ET daily.
- Cash Pop: 9 a.m., 1 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. daily.
- Bonus Match 5: 7:56 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET on Sunday.
- MultiMatch: 7:56 p.m. Monday and Thursday.
- Powerball Double Play: 11 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Maryland editor. You can send feedback using this form.
ELLICOTT CITY, Md. — A t-bone crash involving a motorcycle left a 24-year-old Hampstead man dead on Saturday evening.
It happened around 6:30pm, along Marriottsville Road in Howard County.
That’s where a Yamaha FZ09 was heading northbound when it collided with an oncoming Nissan Rogue that was trying to make a left turn onto Warwick Way.
“Preliminary investigation suggests the motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed,” Howard County Police said in a press release.
The motorcycle rider later died at University of Maryland Shock Trauma.
Police say the Nissan driver, who was not hurt, remained on scene and cooperated with investigators.
Marriottsville Road was reopened after being closed for about three-hours.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Maryland Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at April 18, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from April 18 drawing
24-25-39-46-61, Powerball: 01, Power Play: 5
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 18 drawing
Midday: 9-4-0
Evening: 9-3-4
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 18 drawing
Midday: 8-3-0-6
Evening: 7-2-1-2
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 5 numbers from April 18 drawing
Midday: 5-3-8-8-7
Evening: 6-7-3-8-9
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from April 18 drawing
9 a.m.: 03
1 p.m.: 14
6 p.m.: 10
11 p.m.: 08
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Bonus Match 5 numbers from April 18 drawing
06-20-33-34-36, Bonus: 11
Check Bonus Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from April 18 drawing
02-38-45-53-63, Powerball: 21
Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.
Keno
Drawings are held every four minutes. Check winning numbers here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
Maryland Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes above $600, winners can claim by mail or in person from the Maryland Lottery office, an Expanded Cashing Authority Program location or cashiers’ windows at Maryland casinos. Prizes over $5,000 must be claimed in person.
Claiming by Mail
Sign your winning ticket and complete a claim form. Include a photocopy of a valid government-issued ID and a copy of a document that shows proof of your Social Security number or Federal Tax ID number. Mail these to:
Maryland Lottery Customer Resource Center
1800 Washington Boulevard
Suite 330
Baltimore, MD 21230
For prizes over $600, bring your signed ticket, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your Social Security or Federal Tax ID number to Maryland Lottery headquarters, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD. Claims are by appointment only, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This location handles all prize amounts, including prizes over $5,000.
Winning Tickets Worth $25,000 or Less
Maryland Lottery headquarters and select Maryland casinos can redeem winning tickets valued up to $25,000. Note that casinos cannot cash prizes over $600 for non-resident and resident aliens (tax ID beginning with “9”). You must be at least 21 years of age to enter a Maryland casino. Locations include:
- Horseshoe Casino: 1525 Russell Street, Baltimore, MD
- MGM National Harbor: 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD
- Live! Casino: 7002 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, MD
- Ocean Downs Casino: 10218 Racetrack Road, Berlin, MD
- Hollywood Casino: 1201 Chesapeake Overlook Parkway, Perryville, MD
- Rocky Gap Casino: 16701 Lakeview Road NE, Flintstone, MD
Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Maryland Lottery.
When are the Maryland Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 11 p.m. ET Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 5 Midday: 12:27 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, 12:28 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday.
- Pick 3, 4 and 5 Evening: 7:56 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET on Sunday.
- Cash4Life: 9 p.m. ET daily.
- Cash Pop: 9 a.m., 1 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. daily.
- Bonus Match 5: 7:56 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET on Sunday.
- MultiMatch: 7:56 p.m. Monday and Thursday.
- Powerball Double Play: 11 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Maryland editor. You can send feedback using this form.
-
California4 minutes agoCalifornia couple charged with murder in death of toddler skip court
-
Colorado10 minutes agoUPDATE: Northbound Powers reopned after major crash
-
Connecticut16 minutes agoCT Lottery Cash 5, Play3 winning numbers for April 19, 2026
-
Delaware22 minutes agoMan speeds past leading runner in photo finish at Delaware Marathon
-
Florida28 minutes ago
Florida Lottery Fantasy 5, Cash Pop results for April 19, 2026
-
Georgia34 minutes ago
Gaudette & Patel Pitch Past No. 3 UNC, 5-2
-
Hawaii40 minutes agoA Deep Dive into Hawai‘i’s Shell Jewelry Industry – Hawaii Business Magazine
-
Idaho46 minutes ago
Idaho Lottery results: See winning numbers for Pick 3, Pick 4 on April 19, 2026
