ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Transportation said it can’t accept any new customers for its electronic pass program on tolled express lanes. 

MnDOT said it has a shortage of toll reading equipment, so beginning today it won’t open any new accounts until late March or April.  The agency said there’s a glitch in purchasing and shipping of the MnPASS transponders from its sole overseas vendor.

About 500 new customers sign up for the MnPASS program each month. Transportation officials said there are about 25,000 MnPASS accounts. The electronic passes give solo drivers an express lane option during congestion for a fee.