Maryland Tag Enforcement Starts Oct. 1: What You Need to Know
MARYLAND – The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is advising drivers ahead of new license plate enforcement measures.
The organization launched their Plate Where You Live campaign on Tuesday, a statewide effort to help Maryland residents properly register their vehicles in Maryland before Oct. 1, when SB 111 takes effect. The measure, passed by the Maryland General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Wes Moore, will expand the ability of the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and local law enforcement to issue fines to residents who fail to properly register their vehicles in the state where they primarily reside.
“Our goal is to help more Maryland drivers get into compliance for the well-being of everyone on our roads,” said Chrissy Nizer with the MVA, who also serves as Governor Wes Moore’s Highway Safety Representative. “When drivers don’t register their vehicles properly, there is no guarantee those vehicles are safe and have the necessary insurance, putting everyone at risk of death or serious injury. We look forward to working with drivers, and our government partners to make Maryland roads safer for everyone. ”
Beginning Oct. 1, vehicle owners will be given a 60-day warning to bring their vehicle into compliance with state law or obtain proper documentation showing they are exempt. Drivers can do this by re-registering their vehicle, securing a nonresident vehicle permit, or provide proof the vehicle is not required to be registered in the State.
If vehicles remain out-of-compliance after the initial warning, the vehicle owner will be fined $7 for each day (up to 60 days) the vehicle remains out of compliance. One-hundred twenty days after the initial warning, the MVA will notify the appropriate local jurisdictions for additional penalties, including civil action, booting, towing, vehicle impoundment, and/or seized out-of-state plates.
Maryland residents who need to register or re-register a vehicle are encouraged to visit the MVA’s website here for step-by-step instructions, tools and resources to complete the process.
