The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration has launched the Plate Where You Live campaign to help Maryland residents properly register their vehicles ahead of new enforcement measures authorized under Senate Bill 111.
The measure, passed by the Maryland General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Wes Moore, expands the ability of the MVA and local law enforcement to issue fines to residents who fail to properly register their vehicles in the state where they primarily reside.
“Proper vehicle registration is fundamental to road safety. Our goal is to help more Maryland drivers get into compliance for the well-being of everyone on our roads,” said Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer, 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. Safety is everyone’s responsibility.”
The Plate Where You Live campaign is designed to educate Maryland residents about vehicle registration requirements and provides residents with an opportunity to correct any registration issues ahead of the October 1 deadline. The campaign features a dedicated webpage with resources and tools to assist drivers who are new to Maryland or who continue to maintain vehicle registrations in other states. Under current Maryland state law, vehicle owners have 60 days to register their vehicle, secure a nonresident vehicle permit or provide proof the vehicle is not required to be registered in the state.
Beginning October 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. If vehicles remain out-of-compliance 60 days after the initial warning, the vehicle owner will be fined $7 for each day the vehicle remains out of compliance (up to 60 days or $420). 120 days after the initial warning, the MVA will notify the appropriate local jurisdictions for additional penalties, which may result in civil action, booting, towing, vehicle impoundment and seized out-of-state plates.
Maryland residents who need to register or re-register a vehicle are encouraged to visit mva.maryland.gov/PlateWhereYouLive for step-by-step instructions, tools and resources to complete the process. The MVA is committed to helping drivers meet registration requirements before the new law takes effect. Additional assistance is available through ContactMVA or by calling 410-768-7000.
The new enforcement measures aim to improve road safety by ensuring vehicles on Maryland roads are properly registered, insured and maintained. Proper registration helps ensure vehicles meet safety standards and that owners are accountable for their operation on state roadways.
For Southern Maryland residents in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties, the campaign provides important information and resources for compliance. Many residents commute or travel frequently, making proper registration essential for legal and safety reasons.
The MVA encourages drivers to take advantage of the educational resources now available to avoid future penalties. The Plate Where You Live webpage offers guidance tailored to different situations, including new residents and those with out-of-state registrations.
The campaign is part of broader efforts to modernize and improve motor vehicle services in Maryland. The MVA continues to expand online tools and resources to make compliance easier for residents.
As the October 1 deadline approaches, the MVA will continue to provide updates and support to help drivers meet the requirements. The goal is to increase compliance while minimizing disruption for residents.
Maryland’s vehicle registration laws are designed to promote safety and accountability on the state’s roadways. The new enforcement measures and educational campaign work together to achieve that goal.
