The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration has started issuing warning notices to residents who keep their vehicles registered in another state. The 60-day countdown has begun.
The notices, which started going out Oct. 1, are the first enforcement step under Senate Bill 111 (Chapter 487). The law was among the changes the Chronicle outlined in its roundup of Maryland’s Oct. 1 laws. The law also brings five other changes for Maryland drivers, covering ignition interlock, snow-covered vehicles and license photos.
The plate warnings, step by step
A warning notice opens a 60-day window to register the vehicle in Maryland or show proof that Maryland registration isn’t required. There are no fines during that window. The MVA says the notices follow two earlier rounds of courtesy letters, in January and July, sent to owners it believed might have out-of-state registrations.
After 60 days, owners still out of compliance will be fined $7 a day per vehicle, up to $420. After 120 days, the MVA will refer the case to local jurisdictions. Those additional penalties can include booting, towing, impoundment or seizure of the out-of-state plates.
“If customers have questions or other concerns that stop them from plating where they live, don’t wait. Reach out to us now. We will help you work through the process of becoming compliant,” Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer said.
Active-duty service members, their spouses and dependents can get non-resident permits for free. That matters in Southern Maryland, home to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Naval Support Facility Indian Head and thousands of military families. Owners who can’t afford registration because of debt or other financial problems are encouraged to contact the MVA to work out payment options. Resources are at mva.maryland.gov/PlateWhereYouLive, through the ContactMVA online portal, or at 410-768-7000.
Clear the snow, or take the points
Maryland’s new Clear Before You Drive law (Chapter 668/House Bill 474) requires drivers to make a reasonable effort to remove accumulated snow and ice from their vehicles before driving. A violation adds one point to the driver’s license. If the snow or ice contributes to a crash, the MVA will assess three points. The law was signed in May, ahead of this winter.
A second chance for drunk-driving offenders over 21
Under Chapter 81 (Senate Bill 38), drivers 21 and older who violate an alcohol restriction on their license can now join the state’s Ignition Interlock System Program to modify a suspension or revocation or to get a restricted license. Until now, that option was available only to drivers under 21. Drivers who don’t complete the program will face a one-year suspension.
Speed-limiting technology for drivers facing suspension
House Bill 107 (Chapter 870) creates an Intelligent Speed Assistance pilot program. ISA systems are vehicle technology designed to keep drivers from exceeding the speed limit. Drivers who rack up enough points for a suspension or revocation will be required to enroll and will get a restricted license in exchange. The MVA has until Oct. 1, 2027, to launch the program and will spend the next year writing its rules.
The law bars the sale of program data and requires the data to be deleted within 30 days. The MVA must report results to the governor and General Assembly by Dec. 30, 2030. Del. Todd Morgan, a St. Mary’s County Republican, was among the bill’s sponsors. It passed the House 99-30 and the Senate 38-9.
Motorcycle questions on every driving test
Under Chapter 539 (Senate Bill 68), every driver skills exam must include at least one motorcycle safety question. The MVA has expanded its question pool to cover sharing the road with motorcyclists, lane positioning, following distance and crash prevention. It developed the questions with motorcycle safety advocates who supported the law.
Black-and-white license photos
Chapter 116 (House Bill 248) drops the requirement that photos on driver’s licenses, ID cards and moped permits be printed in color. The state expects to save $114,000 in fiscal 2027 and $152,000 a year after that.
The Vulnerable Road User Protection Act (Chapter 285/Senate Bill 487) also took effect Oct. 1. It lets the State Highway Administration and local governments install speed cameras on high-risk corridors identified in the state’s Vulnerable Road User Assessment. The Chronicle’s Sept. 29 roundup has more on that law.
