Starting on Wednesday, Maryland drivers must have their vehicles properly registered in the state of Maryland or risk a fine for each day it remains out of compliance.
The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) ran a “Plate Where You Live” campaign to help drivers learn about how to register their cars in Maryland and the potential penalties of failing to do so by Oct. 1. Living in Maryland but driving a car with out-of-state tags can be costly and also indicate drivers may not be abiding by Maryland’s insurance laws. People who move to Maryland have 60 days to register their vehicles in the state.
At the end of July, the MVA mailed around 79,000 courtesy letters to Maryland residents who have vehicles registered with out-of-state plates to remind them of Maryland’s registration requirements and encourage compliance before enforcement begins.
“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 Chrissy Nizer, Motor Vehicle Administrator. Nizer 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,” Nizer said. “We look forward to working with drivers, and our government partners to make Maryland roads safer for everyone. Safety is a everyone’s responsibility.”
The MVA has a dedicated website with resources and tools to help drivers new to the state or who want to maintain vehicle registration in other states. People here for college, or for a temporary job can secure a nonresident vehicle permit.
Starting on Oct. 1, vehicle owners who have not gotten the proper Maryland license plates for their cars will be given a 60-day warning to bring their vehicle into compliance with state law or get proper documentation explaining why they are exempt. After that, if their vehicles remain out-of-compliance, the owner will be fined $7 for each day it remains that way for up to 60 days, or $420. If after 120 days the vehicle is still not in compliance, the MVA will notify the local jurisdictions for more penalties, which may include civil action, booting, towing, vehicle impoundment, and seized out-of-state plates.
Visit the MVA’s “Plate Where You Live” page for step-by-step instructions, tools, and resources to complete the process. Additional assistance is available through ContactMVA or by calling 410-768-7000.
