New enforcement measures for Maryland residents with improperly registered out-of-state vehicles take effect Thursday, October 1, 2026. The process includes written warnings, daily fines and potential additional enforcement for vehicles that remain out of compliance.
Maryland law already requires residents to register their vehicles within 60 days of moving to the state, unless an exemption applies. Under the new process, owners will receive a written warning giving them 60 days to register their vehicle or provide documentation showing they qualify for an exemption.
Owners who remain out of compliance after that warning period will face a $7 daily fine for up to 60 days, totaling as much as $420 per vehicle. If the issue remains unresolved 120 days after the initial warning, the MVA will notify local jurisdictions for further enforcement, which may include civil action, booting, towing, impoundment or seizure of the out-of-state plates. The new process begins October 1, with the penalty timeline tied to the initial warning.
Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman recently highlighted the approaching change, writing, “When Maryland residents keep out-of-state plates without a valid exemption, their neighbors shoulder more of the cost.”
The enforcement effort is part of the MVA’s “Plate Where You Live” campaign, launched earlier this summer. As previously reported, the agency mailed approximately 79,000 courtesy letters in late July to Maryland residents identified as having vehicles with out-of-state plates.
The MVA says vehicle registration revenue supports Maryland’s transportation infrastructure and emergency medical services, including medevac helicopters, ambulances, rescue squads and trauma units. The agency also points to compliance with Maryland’s vehicle safety inspection requirements as a reason for the campaign.
Residents can find registration instructions, appointment information and details about nonresident permits and exemptions on the MVA’s Plate Where You Live webpage.
