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MarylandSB 01112026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Vehicle Laws - Out-of-State Vehicles - Improper Registration

Sponsored By: Cory V. McCray (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Vehicle Laws - Licensing and RegulationAdministrative AgenciesCitationsCivil Actions -see also- Small ClaimsCivil OffensesCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.Drivers' LicensesExcise TaxFines -see also- Penalties and SentencesInterstate AffairsLicense Plates -see also- Motor Vehicle RegistrationMotor Vehicles -see also- Aband Veh; Ambulances; Buses; etc.Motor Vehicle AdministrationMotor Vehicle RegistrationMunicipal Corporations -see also- Annap; BaltNoticesPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyResidency -see also- Immigrants and CitizenshipState's AttorneysTimeTitles -see also- DeedsTowingTraffic Monitoring

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.

Re-register by Dec 31: no excise tax

If your vehicle was once registered in Maryland, then registered elsewhere while you still lived in Maryland, and you now register in Maryland to follow the law, you do not pay the vehicle excise tax when the title is issued. This exemption applies only to registrations completed on or before December 31, 2026.

Missed Maryland registration: fines and towing

Beginning October 1, 2026, the MVA sends a warning if it has reasonable cause that you live in Maryland and did not register your vehicle. You have 60 days to register and put on Maryland plates, or show proof you do not need to register. After 60 days, the MVA charges $7 per day for up to 60 days (up to $420) until you comply. After 120 days, the MVA notifies your county, and the county attorney can ask a court to tow, impound, boot, or immobilize the vehicle.

Out-of-state trailers don't need Maryland tags

Beginning October 1, 2026, a trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer that shows valid registration from another state does not need Maryland registration.

State can take out-of-state plates

Beginning October 1, 2026, the MVA can take out‑of‑state plates or registration cards if you have lived in Maryland more than 60 days and either have two or more unresolved traffic citations (including camera tickets), a Maryland license suspension under §16‑203, or a vehicle registration suspended under §17‑106(a) for 6 months or more. Local governments and state agencies can adopt rules letting staff take these plates from parked vehicles under the same law.

Title agents can't sell out-of-state tags

Beginning October 1, 2026, title service agents and their staff cannot sell, advertise, or help sell out‑of‑state registrations to Maryland residents. If the MVA finds a violation, it suspends the agent’s license.

Automated tickets count across state lines

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland can make agreements with other states to use red‑light and speed camera records. Under those agreements, the MVA can refuse to register or reregister a vehicle until out‑of‑state automated tickets are resolved.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Cory V. McCray

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 208 • No: 20

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed with Amendments

Yes: 117 • No: 20 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 3/19/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 487

    5/12/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (46-0)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/13/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed with Amendments (117-20)

    4/13/2026House

  6. Floor Committee Amendment {953523/1 Adopted

    4/13/2026House

  7. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/10/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments {653229/1 Adopted

    4/10/2026House

  9. Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

    4/10/2026House

  10. Hearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/25/2026House

  11. Referred Environment and Transportation

    3/20/2026House

  12. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    3/19/2026Senate

  13. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/18/2026Senate

  14. Favorable with Amendments {463020/1 Adopted

    3/18/2026Senate

  15. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings

    3/16/2026Senate

  16. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    1/14/2026Senate

  17. Hearing 1/20 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/13/2026Senate

  18. Pre-filed

    9/4/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/18/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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