MarylandSB 02812025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Transportation Equality for Service Members Act

Sponsored By: Bryan W. Simonaire (Republican)

Signed by Governor

State Government - Agencies, Offices, and OfficialsVehicle Laws - MiscellaneousArmed Forces -see also- Military Department; VeteransFederal GovernmentLicense Plates -see also- Motor Vehicle RegistrationMotor Vehicle AdministrationRules and RegulationsTransportation -see also- Aircraft; Airports; Boats; etcVeterans

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Vehicle title tax relief for service members

Beginning October 1, 2025, qualifying service members pay no Maryland excise tax when an original vehicle title is issued. The owner must be an active service member or a service member returning to Maryland from active duty. That same owner must have previously titled and registered the vehicle in another state.

Veteran eligibility changes; plate access expands

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland uses the federal definition of veteran for state programs, benefits, rights, and privileges. This replaces the prior state definition, including its express inclusion of certain commissioned corps members. Eligibility now depends on meeting the federal definition in 38 U.S.C. § 101. For veteran plates, the law removes the separate requirement for an honorable discharge from an armed-forces branch. Applicants must still provide proof of veteran status accepted by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.

Easier driver licensing for service households

Beginning October 1, 2025, active-duty service members and dependents can drive in Maryland using their home-state licenses. Drivers must carry the license, and it must cover the type of vehicle driven. Maryland licenses also stay valid during a member’s absence on active service. This protection covers dependents living with the member outside Maryland. It also covers federal-agency or uniformed-services contract employees away for contract work and dependents living with them outside Maryland.

Emissions inspection relief during service deployments

Beginning October 1, 2025, vehicles owned at least partly by an active-duty service member can avoid a scheduled emissions inspection. Official orders must send the member outside the United States or to a duty station without an emissions inspection program. All vehicle owners must certify those orders on the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration’s form. The exemption applies only when federal law allows it.

Expanded temporary parking placards for service households

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland expands temporary parking placard eligibility for applicants, their dependents, and people relying on them for transportation. The individual seeking the placard must provide proof of a disability covered by state parking law. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration must accept that proof. That individual must also be serving in the uniformed services and stationed in Maryland.

Home-state vehicle registration for nonresident service members

Beginning October 1, 2025, qualifying nonresident service members do not need Maryland registration for their personal passenger vehicles. Members must serve on active duty in Maryland, a neighboring state, or Washington, D.C. Their vehicles must be registered in their state of residence.

Longer temporary identification for service families

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland can offer temporary identification-card renewals to active service members, their spouses, and dependents. A renewal can extend expiration by up to 2 years. Required federal documents must be on file with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. The card must have been issued for its full term. Its photo must be less than 16 years old when the temporary renewal expires.

More medal and disabled veteran plates

Beginning October 1, 2025, special plates cover certain highest-level non-combat uniformed-services medals, alongside individually earned combat-related armed-forces medals. Applicants must provide medal proof accepted by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, which must adopt rules identifying qualifying medals. Veterans with a Veterans Affairs service-connected disability rating of 50% through 99%, inclusive, can qualify for disabled veteran plates. These plates can omit the international symbol of access. This plate option does not itself establish parking privileges.

Tax relief for dealer loaner vehicles

Beginning October 1, 2025, licensed dealers pay no Maryland excise tax on qualifying dealer-owned loaner vehicles. Dealers must provide the loaner while the customer’s vehicle is unavailable for repair, maintenance, or other service by that dealer. The law does not require dealers to offer loaners or pass tax savings to customers.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Bryan W. Simonaire
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Jack Bailey
Republican • Senate
William G. Folden
Republican • Senate
Jason C. Gallion
Republican • Senate
Mary-Dulany James
Democratic • Senate
J.B. Jennings
Republican • Senate
Johnny Mautz
Republican • Senate
Johnny Ray Salling
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 228 • No: 0

House vote • 4/7/2025

Third Reading Passed with Amendments

Yes: 140 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/7/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 3/17/2025