Maryland is set to intensify enforcement against residents who use out-of-state licence plates on vehicles that should be registered in the state, with financial penalties expected to begin later this year.
Under the state’s new “Plate Where You Live” campaign, Maryland residents whose vehicles are found to be improperly registered outside the state will receive a 60-day notice starting October 1, 2026. The notice will give affected vehicle owners time to update their registration and obtain the appropriate Maryland plates.
According to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, drivers who fail to regularise their vehicle registration after the initial 60-day period could face a daily fine of $7 for another 60 days, until their registration reflects their Maryland residency.
The state warned that the consequences could become more serious for motorists who continue to ignore the requirement.
After the additional 60-day period, vehicles whose owners have still failed to update their registration could face civil action, impoundment, booting or towing, Maryland authorities said.
The crackdown is aimed at ensuring that residents who live in Maryland comply with the state’s vehicle inspection and registration fee requirements.
Some Maryland residents reportedly register their vehicles in neighbouring states such as Virginia or Delaware. When this happens, registration-related fees are paid to those states rather than Maryland.
Maryland officials say the practice also raises concerns about vehicle safety compliance and the funding of transportation infrastructure.
Maryland.gov states that “over 98% of illegal out-of-state tags were not in compliance with the safety inspection requirement,” while also noting that “the money that Marylanders pay to the MVA goes to funding our transportation system.”
The state is encouraging residents who have moved to Maryland or otherwise become eligible for Maryland registration to update their vehicle details and license plates rather than risk penalties.
The registration process for obtaining Maryland plates is available through Maryland.gov, where residents can complete the required steps and update their vehicle information.
