Maryland to enforce new penalties for out-of-state vehicle registrations

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) is implementing new enforcement measures for residents using out-of-state vehicle registrations. Starting October 1, 2026, the agency will begin a crackdown as part of its ‘Plate Where You Live’ campaign.

Maryland law requires residents to register their vehicles in the state within 60 days of establishing residency. Following the mailing of approximately 79,000 courtesy letters in late July, the MVA will issue official notices to non-compliant residents, opening a formal case. These owners will then be granted a 60-day grace period to comply.

Failure to register within the grace period may result in fines of $7 per day, capped at $420 per vehicle. If a vehicle remains improperly registered after 120 days, the MVA may coordinate with local jurisdictions for further enforcement, which could include towing, impoundment, booting, or the seizure of out-of-state license plates.