Transportation (Vehicle Registration)

SB 352 creates a special "Old Line Plate" program for Maryland motor vehicles, allowing owners of qualifying vehicles (passenger cars, light trucks under 10,000 lbs, and multipurpose vehicles) to obtain registration plates with numeric-only license numbers (1-5 digits, no letters or leading zeros). The Motor Vehicle Administration will auction rights to specific numbers, with proceeds funding transportation costs. Owners can transfer these number rights under strict rules (e.g., 180-day holding period, limited annual transfers) but cannot claim ownership of the plate itself. The program takes effect October 1, 2026, with the first auction by December 1, 2026.

SB 115 requires Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration to partner with Virginia to obtain data on Maryland residents who improperly register vehicles in Virginia. This data will be added to a searchable database accessible to state and local agencies for issuing automated speed enforcement citations. The bill increases penalties for violations recorded by speed cameras on improperly registered vehicles, raising maximum fines to $1,250 (up from $425 for standard cases). It also mandates that owners receive specific notice if their vehicle is improperly registered in Virginia and recorded speeding. The law directly affects Maryland residents who register vehicles in Virginia to avoid Maryland registration fees.

HB 617 authorizes the City of Frederick to use noise monitoring systems to enforce existing motor vehicle noise limits. The bill allows Frederick to deploy up to three fixed or mobile systems that automatically capture images of vehicles exceeding noise thresholds (by at least 5 decibels), along with decibel readings and license plate details. Before use, the city must post locations online and install visible signage, and vehicle owners can request reviews of issued notices. This directly affects drivers whose vehicles exceed noise limits in Frederick, with enforcement handled through the city’s designated official. The bill amends Maryland’s vehicle code to add these specific monitoring procedures for Frederick.