Maryland, January 21, 2026
Maryland lawmakers are introducing Senate Bill 111 to combat residents registering their vehicles in other states, particularly Virginia. This legislation aims to recover lost state revenue and improve public safety by enforcing stricter penalties for out-of-state vehicle registrations. The bill emphasizes enhanced enforcement measures, addressing issues related to uninsured drivers and safety standards in the state. Support from local officials underscores the need for accountability in vehicle registrations to ensure community safety and equity.
Maryland Targets Out-of-State Vehicle Registrations with New Legislation
ANNAPOLIS, MD — Maryland lawmakers are advancing legislation aimed at curbing the practice of residents registering their vehicles in other states, particularly Virginia. This move seeks to address significant revenue losses and safety concerns associated with improperly registered vehicles.
Key Provisions of Senate Bill 111
Senate Bill 111, introduced by Senate Deputy Minority Whip Cory McCray, proposes stricter enforcement against Maryland residents who register their vehicles out of state. The bill emphasizes:
- Enhanced Enforcement: Strengthening measures to identify and penalize vehicles registered in other states by Maryland residents.
- Safety Concerns: Addressing issues related to uninsured drivers and vehicles that may not meet Maryland’s safety standards.
- Revenue Recovery: Aiming to recapture millions in lost state revenue due to improper vehicle registrations.
Supporting Data and Community Impact
Recent data highlights the extent of the issue:
- Vehicle Registrations: In June 2024, over 111,000 vehicles registered in Virginia were linked to Maryland addresses, marking a significant increase from previous years.
- Fatal Crashes: Between 2023 and 2024, Baltimore City recorded 14 fatal crashes involving vehicles registered in Virginia, accounting for approximately 10% of the city’s fatal vehicle accidents.
- Parking Violations: In 2024, nearly 52,000 parking tickets were issued to vehicles with out-of-state registrations, with 41% bearing Virginia tags. This number rose to over 68,000 in 2025, with 48% having Virginia tags.
Legislative and Community Responses
Local officials have expressed strong support for the bill:
- Mayor Brandon Scott: Advocated for accountability, stating that residents are frustrated with accidents involving uninsured drivers from out of state.
- Delegate Jackie Addison: Highlighted the prevalence of out-of-state tags in Baltimore, noting that in some areas, 30 to 40 vehicles have Virginia tags.
However, the bill faces opposition concerning enforcement mechanisms. Some argue that involving state’s attorneys in prosecuting non-bailable offenses may not be feasible, as they typically do not prosecute such violations.
Background Context
Maryland law mandates that new residents title and register their vehicles within 60 days of moving to the state. Exceptions include students, military members, temporary employees, and visitors. Despite this, many residents have been registering their vehicles in Virginia to avoid higher registration fees and unpaid traffic violations in Maryland. This practice has led to substantial revenue losses and safety concerns, prompting legislative action to enforce proper vehicle registration within Maryland.
Conclusion
The introduction of Senate Bill 111 signifies Maryland’s proactive approach to a growing issue that not only impacts state revenue but also public safety. As local lawmakers emphasize accountability, residents are encouraged to adhere to vehicle registration laws to foster a thriving and safe community. Engaging with local businesses and supporting legislative efforts to reduce unnecessary red tape will be vital for the economic health of Baltimore and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Senate Bill 111?
Senate Bill 111 is proposed legislation in Maryland aimed at strengthening enforcement against residents who register their vehicles in other states, particularly Virginia, to address revenue losses and safety concerns.
What are the key provisions of Senate Bill 111?
The bill focuses on enhanced enforcement against out-of-state vehicle registrations, addressing safety issues related to uninsured drivers and vehicles not meeting Maryland’s safety standards, and aims to recover lost state revenue due to improper registrations.
What data supports the need for Senate Bill 111?
Data indicates that in June 2024, over 111,000 vehicles registered in Virginia were linked to Maryland addresses. Additionally, between 2023 and 2024, Baltimore City recorded 14 fatal crashes involving Virginia-registered vehicles, and in 2024, nearly 52,000 parking tickets were issued to out-of-state vehicles, with 41% having Virginia tags.
What are the community responses to Senate Bill 111?
Local officials, including Mayor Brandon Scott and Delegate Jackie Addison, support the bill, emphasizing the need for accountability and addressing the prevalence of out-of-state tags in Maryland. However, there is opposition regarding the involvement of state’s attorneys in prosecuting non-bailable offenses, as they typically do not prosecute such violations.
What is the background context of Senate Bill 111?
Maryland law requires new residents to title and register their vehicles within 60 days of moving to the state. Despite this, many residents have been registering their vehicles in Virginia to avoid higher registration fees and unpaid traffic violations in Maryland, leading to significant revenue losses and safety concerns, prompting legislative action to enforce proper vehicle registration within Maryland.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Legislation Title | Senate Bill 111 |
| Primary Sponsor | Senate Deputy Minority Whip Cory McCray |
| Focus | Enhanced enforcement against Maryland residents registering vehicles out of state, particularly in Virginia |
| Key Provisions | Enhanced enforcement, addressing safety concerns, and revenue recovery |
| Supporting Data | Over 111,000 vehicles registered in Virginia linked to Maryland addresses as of June 2024; 14 fatal crashes involving Virginia-registered vehicles in Baltimore City between 2023 and 2024; nearly 52,000 parking tickets issued to out-of-state vehicles in 2024, with 41% having Virginia tags |
| Community Responses | Support from local officials like Mayor Brandon Scott and Delegate Jackie Addison; opposition regarding the involvement of state’s attorneys in prosecuting non-bailable offenses |
| Background Context | Maryland law requires new residents to title and register vehicles within 60 days; many residents register vehicles in Virginia to avoid higher registration fees and unpaid traffic violations in Maryland, leading to revenue losses and safety concerns |
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