MVA launches ‘Plate Where You Live’ campaign ahead of new out-of-state tag enforcement

MARYLAND (WBFF) — Maryland officials are warning residents with out-of-state license plates that a new enforcement effort begins this fall — and waiting to register a vehicle in Maryland could become costly.

Ahead of the fall rollout, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) has launched its new “Plate Where You Live” campaign, aimed at educating residents about the state’s vehicle registration requirements before fines take effect.

The campaign comes as out-of-state license plates are a common sight in parking lots across Maryland, particularly Virginia tags.

While many vehicles belong to visitors, the MVA says some Maryland residents continue driving vehicles registered in other states, despite state law requiring most new residents to register their vehicles in Maryland within 60 days of moving.

Beginning Oct. 1, the state will begin enforcing a new penalty structure for drivers who fail to comply.

Under the new process, drivers will first receive a warning and have 60 days to register their vehicle or otherwise come into compliance. If they fail to do so, they could face fines of $7 per day. If the violation continues for 120 days after the initial warning, the vehicle may be towed or seized.

Many Maryland drivers FOX45 spoke with support the new enforcement.

“I definitely know people who have Virginia tags,” one resident said.

“I see it a lot,” another added. “Half the accidents you see, it’s got a Virginia license plate.”

The MVA says the goal of the campaign is education before enforcement. The agency has created a dedicated “Plate Where You Live” webpage with step-by-step instructions for residents who need to title and register their vehicles in Maryland.

With the Oct. 1 enforcement date approaching, state officials are encouraging residents to complete the process now to avoid future fines.