Posted on 09/30/24
| News Source: WBAL
Baltimore, MD - Sept. 30, 2024 - The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration will have several new laws go into effect Tuesday that focus on improving customer experience and streamlining services.
The bills were introduced during the 2024 legislative session. They were passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore.
The new laws include:
Driver’s Licenses, Learner’s Instructional Permits, and Identification Cards: Allows MVA to issue an identification card to certain populations free of charge, including but not limited to customers who are permanently disabled, unhoused, legally blind or youth under the care of the Department of Juvenile Services. The new law also benefits licensed drivers seeking to operate another vehicle class and extends the expiration date of a learner’s permit from six months to one year.
Death Certificates: Allows MVA to print death certificates. This will result in improved customer service for people seeking a title transfer from a deceased vehicle owner.
Automated Enforcement Citations and Notices: Mailing addresses require jurisdictions issuing an automated enforcement ticket to send citations to the vehicle owner’s current address using MVA records. This includes civil citations issued through red light, speed, toll and school bus cameras.
Special Registration Plates: Gold Star and next of kin families allow the recipient of a U.S. Department of Defense Next of Kin lapel button to apply for special registration plates and waive the new license plates fee.
Ignition Interlock Program: Requires a person convicted of or granted probation before judgment for certain criminal offenses related to driving while impaired to participate in the Ignition Interlock System Program.
Disabled Veteran Registration Plates: Issuance allows MVA to issue special disabled veteran registration plates to disabled veterans.
Yielding Right-of-Way: Defines that a vehicle must yield to a person on a bicycle, motor scooter or other mobility device in a designated bike lane or shoulder. Should a crash occur resulting in a serious injury to the person in the designated bike lane or shoulder, the driver is subject to imprisonment and/or a fine.
A complete list of motor vehicle laws passed by the Maryland 2024 General Assembly can be found here.