Maryland Lawmakers Aim to Crack Down on Drivers Using Virginia Plates

Proposed legislation targets Maryland residents who register their vehicles in Virginia to avoid higher fees and penalties.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Maryland lawmakers are trying to address a legal loophole that allows some Maryland residents to register their vehicles in Virginia, where registration, emissions testing, and insurance requirements are less restrictive and less expensive. This practice allows drivers to avoid penalties for traffic violations in Maryland, costing the state millions in lost revenue. Proposed bills would increase fines for Maryland drivers with Virginia plates and create a mechanism for the state to take civil action against non-compliant residents.

Why it matters

The issue highlights a growing trend of Maryland residents exploiting the registration differences between the two states, undermining Maryland's transportation funding and posing potential public safety risks. Lawmakers are seeking ways to close this loophole and ensure all drivers are properly registered and accountable.

The details

According to Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration records, as many as 77,550 vehicles owned by Maryland residents are registered in Virginia. This allows Maryland drivers to pay lower registration fees and avoid penalties for traffic violations like speeding, running red lights, and parking citations. Experts estimate this costs Maryland $15 million per year in lost revenue. Proposed legislation would increase fines for Maryland residents with Virginia plates caught speeding in work zones and require the MVA to establish a system to identify and take action against non-compliant drivers.

  • Maryland law requires residents to register their vehicles within 60 days of moving to the state.
  • The Maryland General Assembly is currently considering Senate Bill 115 and Senate Bill 111 to address the issue.

The players

Sen. Chris West

A Republican state senator representing portions of Baltimore and Carroll counties, who sponsored Senate Bill 115 to increase fines for Maryland residents with Virginia plates caught speeding in work zones.

Sen. Cory McCray

A Democratic state senator representing Baltimore City, who sponsored Senate Bill 111 to create an administrative framework for the MVA to collect data, issue warnings, and impose fines on non-compliant drivers.

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA)

The state agency responsible for vehicle registration and enforcement, which recently received addresses from the Virginia DMV for Maryland residents with Virginia plates and has been sending letters informing them they are violating the law.

Davon

A Maryland resident who has registered his vehicle in Virginia, citing the lower costs compared to Maryland.

Baltimore Police Department

The police department has created a Citywide Traffic Team dedicated to enforcing violations by Maryland residents with out-of-state plates.

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What they’re saying

“This is a way of trying to force people who are improperly tagged in Virginia to get Maryland tags.”

— Sen. Chris West (WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates)

“(This bill would make) sure that if a person does reside in the state of Maryland, and they do not have those tags, that we can take appropriate action.”

— Sen. Cory McCray (WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates)

“Man, they got to do what they got to do — you know what I'm saying — to get their money. That's all it's about. It's about money. Somebody is going to find that loophole again. That's just the world we are living in.”

— Davon (WBAL-TV 11 News Investigates)

What’s next

The Maryland General Assembly is currently considering Senate Bill 115 and Senate Bill 111, which would increase fines for Maryland residents with Virginia plates and create a mechanism for the MVA to take action against non-compliant drivers. A hearing on the House versions of the bills was scheduled for Thursday.

The takeaway

This issue highlights the ongoing tension between state regulations and residents seeking to avoid higher costs, as well as the challenge of enforcing vehicle registration laws. The proposed legislation aims to close a loophole that has cost Maryland millions in lost revenue and potentially compromised public safety, though some drivers may continue to find ways around the rules.