Starting Wednesday, Oct. 1, Maryland residents who have vehicles registered in other states will face penalties until they are in compliance with state law.

Motor Vehicle Administration officials have been promoting their Plate Where You Live initiative, aimed at enticing Marylanders to properly register their automobiles.

Here’s how it works: Maryland law requires anyone moving into the state to register their vehicle with their home address within 60 days. If a vehicle is not registered at the end of that grace period, the owner could be fined $7 per day up to $420.

For vehicles that aren’t registered after 120 days, the Motor Vehicle Administration will notify law enforcement in the appropriate jurisdiction for additional penalties, including possible impoundment or booting the vehicle and seizure of out-of-state plates.

“Really, we just want to bring people into compliance. That’s our goal,” Mayland Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer said. “We don’t want anybody to face additional sanctions.”

Nizer points out that there are several states, including Virginia, where residency is not required to register a vehicle there. People do that for various reasons.

“Insurance requirements are different between Virginia and Maryland,” Nizer said. “Safety inspection requirements are not the same between jurisdictions, and that’s why it’s important.”

Drivers who have recently moved to Maryland can contact the Motor Vehicle Administration or call 410-768-7000 to speak with an agent.

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