New laws that went into effect October 1 will streamline services and improve the customer experience at the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
Among the changes, the MVA will be able to print death certificates, extend the validity of learner permits and waive certain ID fees and identification card fees for customers who experience unique hardships.
The Motor Vehicle Administration introduced the departmental bills during the 2024 legislative session, which were passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Wes Moore.
Under House Bill 161 (Chapter 404) / Senate Bill 277 (Chapter 405): Vehicle Laws – Driver’s Licenses, Learner Instruction Permits, and Identification Cards
The MVA may issue an identification card (ID) free of charge to certain populations, including but not limited to clients who are permanently disabled, unhoused, legally blind, or youth in the care of the Department of Juvenile Services.
The new law also benefits licensed drivers who want to drive a different class of vehicle and extends the expiration date of a learner’s permit from six months to one year. This gives customers extra time for road training.
The law provides accommodations for federal government civilian contractors, including those working abroad for the military or the State Department, to renew their driver’s license or identification card while stationed abroad.
Another law, House Bill 230 (Chapter 406) / Senate Bill 267 (Chapter 407): Motor Vehicle Administration and Local Health Departments – Death Certificates – Issuance of Copies
The MVA will now print death certificates. This will result in improved customer service for those seeking a transfer of ownership of a deceased vehicle owner. Current Maryland law requires applicants to provide a death certificate to complete the transfer of ownership, and this process often requires multiple visits to the MVA.
The measure expands a 2018 law that allows the MVA to print birth certificates for clients born in Maryland. Since implementation in 2020, almost 5,000 birth certificates have been printed at the seven participating locations.
Senate Bill 672 (Chapter 585)/House Bill 552 (Chapter 586): Vehicle Laws – Automated Enforcement Citations and Notifications – Mailing Addresses
Jurisdictions that issue an automated enforcement ticket will now send citations to the vehicle owner’s current address using MVA records. This includes civilian tickets issued through red light, speeding, toll and school bus cameras.
This new legal requirement creates a uniform procedure for all jurisdictions in the state to prevent citations from being sent to an outdated address, which can result in additional vehicle flagging and administrative fees.
Other bills that came into effect on October 1 and relate to the operation of motor vehicles include:
SB 275 (CH 25)/HB231 (CH 24): Vehicle legislation – Special license plates – Gold Star and surviving families
Recipients of a Department of Defense lapel button can now apply for specialty license plates and waive the fee for new license plates.
HB 105 (CH 715): DUI Offenses – Ignition Interlock Program
An individual convicted of or placed on probation for certain offenses related to drunk driving is now required to participate in the Ignition Interlock System program.
HB 178 (CH 472) / SB 55 (CH 473): Vehicle legislation – License plates for disabled veterans
The MVA will now issue special Disabled Veteran license plates to disabled veterans.
HB337 (CH464)/SB 315 (CH 465): Vehicle rules – Bicycle paths and shoulders – Giving way
A vehicle must now yield to a person on a bicycle, scooter or other mobility device on a designated cycle path or shoulder. If an accident occurs in which the person in the designated bicycle lane or shoulder is seriously injured, the driver risks a prison sentence and/or a fine.
For a complete list of motor vehicle laws passed by the 2024 General Assembly, visit https://tinyurl.com/26emej9b.
MVA distributes free catalyst labels for theft prevention
This article originally appeared in The Herald-Mail: New laws streamline MVA services and improve customer service
