Transportation (GTR) — Title 13. Vehicle Laws -- Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles

Its make, model, year, vehicle identification number, type of body, number of cylinders, and engine number; and

Any other information that the Administration requires.

Wheelchair; or

Tricycle;

A person who receives a transfer of an interest in the vehicle without knowledge of the certificate of title is not prejudiced by reason of the existence of the certificate; and

The perfection of a security interest under Subtitle 2 of this title is not effective until the secured party has complied with the applicable law that otherwise relates to the perfection of security interests in personal property.

The application for a certificate of title of a vehicle shall be made by the owner of the vehicle on the form that the Administration requires.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, an application for a certificate of title of an off–highway recreational vehicle, a motor scooter, or a moped shall be made by electronic transmission under § 13–610 of this title.

The owner of a motor scooter or moped shall certify at the time of titling that the motor scooter or moped is covered by the required security described in § 17–103 of this article.

Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Administration may not issue a certificate of title to any individual who is not at least 18 years old.

The Administration may issue a certificate of title to an individual under the age of 18 years if the individual submits an application for a certificate of title that is cosigned by:

The individual cosigning the application of a minor under this subsection shall certify that the statements made in the application are true to the best of the cosigner’s knowledge, information, and belief.

The full name and Maryland address of the owner, including:

A description of the vehicle, including:

A statement of:

If the sole individual owner of a motor vehicle designates a transfer–on–death beneficiary under § 13–115 of this subtitle, the name and mailing address of the beneficiary; and

Any other information that the Administration reasonably requires to determine if the owner is entitled to a certificate of title.

Each owner who is an individual;

The individual cosigning the application on behalf of a minor in accordance with subsection (b) of this section;

An officer or authorized agent of the owner, if the owner is a business firm, association, or corporation;

A partner or joint venturer, if the owner is a partnership or joint venture;

An officer or authorized agent, if the owner is an unincorporated association, joint stock company, or other group described in § 6–406 of the Courts Article; or

A trustee, if the owner is a trust.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

“Essential parts” means all integral and body parts, whether new or used, the removal, addition, alteration, or substitution of which would tend to conceal the identity of the vehicle or substantially alter its appearance, model, type, or mode of operation.

“Reconstructed vehicle” means any vehicle that:

“Specially constructed vehicle” means any vehicle that:

Any information or documents the Administration reasonably requires to establish the ownership of the vehicle and the existence or nonexistence of security interests in it;

Either:

As to a foreign vehicle previously titled or registered in another state or country:

File each application for a certificate of title that it receives; and

Issue a certificate of title of the vehicle if:

Under a distinctive title number assigned to the vehicle;

Under the vehicle identification number of the vehicle or, if a distinguishing number has been assigned to it, under the distinguishing number; and

Under any other method that the Administration determines.

A notice from a dealer under § 14–1502(f)(1) of the Commercial Law Article;

A notice from a manufacturer or factory branch under § 14–1502(f)(2) of the Commercial Law Article; and

A manufacturer’s disclosure form provided to the Administration under § 14–1502(g) of the Commercial Law Article.

The Administration shall issue a permanent decal to the owner of a motor scooter or moped for which a certificate of title is issued.

An owner of a motor scooter or moped for which a certificate of title is issued shall display the decal on the vehicle as prescribed by the Administration.

A decal shall display a unique number sequence assigned by the Administration.

The Administration:

The date issued;

The name and Maryland address of the owner of the vehicle;

The names and addresses of all secured parties, in the order of their priority as shown on the application or, if the application is based on a certificate of title, as shown on the certificate;

The title number assigned to the vehicle;

A description of the vehicle including, to the extent that the information exists, its make, model, year, vehicle identification number, and type of body;

In the case of a vehicle returned to the manufacturer or factory branch under Title 14, Subtitle 15 of the Commercial Law Article and subsequently retitled in the State, a permanent notation that informs all subsequent transferees that:

The classification or weight for which the vehicle is registered;

A notation indicating a beneficiary added under § 13–115 of this subtitle; and

Any other information that the Administration determines.

Shall contain forms for:

May contain forms for:

May provide for recording titling and registration data without the issuance of a certificate of title; and

Shall provide for recording and releasing liens without the issuance of a security interest filing.

Vehicle data to and from service providers, as defined in § 13–610 of this title; and

Publicly available electronic vehicle records.

This subsection does not apply to a lienholder that is not regularly engaged in the business or practice of financing motor vehicles.

A motor vehicle lienholder shall file electronically with the Administration:

If the Administration is not satisfied as to the ownership of the vehicle or that every security interest in it has been disclosed, the Administration may register the vehicle, but shall either:

If a bond is required by the Administration under this subsection, the bond shall be in an amount equal to one and one-half times the value of the vehicle, as determined by the Administration, and conditioned to indemnify any former owner or person with a security interest in the vehicle and any subsequent buyer or person acquiring any security interest in the vehicle, and their respective successors in interest, against any expense, loss, or damage, including reasonable attorney’s fees, by reason of the issuance of the certificate of title of the vehicle or by reason of any defect in or undisclosed security interest in the right, title, and interest of the applicant in and to the vehicle. Each of these interested persons has a right of action to recover on the bond for any breach of its conditions, but the aggregate liability of any surety to all persons may not exceed the amount of the bond. Unless the Administration has been notified that an action to recover on the bond is pending, the bond and any deposit accompanying it shall be returned either at the end of 3 years or, if the vehicle is no longer registered in this State, on the earlier request of the owner and the surrender to the Administration of the certificate of title of the vehicle.

That the applicant is not the owner of the vehicle;

That the issuance of a certificate of title to the applicant would be a fraud against another person; or

That the vehicle does not comply with Title 2, Subtitle 11 of the Environment Article or any regulation adopted under that subtitle.

Except as provided in § 13-113 of this subtitle, promptly after delivery to the transferee of the vehicle, the transferee shall:

If the Administration does not receive the certificate and application within 30 days after delivery of the vehicle to the transferee, the Administration, in its discretion, may assess the applicant with an additional service fee established by the Administration for making the transfer of title.

A person may not knowingly sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any vehicle that has been used as a taxicab unless the person attaches to the certificate of title a signed statement to the effect that the vehicle has been used as a taxicab.

On receipt of a certificate of title to which is attached the information required by this subsection, the Administration shall place on the new certificate of title it issues a notation appropriate to convey this information to the new owner of the vehicle.

A certificate of title of the vehicle has been issued by the Administration or by another state or country; or

A certificate of registration of the vehicle has been issued by a state or country that does not issue certificates of title of such vehicles.

Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, if a licensed dealer holds a vehicle for sale and transfers the vehicle to another licensed dealer who holds the vehicle for sale, the transferring dealer, without applying for a new certificate of title, shall:

If the certificate of title held by the transferring dealer does not contain an open dealer reassignment section, the transferring dealer shall apply to the Administration for the issuance of a certificate of title.

If a licensed dealer holds a vehicle for sale and transfers the vehicle to someone other than another licensed dealer who holds the vehicle for sale, the dealer shall:

If the vehicle is a Class A (passenger) vehicle, Class D (motorcycle) vehicle, Class G (trailer) travel trailer or camping trailer, or Class M (multipurpose) vehicle and is to be registered and titled in this State, the transferring dealer shall:

If the vehicle is to be registered and titled in this State, but is not a Class A (passenger) vehicle, Class D (motorcycle) vehicle, Class G (trailer) travel trailer or camping trailer, or Class M (multipurpose) vehicle, the transferring dealer shall, within 30 days of the delivery of the vehicle, either:

If the vehicle is not to be titled in this State and is to be registered in another state, the transferring dealer shall deliver the certificate of title to the transferee within 30 days of delivery of the vehicle.

Notwithstanding any other provisions to the contrary, an automotive dismantler or recycler licensed under Title 15 of this article may transfer a vehicle that he owns, regardless of the type of ownership document issued for the vehicle, to another licensed automotive dismantler or recycler or to a licensed dealer, without applying for a new certificate of title, as provided in this subsection.

The automotive dismantler or recycler shall:

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

“Completed vehicle” means a two-stage vehicle that does not require any additional manufacturing operation to perform its intended function, except for the addition of readily attachable components or minor finishing operations.

“First-stage manufacturer” means:

“Incomplete vehicle” means an assemblage that:

“Minor finishing operations” includes painting, upholstering, or other cosmetic modifications.

“Readily attachable components” includes any mirror, extra light, or tire and rim assembly.

“Second-stage manufacturer” means:

“Two-stage vehicle” means a motor vehicle that requires manufacturing operations performed by two separate manufacturers to produce a completed vehicle capable of performing its intended function.

The make and year of the first stage; and

The make, model, and year of the second stage.

The application for a new certificate of title under subsection (b) of this section shall be accompanied by such instruments or documents of authority or certified copies of them as are sufficient in law or required by law to evidence or effect a transfer of title or interest in or to chattels in such case.

A written assignment of title or interest is not required if the prior owner’s title or interest has passed to the transferee as a result of a judicial decree, order, or proceeding.

If the interest of an owner in a vehicle for which a certificate of title has been issued passes to a legatee or distributee as a result of testamentary disposition or intestate devolution:

If title is assigned properly by the personal representative of the deceased owner, a certificate of letters testamentary or of administration issued by a court of competent jurisdiction in this State is sufficient authority for the Administration to transfer the title of the vehicle of a deceased owner.

The Administration may transfer on its records the ownership of a vehicle that has been repossessed by a secured party, if the secured party submits to the Administration a certification that states:

On submission of the certification to it, the Administration may issue a new certificate of title if it is satisfied that the secured party is entitled to one.

An application for a new certificate of title need not be made until the expiration of the last registration in the name of the joint owners; and

The certificate of title need not be submitted to the Administration until the application for a new certificate of title is made.

The designation of a beneficiary for a motor vehicle does not affect the ownership of the motor vehicle until the death of the sole owner or the last surviving co–owner of the motor vehicle.

The designation of a beneficiary may be revoked or changed at any time before the death of the sole owner or the last surviving co–owner without the consent of the beneficiary by applying to the Administration.

A designated beneficiary who survives the sole owner or the last surviving co–owner shall apply to the Administration for a new certificate of title for the motor vehicle.

An application for a certificate of title by a beneficiary following the death of the sole owner or last surviving co–owner shall include:

File each surrendered certificate of title; and

Maintain the file to permit the tracing of title of any vehicle designated in it.

Any lien given by statute or rule of law to a supplier of services or materials for a vehicle;

Any lien given by statute to the United States, this State, or any political subdivision of this State;

Any security interest in a vehicle during any period in which the vehicle is inventory held for sale or lease by a person or leased by that person as lessor and that person is in the business of selling vehicles;

Any lien arising out of an attachment of a vehicle;

Any security interest claimed on proceeds, as that term is defined in Title 9 of the Commercial Law Article (Maryland Uniform Commercial Code -- Secured Transactions), if the original security interest did not have to be noted on the certificate of title in order to be perfected; or

Any vehicle for which a certificate of title is not required under this title.

A security interest is perfected by:

The security interest is perfected at the time of the delivery and payment.

If a vehicle already is subject to a security interest when brought into this State, the validity of that security interest in this State is determined by the law (including the conflict of law rules) of the jurisdiction where the vehicle was located when the security interest attached, subject to the provisions of this subsection.

If, at the time the security interest attached, the parties to the transaction understood that the vehicle would be kept in this State, and if, within 30 days after the security interest attached, the vehicle was brought into this State for purposes other than transportation through this State, the validity of the security interest in this State is determined by the laws of this State.

If, before the vehicle was brought into this State, the security interest already was perfected under the laws of the jurisdiction where the vehicle was located when the security interest attached, the following rules apply:

If, before the vehicle was brought into this State, the security interest was not perfected under the law of the jurisdiction in which the vehicle was located when the security interest attached, it may be perfected in this State, in which case perfection dates from the time of perfection in this State.

At the time of delivery of the documents required by this section to the Administration, the secured party shall pay to the Administration the same filing fee as is required for perfection of the security interest under § 13-202 of this subtitle.

The security interest is perfected at the time of its creation, if the delivery and payment to the Administration are completed within 10 days of the date of its creation. Otherwise, the security interest is perfected at the time of the delivery and payment.

Endorse the existing certificate of title or a new certificate issued by it with the name and address of each secured party; and

Deliver the endorsed certificate of title to the owner named on it.

The assignee shall deliver to the Administration the certificate of title, if available, and an assignment by the secured party named in the certificate of title in the form that the Administration requires, accompanied by the same filing fee as is required for perfection of the security interest under § 13-202 of this subtitle.

The assignee’s security interest is perfected at the time of its creation, if the delivery and payment to the Administration are completed within 10 days of the date of its creation. Otherwise, the security interest is perfected at the time of the delivery and payment.

The owner;

The Administration; and

A dealer licensed under Title 15, Subtitle 3 of this article who, on behalf of the owner, pays off the security interest if the owner authorizes the secured party in writing to deliver a copy of the release to the dealer.

If, after notice to all interested parties and a hearing, the Administration determines that an indebtedness does not constitute a security interest, it shall:

Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Administration may appeal in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act.

If an omission or error in the filing, recording, or indexing of a security interest has been made by an employee of the Administration in the course of employment and, as a result of the omission or error, any interested person has sustained loss or damage, the person may file a claim with the Administration for payment of the loss or damage out of the Assurance Fund maintained under § 13-209 of this subtitle. The claim for payment shall include a request for a hearing on the matter and shall be made in the manner and on the form that the Administration requires.

A claim for payment under this section may not be made unless it is filed with the Administration within 3 years from the date the cause of action arose.

The amount of payment made for a claim under this section may not exceed $100,000.

Payment for a single claim may not be made from both the Assurance Fund and from the State Insurance Trust Fund under § 12-104 of the State Government Article.

Order that any loss or damage sustained by the claimant be paid out of the Assurance Fund, subject to the limitations set forth in this section; or

Order that the claim be dismissed and deny payment of the claim.

Any aggrieved party to a hearing under this section may appeal from the decision of the Administration as follows:

The circuit court to which an appeal is made under this section has jurisdiction to examine the facts of the case and to determine if the claimant is entitled under this section to recover for any loss or damage. The Administration shall pay the amount of any judgment recovered against the Assurance Fund up to the amount of the security interest to which the claim relates.

Any loss or damage that exceeds the amount of the security interest to which the claim relates; or

Any loss or damage that results from:

If a vehicle is not registered, a person may not drive the vehicle on a highway in this State.

Except as otherwise provided in this section or elsewhere in the Maryland Vehicle Law, each motor vehicle driven on a highway shall be registered under this subtitle.

If a motor vehicle required to be registered under this subtitle is not registered, a person may not park the unregistered motor vehicle on any:

The provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection do not apply to a motor vehicle that is exempt from registration under this section or § 13–402.1 of this subtitle.

A vehicle that is driven on a highway:

A vehicle owned and used by the United States, unless an authorized officer or employee of the United States requests registration of the vehicle;

A farm tractor or any farm equipment;

A vehicle the front or rear wheels of which are lifted from the highway;

A towed vehicle that is attached to the towing vehicle by a tow bar and for which no driver is necessary;

A vehicle owned by and in the possession of a licensed dealer for purpose of sale;

A vehicle owned by a new resident of this State during the first 60 days of residency provided the vehicle displays valid registration issued by the jurisdiction of the resident’s former domicile;

New vehicles being operated as part of a shuttle, as defined in § 13–626 of this title, while following a registered vehicle displaying a shuttle permit issued by the Administration;

A vehicle operated in connection with maritime commerce exclusively within any terminal owned or leased by the Maryland Port Administration;

A snowmobile that is operated on highways and roadways as prescribed by § 25–102(a)(14) of this article;

A golf cart that is operated on a highway in accordance with § 21–104.2 of this article;

A golf cart that is operated on an Allegany County highway as allowed by the county under § 25–102(a)(16) of this article;

A vehicle owned by an accredited consular or diplomatic officer of a foreign government and operated for official or personal purposes when the vehicle displays a valid diplomatic license plate issued by the United States government;

A personal delivery device that is operated on a roadway, sidewalk, shoulder, or crosswalk in accordance with § 21–104.3 of this article; or

A trailer, semitrailer, or pole trailer that displays valid registration issued by another jurisdiction.

If a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer is registered in another state, displays current registration plates issued for it by that state, and is brought into this State by a nonresident for transporting seasonal farm workers to be employed on farms in this State or for work incidental to seasonal crop operations on farms in this State, the vehicle need not be registered in this State if:

When the Administration receives a certification by the Secretary of State Police that a vehicle is entitled to an exemption under this subsection, the Administration shall issue an exemption permit on the form the Secretary of State Police approves. The form shall be carried at all times by the driver of the vehicle for which it is issued or in a conspicuous place on the vehicle.

The exemption permit is:

The Secretary of State Police:

It is registered in another state;

The truck tractor or other vehicle that is towing it is registered in this State; and

The registered owner of the truck tractor or other towing vehicle has at least one trailer or semitrailer registered in this State for each truck tractor also registered in this State.

A trailer or semitrailer rented or leased in intrastate service need not be registered in this State if, subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection:

If a person claims exemption for a trailer or semitrailer under this subsection, the person shall file annually with the Administration, at the time and in the manner that the Administration requires, an affidavit that sets forth, as to all such trailers and semitrailers that the person has available in all states for rent or lease:

A motor vehicle rented in intrastate service need not be registered in this State if, subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection:

The percentage of the total number of motor vehicles in a rental fleet that must be registered in this State is determined by dividing the gross revenue received in the preceding year for the use of such rental vehicles arising from all motor vehicle rental transactions occurring in this State by the total gross revenue received in the preceding year for the use of such rental vehicles arising from all motor vehicle rental transactions occurring in all jurisdictions in which the rental fleet is operated. The resulting percentage shall be applied to the total number of motor vehicles in the rental fleet and that figure, to the nearest whole number, shall be the number of rental motor vehicles that shall be fully registered and titled in this State.

If a person claims exemption for a motor vehicle under this subsection, the person shall file annually with the Administration, at the time and in the manner that the Administration requires, an affidavit that sets forth, as to all such motor vehicles that the person has available in all states for rent:

A person may not rent to another person a motor vehicle or attempt to rent to another person a motor vehicle in this State in violation of this section.

A person may not drive or attempt to drive a vehicle on any highway in this State in violation of this section.

At all times while driven in this State, the vehicle:

Except as otherwise provided in this section or under an agreement in compliance with Title 12, Subtitle 4 of this article, the vehicle is not:

Issuing complimentary guest cards, permits, or licenses to persons visiting this State from any foreign country; or

Recognizing and permitting the use of guest cards, permits, or licenses granted by other states.

The state of which the nonresident is a resident extends the same privileges to the residents of this State; and

The nonresident meets the required security provisions of the Maryland Vehicle Law as to any vehicle to which this exemption applies.

Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, if a nonresident temporarily maintains or occupies a dwelling in this State for a period in excess of 30 days but not in excess of 1 year, the nonresident shall obtain a nonresident’s permit from the Administration, in lieu of registration, within 10 days immediately following the 30–day period.

A nonresident exempt from registration under subsection (d) of this section shall obtain a nonresident’s permit from the Administration, in lieu of registration, within 30 days of maintaining or occupying a dwelling in this State.

A nonresident exempt from registration under subsection (c) of this section may obtain a nonresident’s permit from the Administration, in lieu of registration, if the permit application is made within 10 days immediately following the 30–day period.

The application shall be accompanied by:

The nonresident permit shall be displayed on the windshield of the nonresident’s exempt vehicle in the place and manner prescribed by the Administration.

Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the owner of a vehicle subject to registration under this subtitle shall apply to the Administration for the registration of the vehicle in a manner that the Administration requires.

The application for registration of a low speed vehicle shall be made by electronic transmission under § 13-610 of this title.

Obtain from the transferee a completed application;

Collect all fees required to register the low speed vehicle under this subtitle; and

Within 30 days of the date of delivery of the low speed vehicle, electronically transmit the application and fees in accordance with § 13-610 of this title.

A State agency or political subdivision in this State may act as the agent of the Administration in the registration of vehicles and in the issuance of registration plates and registration cards.

At the end of each week, the State agency or political subdivision shall remit to the Administration:

In addition to the registration fees required by this title, the applicant for registration of a vehicle shall pay a fee of $1 for each registration issued by a State agency or political subdivision acting as an agent of the Administration under subsection (b)(1) of this section. The Administration shall retain a portion of this fee in order to offset its costs. The State agency or political subdivision may collect, for each registration issued, an additional fee not to exceed $1 to offset expenses incurred in the issuance of registrations. The amount of the additional fee shall be determined by the State agency or political subdivision.

The Administration shall adopt rules and regulations to govern the issuance of registration plates and validation tabs by a State agency or political subdivision.

By a nonresident owner of a vehicle; and

On the form the Administration requires.

The Administration or a licensed title service agent may issue a temporary in–transit registration.

A temporary in–transit registration may be issued only after the vehicle owner has furnished to the Administration or title service agent proof of identity, vehicle ownership, and insurance.

The Administration or a title service agent may not issue more than one temporary in–transit registration for each vehicle sales transaction.

A 24–hour registration may be issued only after the vehicle owner has provided to the Administration proof of identity, vehicle identification number, and insurance.

The Administration may not issue more than one 24–hour registration for each vehicle sales transaction.

That the vehicle is stolen;

That the grant or transfer of registration would be a fraud against another person; or

That the vehicle does not comply with Title 2, Subtitle 11 of the Environment Article or any regulations adopted under that subtitle; or

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

“Law enforcement agency” means:

“Outstanding warrant” means an arrest warrant that:

“Primary law enforcement officer” means:

Before refusing to register or transfer the registration of a vehicle under subsection (b) of this section, the Administration shall notify the applicant of the proposed action and inform the applicant of the applicant’s right to contest the accuracy of the information on which the refusal is based.

Any contest under this subsection shall be limited to whether the Administration has mistaken the identity of the individual named in the outstanding warrant or the individual whose registration or transfer of registration has been refused.

The Administration shall continue the refusal to register or transfer the registration of a vehicle owned by an individual named in an outstanding warrant until:

On receipt of an order or notice under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Administration shall allow the applicant to register the vehicle or transfer the registration unless the registration or transfer has been restricted under any other provision of the Maryland Vehicle Law.

The Administration, in consultation with the primary law enforcement officers of the State, shall adopt regulations to implement this section.

The regulations shall include:

In addition to any other fee or penalty provided by law, the owner of a vehicle refused registration under this section shall pay a fee established by the Administration before renewal of the registration of the vehicle.

The fee under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be retained by the Administration and may not be credited to the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account for distribution under § 8-403 or § 8-404 of this article.

The Comptroller to notify the Administration that an individual has not paid all undisputed taxes; and

The Maryland Department of Labor to notify the Administration that an individual has not paid all undisputed unemployment insurance contributions.

Rented under the provisions of Title 18 of this article; or

Rented or leased for a period not exceeding 180 days and registered in another state.

Except as otherwise provided in this title, when it registers a vehicle, the Administration shall issue to the owner:

However, as to temporary registration, the Administration may provide for the issuance of only one temporary registration plate for any vehicle.

Each registration plate shall display:

The registration number may consist of letters, numerals, or both.

This subsection applies only to the following vehicles:

At the option of the registered owner of a vehicle for which registration plates are issued under this title, in addition to the information otherwise required to be shown on the registration plates, the registration plates may display a sticker indicating the name of the county, including Baltimore City, in which the owner of the vehicle resides.

The Administration shall:

In addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required under this title, the Administration may charge a fee, not to exceed its costs, for issuing or replacing the county sticker offered under this subsection.

A vehicle owner may not display stickers that show a county name other than the owner’s county of residence.

A county sticker issued under this subsection may not be placed on a special registration plate or a commemorative registration plate issued under Subtitle 6 of this title.

During subsequent registration years, the Administrator may order the continued use of registration plates that are valid during any current registration year, and, after so doing, the Administrator shall issue, at the time a vehicle’s registration is renewed, a validation tab to evidence payment of the vehicle’s annual registration fee.

The tab shall be displayed on the plates of the vehicle in the manner that the Administrator requires.

The Administrator from time to time shall evaluate the condition of registration plates issued under this title and may provide for the manufacture and issuance of new registration plates. These new registration plates shall be issued and subsequently validated in the manner required by this subtitle.

Front of the vehicle for a Class F (tractor) vehicle; and

Rear of the vehicle for every other vehicle.

At all times, each registration plate shall be:

For a violation involving the placement of an object framing or bordering the edges of a registration plate, a police officer may enforce this subsection only as a secondary action when the police officer detains a driver of a motor vehicle for a suspected violation of another provision of the Code.

A registration plate or plates issued for the vehicle by the Administration for the current registration period; and

Any validation tab issued for the vehicle under this subtitle.

A registration plate or plates issued by the Administration for the current registration period; and

Any validation tab issued for the vehicle under this subtitle.

A vehicle registered as a historic or antique vehicle (Class L) in this State or in another state, when used or driven in this State, may display vintage registration plates as an indication of the historic or antique nature of the vehicle. Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the place on the vehicle provided for the display of registration plates may only be used for the display of current registration plates in accordance with subsections (a) through (c) of this section, and any vintage registration plates which are used shall be displayed elsewhere on the vehicle.

If the Administration authorizes the display of vintage registration plates in lieu of current registration plates, as provided in § 13-936.1 of this title, the vintage registration plates shall be displayed as required under subsections (a) through (c) of this section. However, the current registration plates shall be kept in the vehicle at all times.

Obscure or block any of the characters of a vehicle’s registration plate; or

Distort a recorded image of any of the characters of a vehicle’s registration plate recorded by a traffic control signal monitoring system under § 21–202.1 of this article.

A person may not advertise for the purpose of promoting the sale of registration plate covers.

A person may not advertise for or promote the sale of an unlawful registration plate cover by falsely claiming that the registration plate cover is lawful in the State.

An unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice within the meaning of Title 13 of the Commercial Law Article; and

In addition to the penalty under § 27–101 of this article, subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions contained in Title 13 of the Commercial Law Article.

The Administration may issue a temporary authorization certificate permitting a vehicle to be driven pending the issuance of current validation tabs.

A temporary authorization certificate:

A fee for a temporary authorization certificate may be established by the Administration.

If a current registration plate is lost, the owner of the vehicle for which the registration was issued immediately shall place on the vehicle a temporary number plate bearing the vehicle’s registration number.

The temporary plate shall be displayed as nearly as possible in the same manner as provided in this subtitle for the registration plate.

If a current registration plate is stolen, the owner of the vehicle for which the registration was issued immediately shall place on the vehicle a temporary number plate bearing the vehicle’s registration number.

The temporary plate shall be displayed as nearly as possible in the same manner as provided in this subtitle for the registration plate.

If a current registration plate is damaged to the extent that the registration plate is illegible, the owner of the vehicle for which the registration was issued immediately shall place on the vehicle a temporary number plate bearing the vehicle’s registration number.

The temporary plate shall be displayed as nearly as possible in the same manner as provided in this subtitle for the registration plate.

A school type vehicle operated on a regular daily basis to transport students attending grades K through 12 shall be registered under this section.

A school type vehicle otherwise operated to transport persons for educational purposes or maintained by an educational institution as part of a transportation system shall be registered, at the option of the registrant:

The Administration may establish guidelines for the registration of school type vehicles in accordance with this section.

Display distinctive “school bus” registration plates issued by the Administration; and

Comply with all the requirements of the Maryland Vehicle Law and the regulations of the Administration that relate to a Type I school vehicle.

If it is operated for any purpose in addition to those specified in subsection (b) of this section, a Type I school vehicle (school bus) shall display distinctive “school charter” registration plates issued by the Administration.

The Administration shall issue “school charter” plates:

Display distinctive registration plates issued by the Administration; and

Comply with all the requirements of the Maryland Vehicle Law and the regulations of the Administration that relate to a Type II school vehicle.

Five times the minimum coverage required by § 17-103(b)(1) of this article for the payment of claims for bodily injury or death;

The minimum coverage required by § 17-103(b)(2) of this article for property damage claims; and

The minimum benefits required by § 17-103(b)(3) and (4) of this article.

Secure a permit from the Public Service Commission, or other appropriate agency, to operate on the highways;

Present the permit to the Administration;

Make application for registration or renewal of registration as required by the Administration; and

Pay to the Administration all applicable fees required for registration under this title.

Under this section; or

Under § 13–939.1 of this title.

Shall issue distinctive “Fleet Vehicle” registration plates for any rental vehicle registered under this section; and

May not require the attachment, display, or issuance of a validation tab for a rental vehicle registered under this section.

The registration fee for a rental vehicle registered under this section is as determined under § 13–939.1 of this title.

In addition to the annual registration fee, an owner of a rental vehicle registered under this section shall pay a one–time initial registration fee not exceeding $8.50 when the new registration plates are issued.

Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, if the owner of a vehicle registered in this State assigns or otherwise transfers his title or interest in the vehicle, the registration of the vehicle expires, unless the owner gives the transferee written permission to use the existing registration plates.

If the owner does not give this permission, the owner shall remove the registration plates from the vehicle.

If the vehicle to which the transfer is made is one for which the registration fee is higher than that required for the former vehicle, the owner shall pay, in addition to the transfer fee, the difference between the registration fee paid for the former vehicle and the registration fee otherwise required for the vehicle to which the transfer is made.

If the vehicle to which the transfer is made is one for which the registration fee is lower than that required for the former vehicle, the Administration need not make any refunds of the difference.

Lawfully drives it under a dealer’s registration plate; or

Does not drive the vehicle or permit it to be driven on the highways.

Joint names of spouses and is transferred to the individual name of either spouse;

Individual name of either spouse and is transferred to their joint names or to the individual name of the other spouse;

Joint names of a parent and child and is transferred to the individual name of either party;

Name of an individual and is transferred to the joint names of that individual and the individual’s parent or child; or

Name of an individual and is transferred to the name of a child or parent of that individual.

The registration of the vehicle expires; and

The vehicle may not be driven on a highway until the person entitled to possession of the vehicle applies for and obtains a new registration of the vehicle.

A salvage certificate shall be issued in accordance with the provisions of this section.

A salvage certificate issued under this section shall:

To an insurance company or its authorized agent that:

To an automotive dismantler and recycler that:

To any other person who:

For each vehicle that is acquired as a result of a claim settlement arising from an accident that occurred in the State, an insurance company or its authorized agent shall apply:

The application under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be accompanied by:

Subject to the provisions of § 13–507(c)(2) of this subtitle, a salvage certificate issued under this paragraph shall contain a conspicuous notation by the Administration that describes which of the statements under paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection applies to the vehicle.

To determine the cost to repair a vehicle for highway operation for purposes of § 11–152 of this article and paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection, a person may not use the cost of:

The calculation under the 75% cost of repair threshold under paragraph (2) of this subsection may not affect the right of an insurer or a vehicle owner to make an economic or safety related decision to not repair the vehicle.

The Administration, in consultation with the Department of State Police and other interested parties, shall adopt regulations to implement this subsection.

An automotive dismantler and recycler may apply for a salvage certificate on a form provided by the Administration.

The application under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be accompanied by:

Was transferred as salvage; and

May not be titled or registered for operation in this State except in accordance with §§ 13–506.1 and 13–507 of this subtitle.

A duplicate salvage certificate; and

A corrected salvage certificate.

The company makes a claim settlement on a vehicle that is salvage; and

The owner retains possession of the vehicle.

Be accompanied by the title to the vehicle and a fee established by the Administration under § 13–117 of this title for a corrected title;

Include the name of the vehicle’s owner and a description of the vehicle; and

Include a statement by the insurance company that the salvage certificate bears a notation under § 13–506(c)(2)(ii)1, 2, 3, or 4 of this subtitle.

Record that the vehicle has been declared salvage; and

An application for a certificate of title of a vehicle for which a salvage certificate has been issued shall be made by the owner of the vehicle on a form that the Administration requires.

An application under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be accompanied by:

The certificate of title issued by the Administration shall be:

The Administration shall issue a certificate of title that contains a conspicuous notation that the vehicle is “Flood Damaged” if the salvage certificate accompanying the application bears a notation under § 13–506(c)(2)(ii)4 of this subtitle.

The Administration shall issue a certificate of title that contains a conspicuous notation that the vehicle is “X–Salvage” if the salvage certificate accompanying the application bears a notation under § 13–506(c)(2)(ii)5 of this subtitle or is issued under § 13–506(d) of this subtitle.

When an insurance company makes a claim settlement on a vehicle that has been stolen, the company shall apply for a salvage certificate as provided in § 13–506(c) of this subtitle.

On receipt of an application under this subsection, the Administration:

When a vehicle that has been stolen is recovered, the Administration shall:

The provisions of subsection (b) of this section apply to a certificate of title issued under this subsection.

A vehicle for which a certificate of title was issued under paragraph (3)(ii) of this subsection is exempt from the vehicle excise tax as provided in § 13–810(a)(9) of this title.

On the form that the Administration requires, applies for at least five of these plates; and

With the application, submits a fee established by the Administration for each plate.

A licensed dealer may issue a temporary registration plate to a vehicle buyer who is subject to a penalty for lapsed security for another vehicle under § 17–106 of this article.

Send to the Administration a copy of the temporary registration plate application completed by the buyer of the vehicle; and

Electronically transmit to the Administration, in the format that the Administration requires, the vehicle, owner, insurance, and temporary registration information contained on the temporary registration plate application.

Receipt of annual registration plates for the vehicle;

Rescission of the contract to buy the vehicle; or

Expiration of 60 days from the date the temporary plate was issued.