Title 13. Vehicle Laws -- Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles — Subtitle 6. Special Registration Plates

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.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

“Fleet” means 10 or more vehicles.

“Qualified owner” means a person, partnership, firm, or corporation, or an individual agent of a person, partnership, firm, or corporation, authorized by the Administration to transmit electronically proper titling and registration information and fees to the Administration.

“Service provider” means a dealer or title service agent licensed under Title 15 of this article or a qualified owner of a fleet.

Issue permanent registration plates to the transferee or renew the registration of a vehicle if the service provider has electronically transmitted the proper titling and registration information to the Administration, or an agent designated by the Administration;

Charge the transferee or the registered owner of the vehicle a fee for the actual cost to the service provider of the electronic transmission service described in item (1) of this subsection; and

Electronically submit a security interest filing with the Administration on behalf of a registered owner or lienholder.

Govern the electronic transmission of titling, registration, and security interest information authorized under this section; and

Determine the appropriate level of the fee that may be charged by service providers for the electronic transmission service.

The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (2) of this subsection may apply to the Administration for the assignment to that vehicle of a special, personalized registration number.

This section applies only as to:

A special registration number assigned under this section may consist of any combination of not more than 7 letters and numerals.

In its discretion, the Administration may refuse any combination of letters and numerals.

In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

“Certified nurse practitioner” means an individual who is licensed by the State Board of Nursing to practice registered nursing as described in § 8–101 of the Health Occupations Article and who is certified as a nurse practitioner by the State Board of Nursing.

“Licensed chiropractor” means a chiropractor who is licensed by the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners to practice chiropractic or chiropractic with the right to practice physical therapy as described in § 3–301 of the Health Occupations Article.

“Licensed optometrist” means an optometrist who is licensed by the State Board of Examiners in Optometry to practice optometry as described in § 11–101 of the Health Occupations Article.

“Licensed physical therapist” means a physical therapist who is licensed by the State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners to practice physical therapy as described in § 13–101 of the Health Occupations Article.

“Licensed physician” means a physician, including a doctor of osteopathy, who is licensed by the State Board of Physicians to practice medicine as described in § 14–101 of the Health Occupations Article.

“Licensed physician assistant” means an individual who is licensed under Title 15 of the Health Occupations Article to practice as a physician assistant.

“Licensed podiatrist” means a podiatrist who is licensed by the State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners to practice podiatry as described in § 16–101 of the Health Occupations Article.

The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (3) of this subsection may apply to the Administration for the assignment to that vehicle of a special disability registration number and special disability registration plates, if a certified nurse practitioner, licensed physician, licensed physician assistant, licensed chiropractor, licensed optometrist, licensed podiatrist, or licensed physical therapist certifies, in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection, that the applicant:

For the purposes of this section, the qualifying disabilities specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be certified as follows:

This section applies only to:

Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b)(4) of this section, special registration and special registration plates may be issued under this section only if the applicant submits proof satisfactory to the Administration that the applicant is an individual with a disability described in subsection (b)(1) of this section.

Except as provided by paragraph (3) of this subsection and subsection (b)(4) of this section, the Administration may not accept applications for special registration under this section from an applicant who, at the time of application:

An individual may possess two valid special registrations for Class D motorcycles in addition to the special registration authorized under subsection (b) of this section and the parking placards authorized under § 13–616.1 of this subtitle.

Consist of the letters, numerals, or both that the Administration specifies; and

Be displayed on special registration plates issued for the vehicle, together with the International Symbol of Access.

In this subsection, “special types of vehicles” means:

The person for whom special registration plates are issued under this section or under a similar provision of any other state or country:

The provisions of this subsection supersede any local ordinance, except that they do not apply:

The person shall have in the person’s possession identification issued by the Administration as proof that parking privileges are being utilized by a person with a disability as defined in subsection (b)(1) of this section; and

The person shall make the identification available upon the request of:

Is a person with a disability who meets the requirements of subsection (b)(1) of this section; or

Is accompanied by a dependent, or an individual who depends on the person for transportation, who meets the requirements of subsection (b)(1) of this section.

If the Administration finds it necessary to review the severity or permanency of a registration holder’s disability, the Administration may request a review and recommendations from the Medical Advisory Board established under § 16–118 of this article; and

If the Administration determines that eligibility requirements are not being met, the Administration may revoke the registration.

Is a resident of the State; and

A parking placard for a person with a disability may be issued to an applicant described in subsection (a) of this section only if the applicant submits proof satisfactory to the Administration that the applicant is a person with a disability as described in § 13–616(b) of this subtitle.

A parent or legal guardian may apply for a special disability parking placard on behalf of a qualified minor.

Except as provided in § 13–616(c) of this subtitle, the Administration may not issue to an applicant:

Except as provided in § 13–616(c) of this subtitle, the Administration may not issue to a person issued special vehicle registration plates under § 13–616 of this subtitle a combination of special disability registration plates and placards exceeding two.

If a placard is lost, stolen, or damaged, the placard holder may apply for a replacement placard on an application form and in the manner required by the Administration.

A parking placard for a person with a disability shall be issued:

A person to whom a parking placard for a person with a disability is issued shall display the placard described in this section:

Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, when displayed by the person to whom a removable windshield placard is issued, the removable windshield placard shall be hung from the inside rearview mirror when the vehicle is parked.

A person may not drive a vehicle while a removable windshield placard described under paragraph (1) of this subsection is hanging from the inside rearview mirror.

The removable windshield placard shall be placed inside a vehicle that is not equipped with an inside rearview mirror, in a position from which the removable windshield placard can be viewed from the outside of the vehicle through the lower portion of the windshield on the driver’s side of the vehicle.

When displayed, the person to whom a removable windshield placard is issued under this section or under a similar provision of law of any state or country is accorded the privileges contained in § 13–616(f) of this subtitle.

The person shall have in the person’s possession identification issued by the Administration as proof that parking privileges are being utilized by a person with a disability as defined in § 13–616(b)(1) of this subtitle; and

The person shall make the identification available upon the request of:

A person may not commit any fraud or make any misrepresentation in certifying a person’s disability or applying for or using a parking placard for a person with a disability.

A person who operates a motor vehicle displaying a parking placard for a person with a disability may not use the privileges granted under this section, unless the person is:

To determine if the eligibility requirements continue to be met, the Administration may conduct a review of a parking placard for a person with a disability that is issued by the Administration under this section and:

Administer the removable windshield placard program in accordance with the provisions of this section; and

By July 1, 2001, establish an automated system for recording the issuance, renewal, and expiration of placards in a timely manner to ensure that the objectives of the placard program are achieved in an efficient and orderly manner.

Proof satisfactory to the Administration that the applicant, the dependent of the applicant, or the individual who depends on the applicant for transportation is a person with a disability under subsection (a) of this section; and

The certification of a licensed physician, licensed physician assistant, licensed chiropractor, licensed optometrist, licensed podiatrist, or licensed physical therapist that the applicant, the dependent of the applicant, or the individual who depends on the applicant for transportation is disabled, including an estimate of the length of time the disability will continue.

A temporary parking placard for a person with a disability issued under this section shall be valid for a period of time the licensed physician, licensed physician assistant, licensed chiropractor, licensed optometrist, licensed podiatrist, or licensed physical therapist has determined that the applicant, the dependent of the applicant, or the individual who depends on the applicant for transportation is likely to have the disability, not to exceed 6 months.

The person to whom a temporary parking placard was issued under this section shall return the placard to the Administration within 5 calendar days of the placard’s expiration.

A temporary parking placard for a person with a disability shall be issued in the form, size, and design determined by the Administration.

A person to whom a temporary parking placard is issued shall display the placard described in this section in a vehicle described in § 13–616.1(e)(2) of this subtitle.

This section applies only to vehicles defined in §§ 13–616(b)(3) and 13–616.1(e)(2) of this subtitle.

Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, when displayed by the person to whom a temporary parking placard is issued, the temporary parking placard shall be hung from the inside rearview mirror when the vehicle is parked.

A person may not drive a vehicle while a temporary parking placard described under paragraph (1) of this subsection is hanging from the inside rearview mirror.

The temporary parking placard shall be placed inside a vehicle that is not equipped with an inside rearview mirror, in a position from which the temporary parking placard can be viewed from the outside of the vehicle through the lower portion of the windshield on the driver’s side of the vehicle.

When displayed, the person to whom a temporary parking placard is issued under this section or under a similar provision of law of any state or country is accorded the privileges contained in § 13–616(f) of this subtitle.

A person may not commit any fraud or make any misrepresentations in certifying a person’s disability or applying for or using a temporary parking placard.

Administer the temporary parking placard program in accordance with the provisions of this section; and

By July 1, 2001, establish an automated system for recording the issuance, renewal, and expiration of temporary placards in a timely manner to ensure that the objectives of the temporary placard program are achieved in an efficient and orderly manner.

The owner of any vehicle described in paragraph (2) of this subsection may apply to the Administration for the assignment to that vehicle of a special amateur radio registration number, if the applicant holds an amateur radio station license issued by the Federal Communications Commission.

This section applies only as to:

A Class A (passenger) vehicle;

A Class E (truck) vehicle with a manufacturer’s rated capacity of one ton or less;

A Class G (trailer) vehicle; or

A Class M (multipurpose) vehicle.

In addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required under this title, an owner of a vehicle assigned a commemorative registration plate under this section shall pay:

No portion of the additional initial registration or renewal fees may be credited to the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account for distribution under § 8–403 or § 8–404 of this article.

The Administration shall adopt regulations not inconsistent with the Maryland Vehicle Law to govern the issuance of special registration plates under this section, including regulations detailing the plan of distribution of the funds.

The Administration shall consult with the Chesapeake Bay Trust to establish a schedule under which the Administration will transfer to the Trust revenue collected on behalf of the Trust under this section.

A commemorative registration plate issued under this section shall display:

The Administration shall consult with the Chesapeake Bay Trust with respect to the design of the Chesapeake Bay Commemorative Registration Plate.

A Class A (passenger) vehicle;

A Class E (truck) vehicle with a manufacturer’s rated capacity of one ton or less; or

A Class M (multipurpose) vehicle.

In this subsection, “motorcyclist organization” means a motorcyclist organization, institution, association, society, or corporation that:

The owner of a Class D (motorcycle) vehicle who is a member of a motorcyclist organization may apply to the Administration for the assignment of a special registration number for the vehicle.

The owner of the motor vehicle submits, with the original application, proof satisfactory to the Administration that the owner of the vehicle is a member of a nonprofit organization and complies with the regulations adopted by the Administration under subsection (d) of this section;

At least 25 owners of vehicles in a class apply to the Administration for the assignment of special registration numbers, and at least 25 special registration numbers are issued initially; and

In the case of an owner who is applying as a surviving spouse, the owner submits proof satisfactory to the Administration that at the time of death of the owner’s spouse, the deceased spouse was the holder of a special registration number issued under this section.

In addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required under this title, an owner of a vehicle assigned a special registration under this section shall pay a fee determined by the Administration each time new registration plates are issued for the vehicle.

The fee:

The Maryland National Guard; or

A volunteer fire department, volunteer rescue squad, or volunteer ambulance company in this State.

The special registration plates or plate issued under this section may consist of:

A special registration number assigned under this section shall be displayed on the registration plates or plate for the vehicle.

An organization may, at its option, receive a special registration under either paragraph (1)(i) or paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection, but not under both.

The owner of a motor vehicle, or a lessee of the vehicle under a lease not intended as security, or a director, officer, employee, or partner of a business entity that owns the vehicle may apply to the Administration for the assignment of a special registration number and special registration plates under this section for a vehicle included in one of the following classes:

To be eligible for a special registration described under subsection (c)(2)(i) of this section, an applicant shall provide proof that is satisfactory to the Administration that the applicant is a recipient of an individually earned, combat–related armed forces medal or a non–combat–related uniformed services medal of the highest levels.

To be eligible for a special registration described under subsection (c)(2)(ii) of this section, an applicant shall provide proof that is satisfactory to the Administration that the applicant is an honorably discharged veteran.

To be eligible for a special registration described under subsection (c)(2)(iii) of this section, an applicant shall provide proof that is satisfactory to the Administration that the applicant is a recipient of the U.S. Department of Defense Gold Star or Next of Kin lapel button for surviving spouses, parents, and next of kin of members of the armed forces who lost their lives while serving on active duty or while assigned to a reserve or National Guard unit in a drill status.

Except as provided in paragraph (4) of this subsection, in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required under this title, an owner of a vehicle assigned a special registration under this section shall pay a fee as determined by the Administration each time new registration plates are issued for the vehicle.

The fee shall be calculated to:

A fee under this subsection may not be charged for the issuance of new special registration plates described under subsection (c)(2)(iii) of this section.

May consist of any combination of letters, numerals, or both; and

Shall include:

The Administration, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and appropriate representatives of the various branches of the uniformed services, shall adopt regulations specifying those uniformed services medals that are of the type described in subsection (a)(2) of this section and which, when awarded to an individual, qualify that individual to apply for special registration under this section.

The Administration may adopt other regulations as necessary to govern the issuance of special registration numbers and special registration plates under this section.

A Class A (passenger) vehicle;

A Class E (truck) vehicle with a manufacturer’s rated capacity of one ton or less;

A Class E (farm truck) vehicle;

A Class G (trailer) vehicle; or

A Class M (multipurpose) vehicle.

In addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required under this title, an owner of a vehicle assigned a registration plate under this section shall pay:

The additional fee collected under this section is not required for special registration of a vehicle that is exempt under § 13–903 of this title.

No portion of the fee collected under this section may be credited to the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account for distribution under § 8–403 or § 8–404 of this article.

The design of a registration plate to be issued under this section to honor Maryland agriculture;

The setting of the fee to be charged under subsection (c)(1)(ii) of this section at a level intended to encourage the purchase of the registration plate issued under this section while providing a continuous revenue source to benefit the Foundation; and

A schedule under which the Administration will transfer to the Foundation revenue collected on the Foundation’s behalf.

A Class A (passenger) vehicle;

A Class E (truck) vehicle with a manufacturer’s rated capacity of 1 ton or less;

A Class L (historic) vehicle;

A Class M (multipurpose) vehicle; or

A Class N (street rod) vehicle.

In addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required under this title, an owner of a vehicle assigned a registration plate under this section shall pay:

Fees collected under this subsection shall be:

A Class A (passenger) vehicle;

A Class E (truck) vehicle with a 1 ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity;

A Class M (multipurpose) vehicle; or

A Class D (motorcycle) vehicle.

Shall charge the annual registration fee and surcharge otherwise required under this title for special disabled veteran registration plates issued under this section; and

May not charge or retain any additional fee for the special registration plates.

May consist of any combination of letters, numerals, or both; and

Shall state “Disabled Veteran” on the special registration plates.

If the ownership of a motor vehicle assigned special disabled veteran registration plates under this section is transferred from the disabled veteran who qualified for the special registration plates to an individual who does not qualify for the special registration plates:

If the ownership of a motor vehicle assigned special disabled veteran registration plates under this section is transferred from the disabled veteran who qualified for the special registration plates to the disabled veteran’s spouse who does not qualify for the special registration plates:

May be used on and for the operation of any vehicle expressly authorized to be driven under that class of registration plate, without registering the specific vehicle with the Administration; and

Is interchangeable among these vehicles.

All of the special registration plates issued to that person are invalid; and

The person may not drive any vehicle or permit any vehicle to be driven under those plates.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

“Educational institution” includes:

“Licensed dealer” includes, as to Class 1A (dealer) plates provided for under § 13–940 of this title, a licensed manufacturer, licensed distributor, and licensed factory branch.

Drive, under any one dealer registration plate issued to the dealer:

As to any vehicle the dealer owns and to which is attached any one dealer registration plate issued to the dealer:

Any used vehicle owned by him and mainly used in his business; and

Any vehicle in his possession, but not owned by him, if he has the consent of the owner of the vehicle to this use.

Any bank that is authorized to do business in this State; and

Any other financial institution that is licensed to do business in this State by the Commissioner of Financial Regulation.

From the place of its repossession to a place of storage;

From one place of storage to another;

To or from a business for its repair; or

To or from a place for its inspection.

Delivering vehicles of a type required to be registered under this title from a manufacturing, assembling, or distributing plant to point of destination;

Transporting or moving these vehicles to or from places of business for repair, painting, remodeling, or installing equipment or for the transportation of recovered stolen vehicles by insurance companies;

A licensed auctioneer acting on behalf of a seller exempt from the licensing requirements of § 15–101(c)(3)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), and (vi) of this article; or

Transporting new or used mobile or modular homes.

Registration of its business; and

On registration, the issuance of as many special, transporter registration plates as the Administration authorizes.

Is engaged in the business of transporting new or used motor vehicles, new or used trailers, or mobile construction equipment;

Is subject to at least two written contracts under which the transporter is to repair, paint, remodel, or install equipment on vehicles or auction vehicles;

Is a licensed inspection station under Title 23 of this article; or

Is certified by the Interstate Commerce Commission or the United States government to transport vehicles as evidenced by the applicant’s certificate of public convenience and necessity and Interstate Commerce Commission docket number.

Is equipped to perform the services indicated on the application; and

Has facilities adequate for the type of business that the transporter proposes to conduct.

The registration of a transporter under this section expires at the time that the Administration designates when it registers the transporter.

After the expiration of its registration, a transporter may not exercise the privileges granted by this section until his registration has been renewed.

On a vehicle in the possession of, but not owned by, the transporter, if the vehicle is operated to facilitate delivery, inspection, repair, painting, remodeling, the installation of equipment on it, or relocation among storage facilities and points of pickup and delivery, and not for any personal, private, or public use; and

On a new or used mobile or modular home, if the transporter submits evidence of:

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

“Shuttle” means a procession of new vehicles being moved between a maritime port facility and a temporary storage area that is not more than 5 miles distant.

“Shuttle permit” means a permit authorizing a registered vehicle to lead a shuttle on a highway.