Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the Administration may design temporary registration plates and furnish them to any licensed dealer who:
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 wholesale dealer may not apply for temporary registration plates.
Subject to the provisions of this part, a licensed dealer may issue one temporary registration plate for a vehicle to the person who buys the vehicle from the dealer, whether or not the vehicle is to be registered in this State.
The dealer may not issue more than one temporary registration for any vehicle.
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.
Before a temporary registration plate may be issued for a vehicle, the buyer of the vehicle shall complete and deliver to the dealer a temporary registration plate application, on the form that the Administration requires.
On the same day that a dealer issues a temporary registration plate for a vehicle, the dealer shall:
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.
On request of the buyer of a vehicle to whom the dealer has issued a temporary registration plate, the dealer immediately shall send to the Administration an application completed by the buyer for the annual registration of the vehicle.
On request of the buyer of a vehicle to whom the dealer has issued a temporary registration plate, the dealer immediately shall send to the Administration, the required registration fee collected from the buyer.
If the dealer is not requested to send an application to the Administration for annual registration of the vehicle, the dealer shall notify the Administration of this fact when he complies with § 13-602(c) of this subtitle.
Each dealer who issues a temporary registration plate shall insert clearly and indelibly on the face of the plate the dates of its issuance and expiration.
Each dealer who issues a temporary registration plate shall insert clearly and indelibly on the face of the plate the make and vehicle identification number of the vehicle for which the plate is issued.
A temporary registration plate shall be attached, in the manner provided in § 13-411 of this title, to the rear of the vehicle for which it is issued.
The temporary registration of a vehicle under this part expires on the first to occur of:
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.
The Administration may extend the temporary registration for a vehicle under this part for a period not to exceed 30 days if the Administration is satisfied that reasonable conditions exist to justify the granting of this extension.
The person to whom a temporary registration plate has been issued for a vehicle shall destroy the temporary registration plate as soon as the temporary registration expires.
Each dealer who has applied for temporary registration plates under § 13–601 of this subtitle shall keep a record for 3 years of all temporary registration plates delivered to the dealer.
Each dealer who has applied for temporary registration plates under § 13–601 of this subtitle shall keep a record for 3 years of all temporary registration plates issued by the dealer.
Each dealer who has applied for temporary registration plates under § 13–601 of this subtitle shall keep a record for 3 years of any other relevant information that the Administration requires.
A person may not issue any temporary registration plate that contains any misstatement of fact.
A person may not knowingly insert any false information on the face of a temporary registration plate.
A dealer may not issue a temporary registration plate to any person who has annual registration plates for a vehicle that has been sold or exchanged.
A dealer may not lend a temporary registration plate to any person.
A dealer may not use a temporary registration plate on any vehicle that the dealer owns.
A dealer may not otherwise issue, assign, transfer, or deliver any temporary registration plate to any person for any reason except as authorized by this part.
If, after notice and hearing, the Administrator determines that a dealer has failed to comply with any provision of this part or of the rules and regulations adopted by the Administration under this part, the Administrator may suspend the privilege of the dealer to issue temporary registration plates.
The Administration may not refund or credit any fee paid by a dealer for a temporary registration plate. However, if the Administration discontinues the issuance of temporary registration plates, a dealer who returns them to the Administration may apply for and is entitled to a refund of or a credit for the fee paid for them.
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.
Subject to the approval of the Administration, a service provider may:
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.
The Administration shall adopt regulations to:
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.
Except as otherwise expressly provided in this part, every special registration number assigned to a vehicle under this part shall be displayed, as specified in § 13-410 of this title, on the special registration plates issued for that vehicle.
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 Class A (passenger) vehicle;
A Class D (motorcycle) vehicle;
A Class E (truck) vehicle with a one ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity;
A Class G (nonfreight trailer) vehicle;
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 by this title, the applicant shall pay an additional annual fee of $50, payable with the original and each renewal application for special registration under this section.
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.
The proceeds collected annually from the additional fees charged under this section shall be distributed to the Transportation Trust Fund.
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:
Has lung disease to such an extent that forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one second when measured by spirometry is less than one liter, or arterial oxygen tension (PO2) is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest;
Has cardiovascular disease limitations classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to standards accepted by the American Heart Association;
Is unable to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest;
Is unable to walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, or other assistive device;
Requires a wheelchair for mobility;
Has lost a foot, leg, hand, or arm;
Has lost the use of a foot, leg, hand, or arm;
Has a permanent impairment of both eyes so that:
The central visual acuity is 20/200 or less in the better eye, with corrective glasses; or
There is a field defect in which the peripheral field has contracted to such an extent that the widest diameter of visual field subtends an angular distance no greater than 20 degrees in the better eye; or
Has a permanent disability that adversely impacts the ambulatory ability of the applicant and which is so severe that the person would endure a hardship or be subject to a risk of injury if the privileges accorded a person for whom a vehicle is specially registered under this section were denied.
For the purposes of this section, the qualifying disabilities specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be certified as follows:
A licensed physician, licensed physician assistant, or certified nurse practitioner may certify conditions specified in paragraph (1)(i) through (ix) of this subsection;
A licensed chiropractor, licensed podiatrist, or licensed physical therapist may certify conditions specified in paragraph (1)(iii) through (vii) and (ix) of this subsection;
A licensed optometrist may certify the condition specified in paragraph (1)(viii) of this subsection; and
Notwithstanding any provision of paragraph (1) of this subsection, the applicant may self–certify conditions specified in paragraph (1)(vi) of this subsection by appearing in person with proper identification at a full–service Motor Vehicle Administration office during normal business hours.
This section applies only to:
A Class A (passenger) vehicle;
A Class D (motorcycle) vehicle;
A Class M (multipurpose) vehicle;
A Class E (truck) vehicle with a one ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity; or
A Class H, I, or J vehicle that is specially equipped for the transportation of individuals with disabilities and is used exclusively for the transportation of individuals with disabilities.
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a nursing home, health care facility, adult day care facility, retirement home, or other facility that regularly provides transportation for individuals with disabilities may apply to the Administration for special disability registration for vehicles owned by the facility.
An application for special disability registration under this paragraph shall contain:
The certification of the owner or operator of the facility that the vehicle for which the registration is sought is used exclusively for the transportation of individuals with disabilities as described in paragraph (1) of this subsection; and
Any other information or documentation concerning the facility or the vehicle that the Administration requires.
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:
Possesses one valid special registration issued under this section; or
Possesses two parking placards issued under § 13–616.1 of this subtitle.
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.
Except as provided under §§ 13–951 and 13–952 of this title, no fee in addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title is required for special registration under this section.
A special registration number assigned under this section shall:
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:
Emergency vehicles defined under § 11–118 of this article;
Service vehicles defined under § 22–201 of this article;
Class B (for hire) vehicles;
Class C (funeral and ambulance) vehicles;
Class H (school) vehicles;
Class I (charter bus) vehicles;
Class J (vanpool) vehicles;
Class P (passenger bus) vehicles;
Class Q (limousine) vehicles; and
State or local government vehicles.
The person for whom special registration plates are issued under this section or under a similar provision of any other state or country:
Except as provided in items (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph, may park for unlimited periods in parking zones restricted as to the length of parking time permitted; and
Is not required to pay any parking meter fees of this State or of any political subdivision of this State where parking meters do not meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act;
May park in a parking space equipped with a parking meter only for:
Except as provided in item 2 of this item, twice the maximum time period permitted on the parking meter but not to exceed a maximum of 4 hours; and
If the parking meter permits parking for more than 4 hours, the period permitted on the parking meter; and
Subject to the posted time restriction specified for the parking zone, may park in a designated zone for the handicapped established:
At any State–owned airport; or
By Baltimore County on any county highway.
The provisions of this subsection supersede any local ordinance, except that they do not apply:
To zones where stopping, standing, or parking is prohibited to all vehicles;
To zones that are reserved for special types of vehicles;
Where there is a local ordinance that prohibits parking during heavy traffic periods in morning, afternoon, or evening rush hours, or where parking clearly would present a traffic hazard; or
In Baltimore City, where there is a local ordinance that restricts parking for vehicles that do not display a specified residential parking permit.
When using the parking privileges granted under this section:
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:
A police officer, while the officer is discharging the official duties of a police officer; or
Any other person authorized by a political subdivision to enforce this section, while acting within the scope of this authority.
A person may not commit any fraud or make any misrepresentation in applying for disability registration plates, using special disability registration plates, or certifying an individual with a disability as defined in subsection (b)(1) of this section for special disability registration under this section.
A person who operates a motor vehicle with a special disability registration number or special disability registration plates may not use the privileges granted under this section, unless the person:
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.
To determine if the eligibility requirements continue to be met, the Administration may conduct a review of a registration that is issued by the Administration under this subsection and:
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.
The Administration shall administer the special registration plates program in accordance with the provisions of this section.
In accordance with the provisions of this section, each board for licensed physicians, licensed physician assistants, licensed chiropractors, licensed optometrists, licensed podiatrists, or licensed physical therapists shall be responsible for the development and maintenance of a database system with which the Administration can interface and verify licensure.
A person may apply to the Administration for a parking placard on a form provided by the Administration if the applicant:
Is a resident of the State; and
Has a permanent disability as described in § 13–616(b)(1) of this subtitle and as certified by a licensed physician, licensed physician assistant, licensed chiropractor, licensed optometrist, licensed podiatrist, or licensed physical therapist, as defined in § 13–616(a) of this subtitle; or
Has a permanent disability as described in § 13–616(b)(1)(vi) of this subtitle and as self–certified as provided by § 13–616(b)(2)(iv) of this subtitle.
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:
More than one placard if the applicant requests one set of special registration plates under § 13–616 of this subtitle; or
More than two placards if the applicant does not request a set of special registration plates under § 13–616 of this subtitle.
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.
A placard issued under this section to an applicant described in subsection (a) of this section is valid until the death of the placard holder.
On receipt of notification of the death of the placard holder, the Administration shall mark the record of the placard as expired and shall send notice to the last known address of the placard holder requesting the return of the placard to the Administration.
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:
Except as provided in item (ii) or item (iii) of this paragraph, in the form of a removable windshield placard capable of being hung from the inside rearview mirror and of a size and design as determined by the Administration;
For a vehicle not equipped with an inside rearview mirror or in which the inside rearview mirror is not visible from the rear of the vehicle, in the form of a windshield placard of a size and design as determined by the Administration; or
For a Class D (motorcycle) vehicle, in the form of a sticker of a size and design as designated by the Administration.
A person to whom a parking placard for a person with a disability is issued shall display the placard described in this section:
In a Class A (passenger) vehicle or a Class M (multipurpose) vehicle;
On a Class D (motorcycle) vehicle as required by the Administration;
In a Class E (truck) vehicle with a one ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity and specially equipped for the transportation of or operation by an individual with a disability; or
In a Class H, I, or J vehicle that is specially equipped for the transportation of individuals with disabilities and is used exclusively for the transportation of individuals with disabilities.
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.
When using the parking privileges granted under § 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 police officer, while the officer is discharging the official duties of a police officer; or
Any other person authorized by a political subdivision to enforce this section, while acting within the scope of this authority.
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:
A person with a disability who meets the requirements of § 13–616(b)(1) of this subtitle; or
Accompanied by a dependent, or an individual who depends on the person for transportation, who meets the requirements of § 13–616(b)(1) of this subtitle.
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:
If the Administration finds it necessary to review the severity or permanency of a placard 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 parking placard for a person with a disability.
The Administration shall:
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.
In accordance with the provisions of this section, each board for licensed physicians, licensed physician assistants, licensed chiropractors, licensed optometrists, licensed podiatrists, or licensed physical therapists shall be responsible for the development and maintenance of a database system, with which the Administration can interface and verify licensure.
A person may apply to the Administration for a temporary parking placard on a form provided by the Administration if:
The applicant is a resident of the State;
The applicant, a dependent of the applicant, or any individual who depends on the applicant for transportation has a disability, as described in § 13–616(b)(1) of this subtitle; and
A licensed physician, licensed physician assistant, licensed chiropractor, licensed optometrist, licensed podiatrist, or licensed physical therapist, as defined in § 13–616(a) of this subtitle, certifies that the disability is not permanent but would substantially impair the applicant’s mobility or limit or impair the applicant’s ability to walk for at least 3 weeks, and is so severe that the applicant would endure a hardship or be subject to risk of injury if the temporary parking placard were denied; or
The applicant is a nonresident who is temporarily living in the State; and
The applicant, a dependent of the applicant, or any individual who depends on the applicant for transportation:
Submits proof satisfactory to the Administration that the individual has a disability as described in § 13–616(b)(1) of this subtitle; and
Is in the State to obtain medical treatment;
Is serving in the uniformed services and is stationed in the State;
Holds a current Maryland nonresident permit issued under § 13–402.1(e) of this title; or
Is subject to any other circumstances that would require the use of a temporary parking placard as determined by the Administrator.
An application under subsection (a) of this section shall be accompanied by:
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.
To determine if the eligibility requirements continue to be met, the Administration may conduct a review of a temporary parking placard that is issued by the Administration under this section.
If the Administration finds it necessary to review the severity of a placard holder’s disability or the current status of the temporary disability, the Administration may request a review and recommendations from the Medical Advisory Board established under § 16–118 of this article.
If the Administration determines that eligibility requirements are not being met, the Administration may revoke the temporary parking placard.
The Administration shall:
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.
In accordance with the provisions of this section, each board for licensed physicians, licensed physician assistants, licensed chiropractors, licensed optometrists, licensed podiatrists, or licensed physical therapists shall be responsible for the development and maintenance of a database system with which the Administration can interface and verify licensure.
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; or
A Class E (truck) vehicle with a one ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity.
Special registration may be issued and continued under this section only if the applicant submits, with the original and each renewal application, proof satisfactory to the Administration that the applicant holds an amateur radio station license issued by the Federal Communications Commission.
In addition to the annual registration fee otherwise required by this title, the applicant shall pay an additional annual fee of $5, payable with the original and each renewal application for special registration under this section.
A special registration number assigned under this section shall consist of the amateur radio call letters assigned to the applicant by the Federal Communications Commission.
The Administration shall issue a special Chesapeake Bay Commemorative Registration Plate.
The owner of a 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 considered eligible by the Administration may apply to the Administration for the assignment of a commemorative registration plate under this section if the vehicle is included in one of the following classes:
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:
An additional initial registration fee set by the Administration when the new registration plates are issued to the vehicle under this section; or
An additional renewal fee set by the Administration each time the plate is renewed.
The Administration shall set the additional initial registration fee at a level that will enable the Administration to recover its costs under this section.
The Administration may set the additional initial registration fee at a level that is sufficient to result in a surplus after costs are subtracted.
The Administration shall retain a portion of the additional initial registration fee that is sufficient to allow the Administration to recover any costs of issuing and distributing commemorative plates under this section.
Any surplus moneys remaining after the Administration has recovered the costs of issuing a commemorative plate under this section and moneys collected for additional renewal fees may not be retained by or transferred to any agency of the State for any purpose.
Notwithstanding subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph, the surplus moneys and moneys collected for additional renewal fees shall be disbursed by the Administration to the Chesapeake Bay Trust.
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.
The additional fees to the annual registration fee required by this section are not required for special registration of a vehicle that is exempt under § 13–903 of this title.
A commemorative registration plate issued under this section shall display:
A special registration number assigned by the Administration that may consist of any combination of:
Letters; and
Numerals; and
A design approved by the Administration that adequately reflects the Chesapeake Bay theme that the plate commemorates.
The Administration shall consult with the Chesapeake Bay Trust with respect to the design of the Chesapeake Bay Commemorative Registration Plate.
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 who is a member or, subject to subsection (c)(3) of this section, the surviving spouse of a member, of an organization considered eligible by the Administration may apply to the Administration for the assignment of a special registration number if the vehicle is included in one of the following classes:
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:
Is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code; and
Is determined by the Administration to be eligible under this section.
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 Administration may issue and continue a special registration number under this section if:
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.
The Administration shall adopt regulations not inconsistent with the Maryland Vehicle Law to govern the issuance of special registration plates to members of nonprofit organizations 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:
May not exceed the amount required to enable the Administration to recover its costs under this section;
Shall be retained by the Administration for the purpose of recovering its cost under this section; 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 additional fee required under subsection (e) of this section is not required for special registration of a vehicle that is exempt under § 13-903 of this title, or a vehicle with a special registration plate recognizing:
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:
Any combination of letters, numerals, or both; and
The name, initials, or abbreviation of the name of the organization; or
Any combination of letters, numerals, or both;
The name, initials, or abbreviation of the name of the organization; and
An emblem or logo as authorized by the Administration that depicts the organization.
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:
A Class A (passenger) vehicle;
A Class E (truck) vehicle with a one ton or less manufacturer’s rated capacity;
A Class M (multipurpose) vehicle; or
A Class D (motorcycle) vehicle.
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:
Recover the costs incurred by the Administration in carrying out the provisions of this section; and
Result in a surplus of at least $10 for each issuance of new registration plates under this section.
The portion of the additional fee charged under paragraph (2)(i) of this subsection shall be retained by the Administration for the purpose of recovering the Administration’s costs under this section.
The portion of the additional fee charged under paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection:
May not be retained by or transferred to any agency of the State for any purpose; and
Shall be credited to the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund established under § 9–913 of the State Government Article.
No portion of the additional fee charged under this subsection may be credited to the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account for distribution under § 8–403 or § 8–404 of this article.
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.
Special registration plates issued under this section:
May consist of any combination of letters, numerals, or both; and
Shall include:
For registration plates issued for an applicant described in subsection (a)(2) of this section:
An emblem or logo as authorized by the Administration that depicts the applicant’s uniformed services medal; and
Except on plates issued for Class D (motorcycle) vehicles, words describing the medal printed across the bottom of the plates;
Words or an emblem or logo indicating that the special registration plate holder is an honorably discharged veteran; or
An emblem or logo indicating that the registration plate holder is the recipient of the U.S. Department of Defense Gold Star or Next of Kin lapel button.
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.
If, whether by act of the parties or by operation of law, the title or ownership interest in a vehicle assigned a special registration under this section is transferred from the joint names of a husband and wife to the individual name of either spouse, the transferee may continue to use the same special registration plates issued under this section on the vehicle after the transfer.
In consultation with the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation, Inc. the Administration shall develop and make available for qualifying vehicles a specially designed registration plate honoring Maryland agriculture.
The owner of a 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 considered eligible by the Administration may apply to the Administration for an original or substitute registration plate under this section if the vehicle is included in one of the following classes:
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:
When initially issued the registration plate, a onetime fee set by the Administration to recover the Administration’s costs under this section; and
When initially issued the registration plate, and each time the registration plate is renewed, an additional fee set by the Administration to benefit the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation, Inc.
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 Administration shall consult with the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation, Inc. on:
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.
The Administration shall adopt regulations to govern the issuance of special registration plates under this section.
The Administration shall develop and make available for qualifying vehicles a specially designed vintage reproduction registration plate.
The owner of a vehicle, or a lessee of the vehicle under a lease not intended as security, or a director, an officer, an employee, or a partner of a business entity that owns the vehicle considered eligible by the Administration may apply to the Administration for a registration plate under this section if the vehicle is included in one of the following classes:
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:
$100 when initially issued the registration plate; and
$25 each time the registration plate is renewed.
Fees collected under this subsection shall be:
Used to recover the Administration’s costs under this section; and
Credited to the Gasoline and Motor Vehicle Revenue Account for distribution under § 8–403 or § 8–404 of this article.
The special registration plate issued under this section shall resemble the black lettering on yellow background registration plate issued by the State for display on a motor vehicle in 1910.
The owner of a motor vehicle, or a lessee of the vehicle under a lease not intended as security, may apply to the Administration for the assignment of special disabled veteran registration plates under this section for a vehicle included in one of the following classes:
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.
To be eligible for a special disabled veteran registration plate under this section, an applicant shall provide proof that is satisfactory to the Administration that the applicant is a veteran who is between 50% and 99%, inclusive, service–connected disabled as designated or classified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Administration may issue a special disabled veteran registration plate that does not display the international symbol of access in recognition of the vehicle owner’s service–connected disability to an individual who is a veteran and is between 50% and 99%, inclusive, service–connected disabled.
The Administration:
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.
Special disabled veteran registration plates issued under this section:
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:
The transferor shall return the special registration plates to the Administration; and
The transferee shall obtain vehicle title, registration, and registration plates as required by law; and
If the transferor and the transferee were joint owners of the motor vehicle before the transfer, the Administration may not charge the transferee the fee otherwise required for the replacement of registration plates under § 13–952 of this title.
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:
The transferor shall return the special registration plates to the Administration; and
The transferee shall obtain vehicle title, registration, and registration plates as required by law; and
The Administration may not charge the transferee the fee otherwise required for the replacement of registration plates under § 13–952 of this title.
The Administration may adopt regulations necessary to govern the issuance of the special disabled veteran registration plates under this section.
A special registration plate issued under this part:
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.
A vehicle may not be driven under a special registration plate issued under this part unless the plate is displayed on the vehicle in the manner required by § 13-411 of this title.
A special registration plate issued under this part may not be used on or for the operation of any vehicle other than a vehicle expressly authorized to be driven under that class of registration plate.
If the required license or authorization to do business of a person to whom a special registration plate is issued under this part expires or is canceled, suspended, or revoked, or if the Administration notifies the person that the special registration plates issued to the person have been suspended or revoked under § 13-706 of this title:
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:
Public schools, as defined in § 1–101(k) of the Education Article; and
A public institution of higher education, as defined in § 11–206.1(a)(2) of the Education Article.
“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.
If a licensed dealer owns a vehicle that is mainly used in the dealer’s business and that otherwise is required to be registered under this title, the dealer may apply to the Administration for the issuance of as many special, dealer registration plates as the Administration authorizes.
Except as otherwise provided in § 15–305.1 of this article and Subtitle 9 of this title, a licensed dealer may:
Drive, under any one dealer registration plate issued to the dealer:
Any vehicle owned by the dealer and mainly used in the dealer’s business; and
Any vehicle in the possession of the dealer, but not owned by him, if the dealer has the consent of the owner of the vehicle to this use; and
As to any vehicle the dealer owns and to which is attached any one dealer registration plate issued to the dealer:
Lend the vehicle to a prospective buyer, for demonstration purposes; and
Permit the prospective buyer to drive the vehicle under that plate for a period of not more than 10 days from the date of delivery of the vehicle to the prospective buyer, regardless of the business in which the prospective buyer is engaged or the use to which the vehicle will be put during the demonstration period; and
Lend the vehicle to an educational institution that provides accommodations for the deaf and hard of hearing in its driver’s education instruction under a manufacturer–sponsored driver’s education loan program approved by the Administration.
If an automotive dismantler and recycler or scrap processor licensed under Title 15 of this article owns a vehicle that is mainly used in his business and that otherwise is required to be registered under this title, he may apply to the Administration for the issuance of as many special, recycler registration plates as the Administration authorizes.
A licensed automotive dismantler and recycler or scrap processor may drive, under any one recycler registration plate issued to him:
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.
When operating a vehicle with special recycler registration plates outside of this State, a licensed automotive dismantler and recycler or scrap processor shall operate the vehicle exclusively for the business purposes of automotive dismantling and recycling or scrap processing.
In this section, “financial institution” means:
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.
Any financial institution may apply to the Administration for the issuance of as many special, finance company registration plates as the Administration authorizes.
A financial institution may drive, under any one finance company registration plate issued to it, any vehicle repossessed by or on behalf of the financial institution:
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.
The owner or operator of any special mobile equipment may apply to the Administration for the issuance of as many special, mobile equipment registration plates as the Administration authorizes.
The owner or operator of any special mobile equipment may operate the special mobile equipment under any one mobile equipment registration plate issued under this section.
In this section, “transporter” means a person in the business of:
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.
Any transporter may apply to the Administration for:
Registration of its business; and
On registration, the issuance of as many special, transporter registration plates as the Administration authorizes.
Each application under this section shall be accompanied by evidence that the transporter:
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.
A transporter may not be registered under this section unless the business of the transporter:
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.
A transporter registered under this section immediately shall notify the Administration in writing of any change of address, business name, business designation, or any other information given on or with his last application for registration or renewal.
Transporter registration plates may be used only:
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:
Proper registration of the towing vehicle; and
Commercial insurance as required by the Administration.
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.
The Administration may issue shuttle permits to a person submitting an application that shall be on a form and contain the information that the Administration requires.
The Administration shall charge a fee for shuttle permits, not to exceed the cost of procurement and issuance of the permits.
When a vehicle is leading a shuttle on a highway, a shuttle permit shall be displayed on the dashboard of the vehicle.
When operated under the provisions of this section, a vehicle in a shuttle shall be covered by the required security contained in Title 17 of this article.
A vehicle in a shuttle may not be operated on a highway except on the most direct route between the authorized points.
In addition to any other penalty provided in this article, a violation of any of the provisions of this section may result in the suspension or revocation of a person’s authorization for obtaining shuttle permits.
Any person to whom special registration plates have been issued under the law relating to common carriers, as set forth in § 13-423(a) of this title, may, after notifying the Administration of his intention to do so:
Transfer, for a period of not more than 15 days, the registration plates to a motor vehicle owned by a manufacturer; and
Operate the vehicle over the existing route or routes for a trial or demonstration period.