§ 15–201
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 15-201 (2026)
Title 15. Vehicle Laws -- Licensing of Businesses and Occupations
Subtitle 2. Manufacturers, Distributors, and Factory Branches
§ 15–201LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(a–1)
“Dealer association” means a business entity that:
(1)
Is primarily owned by or composed of dealers that collectively represent a majority of the franchised dealers in the State; and
(2)
Primarily represents the interests of dealers.
(b)
(1)
“Distributor” means a distributor who is authorized by the manufacturer or the manufacturer’s authorized importer to enter into franchise agreements with dealers of:
(i)
New motor vehicles constructed or assembled outside of the United States; or
(ii)
New two–stage vehicles completed outside of the United States by a second–stage manufacturer.
(2)
“Distributor” does not include an autonomous vehicle converter as defined in § 15–901 of this title.
(c)
(1)
“Factory branch” means a branch office of a manufacturer from which the manufacturer:
(i)
Sells or promotes the sale to dealers in this State of a particular brand or make of new motor vehicles, or new completed two–stage vehicles;
(ii)
Directs and supervises its representatives in this State; or
(iii)
Supervises or contacts its dealers or prospective dealers in this State.
(2)
“Factory branch” does not include an autonomous vehicle converter as defined in § 15–901 of this title.
(d)
“License” means a manufacturer’s, distributor’s, or factory branch’s license issued by the Administration under this subtitle.
(e)
(1)
“Manufacturer” means:
(i)
A manufacturer of new motor vehicles constructed or assembled in the United States;
(ii)
A second–stage manufacturer of new two–stage vehicles completed in the United States; and
(iii)
In the case of trucks, a person engaged in the business of manufacturing truck component parts.
(2)
“Manufacturer” does not include an autonomous vehicle converter as defined in § 15–901 of this title.
(f)
“Manufacturer association” means a business entity that:
(1)
Is primarily owned by or composed of manufacturers that collectively represent a majority of the manufacturers in the State; and
(2)
Primarily represents the interests of manufacturers.
(g)
“Second–stage manufacturer” has the meaning stated in § 13–113.2 of this article.