Bill > HB68

This bill establishes the "Old Line Plate Program Act of 2026" in Maryland, allowing owners of qualifying vehicles, such as passenger cars, trucks under 10,000 pounds, and multipurpose vehicles, to obtain special registration plates. An "old line number" is defined as a numeric-only registration number with one to five digits, without letters or punctuation, and an "old line plate" is a plate bearing such a number, designed to resemble the 1911 Maryland registration plates with white characters on a black background. The bill creates a "registration number right," which is a transferable authorization to use a specific old line number on a qualifying vehicle. The Administration will manage an inventory of unassigned old line numbers and will conduct public auctions for these rights, setting rules for bidding and qualifications. While the state retains ownership of the plates, holders of registration number rights can transfer them under certain conditions, with restrictions on how frequently a right can be transferred unless it's to an immediate family member or part of a business reorganization. The Administration can deny, suspend, or revoke these rights for misuse or non-payment of fees, and any reverted rights can be re-auctioned. Fees collected will cover the Administration's costs and be credited to the Transportation Trust Fund. The first auction of old line numbers must occur by December 1, 2026, and the act takes effect on October 1, 2026.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0068?ys=2026RS