Bill > HB1166

This bill requires motor vehicle dealers in Maryland to ensure that new vehicles requiring two registration plates, which will be registered in the state, are delivered to buyers or lessees with front registration plate mounting hardware or another mechanism for securely displaying the front plate, or that the buyer or lessee signs a written statement acknowledging they declined the installation of such hardware. This statement must inform the buyer or lessee that state law requires a front registration plate, that mounting hardware is available from the dealer, and that failing to display the plate is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500. Dealers must then submit these signed statements, along with other required registration documents, to the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). The MVA will develop a standardized written statement for this purpose and create regulations for its submission and use, including disclosure to law enforcement for enforcing the front plate display law. The bill also states that dealers who submit a signed written statement are not liable regarding the buyer or lessee who signed it. This legislation takes effect on October 1, 2026.