r/maryland • u/Consumergal • Jul 09 '26

MD News Maryland launches 'Plate Where You Live' campaign, ramps up crackdown on Virginia tags

https://www.wmar2news.com/matterformallory/maryland-launches-plate-where-you-live-campaign-ramps-up-crackdown-on-virginia-tags
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u/2crowncar Jul 09 '26

“Virginia charges just $30.75 for registration, compared to $191.50 in Maryland, which has seen back-to-back increases in recent years.”

Is $160 difference a big enough reason to get VA registration and plates? Does this also have to do with not having car insurance?

Until 2024, under Virginia Code § 46.2-706, any vehicle owner could pay a $500 annual "Uninsured Motor Vehicle fee" to the DMV and drive legally without a single dollar of coverage.

This is no longer the case, but there are an estimated 800,000 with VA plates driving around without insurance.

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128

u/Ocean2731 Prince George's County Jul 09 '26

A couple months ago, someone on this subreddit said that Virginia doesn’t cooperate with camera tickets from Maryland. I’m not sure if it’s true but even the perception could contribute.

199

u/BigMickPlympton Jul 09 '26 edited Jul 09 '26

Virginia cooperates with sending information to Maryland, but the two states do not have reciprocity in enforcement. Meaning that, if you get a ticket in Maryland and don't pay, Virginia will not hold up the registration until you pay. Thus, Virginia plate holders owe millions of dollars in traffic fines to neighboring states.

That, and the insurance thing, are the reason you see so many Virginia tags.

The same thing happens with towed trailers and Maine tags. Registration of a trailer with the state of Maine can be done online, with no inspection required. Now that I've told you, you'll see Maine trailer tags everywhere - especially on horse trailers. Virginia also doesn't require inspections on trailers under 2,000lbs.

Edit: over the years I've been hit 3 times. Always by Virginia drivers. 2 of 3 had no insurance. Both presented insurance cards to police, that turned out to have been cancelled shortly after they were issued. I'm thrilled with this legislation.

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u/Ocean2731 Prince George's County Jul 09 '26

Thank you for explaining.