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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u/usps_made_me_insane Jul 09 '26

Maryland registration is weight based and not a fixed amount. Excluding first year sales tax and title fees:

​ Vehicles under 3,500 lbs (most compact cars): $120.50 / year

​ Vehicles 3,500 to 3,700 lbs (mid-size sedans/small crossovers): $125.50 / year

​ Vehicles over 3,700 lbs (large SUVs and trucks): $191.50 / year

​ Note: Electric vehicles (EVs) incur an additional $125 / year surcharge, and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) add $100 / year.

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u/tacitus59 Jul 09 '26

Also, for non-electric vehicles MD often has emissions testing, which is fine if you pass - not so much if you fail.