New laws focus on streamlining MVA services, improving customer service

New laws which went into effect Oct. 1, will streamline services and improve customer experience at the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).

Among the changes, the MVA will be able to print death certificates, extend the validity of learner’s permits and waive some state ID fees and the identification card fee for customers experiencing unique hardships.

The Motor Vehicle Administration introduced the departmental bills during the 2024 legislative session, which were passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Wes Moore.

Under House Bill 161 (Chapter 404)/Senate Bill 277 (Chapter 405): Vehicle Laws — Driver’s Licenses, Learner’s Instructional Permits, and Identification Cards

The MVA will be allowed to issue an identification (ID) card to certain populations free of charge, including but not limited to customers who are permanently disabled, unhoused, legally blind or youth under the care of the Department of Juvenile Services.

The new law also benefits licensed drivers seeking to operate another vehicle class and extends the expiration date of a learner’s permit from six months to one year. This provides customers with additional time for road training.

The law provides accommodations to civilian contractors of the federal government, including those working abroad for the military or state department to renew their driver’s license or ID card while stationed overseas.

Another law, House Bill 230 (Chapter 406)/Senate Bill 267 (Chapter 407): Motor Vehicle Administration and Local Health Departments — Death Certificates — Issuance of Copies

The MVA will now print death certificates. This will result in improved customer service for people seeking a title transfer from a deceased vehicle owner. Current Maryland law requires applicants to produce a death certificate to complete title transfers and the process would often take applicants multiple visits to the MVA.

The measure expands on a 2018 law that allows the MVA to print birth certificates for customers born in Maryland. Since implementation in 2020, nearly 5,000 birth certificates have been printed at the seven participating branches.

Senate Bill 672 (Chapter 585)/House Bill 552 (Chapter 586): Vehicle Laws — Automated Enforcement Citations and Notices — Mailing Addresses

Jurisdictions issuing an automated enforcement ticket will now send citations to the vehicle owner’s current address using MVA records. This includes civil citations issued through red light, speed, toll and school bus cameras.

This new legal requirement ensures a uniform procedure for all jurisdictions across the state to avoid citations being sent to an outdated address, which may result in additional vehicle flags and administrative fees.

Other bills that went into effect on Oct. 1 related to motor vehicle operations include:

SB 275 (CH 25)/HB231 (CH 24): Vehicle Laws — Special Registration Plates — Gold Star and Next of Kin Families

Recipients of a U.S. Department of Defense Next of Kin lapel button can now apply for special registration plates and waives the new license plates fee.

HB 105 (CH 715): Drunk Driving Offenses — Ignition Interlock Program

A person convicted of or granted probation before judgment for certain criminal offenses related to driving while impaired is now required to participate in the Ignition Interlock System Program.

HB 178 (CH 472)/SB 55 (CH 473): Vehicle Laws — Disabled Veteran Registration Plates

The MVA will now issue special disabled veteran registration plates to disabled veterans.

HB337 (CH464)/SB 315 (CH 465): Vehicle Laws – Bike Lanes and Shoulders – Yielding Right-of-Way

A vehicle must now yield to a person on a bicycle, motor scooter or other mobility device in a designated bike lane or shoulder. Should a crash occur resulting in a serious injury to the person in the designated bike lane or shoulder, the driver is subject to imprisonment and/or a fine.

For a complete list of motor vehicle laws passed by the 2024 General Assembly, go to https://tinyurl.com/26emej9b .

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This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: New laws focus on streamlining MVA services, improving customer service