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Bill

HB 68

Motor Vehicles - Special Registration Plates - Old Line Plates (Old Line Plate Program Act of 2026)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Vaughn Stewart

Maryland creates special "Old Line Plate" registration program allowing drivers to display distinctive plates, generating state revenue through premium registration fees.

Hearing 2/05 at 1:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 68

Legislative bill overview

HB 68 establishes the "Old Line Plate Program," which creates special registration plates for vehicles in Maryland. The bill appears to authorize the Motor Vehicle Administration to issue distinctive license plates bearing historical or regional significance related to Maryland's "Old Line State" heritage. This is a specialized vehicle registration program similar to other states' vanity or commemorative plate offerings.

Why is this important

Special registration plates generate revenue for the state through higher fees while allowing vehicle owners to express regional pride or support specific causes (depending on program design). The program could fund particular state initiatives or organizations if structured with dedicated revenue streams, while also serving as a cultural or historical promotion mechanism for Maryland's identity.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue allocation uncertainty – Without seeing the full bill text, it's unclear whether revenue goes to general funds, specific programs, or organizations, which affects whether this is a genuine funding mechanism or simply a fee increase
  • Aesthetic/cultural disagreement – "Old Line" imagery or design choices may not resonate equally across Maryland's diverse population, or stakeholders may dispute what imagery appropriately represents the state
  • Administrative costs versus benefits – Creating a new registration plate program requires MVA resources for design, production, and tracking; the net revenue benefit depends on uptake rates and whether this cannibalizes existing plate sales

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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