In Maryland, both failure to carry insurance on a vehicle (17-104.2 B1) and failure to present proof of insurance to a law enforcement officer (17-104.2 B2) are citable offenses under state law. Offenses carry a $50 fine.
Information for Law Enforcement
Auto Insurance Fines
In Maryland, both failure to carry insurance on a vehicle (§17-104.2 B1) and failure to present proof of insurance to a law enforcement officer (§17-104.2 B2) are citable offenses under state law. Offenses carry a $50 fine.
Proof of insurance consists of “an insurance identification card issued by or on behalf of a motor vehicle insurer” and, “may be produced in electronic format, including display of electronic images on a cellular phone or any other type of portable electronic device.” (Code of Maryland §17–104.2)
This statute is intended to help the State of Maryland identify uninsured drivers and encourage them to get insured. The $50 fine is only the start. Uninsured drivers in Maryland are subject to MVA penalties. $150 for the first 30 days, then $7 every day after – and that’s for each uninsured vehicle – adding up to over $2,400 per year. And that doesn’t even include the potential liability should you be involved in an accident while uninsured.
Maryland’s Uninsured Driving Crisis
Based on studies by the Insurance Research Council, Maryland has an uninsured driver rate of approximately 12 percent, which means we have more than 400,000 uninsured drivers on Maryland roads, or one out of every six cars. Maryland Auto Insurance was created by the state of Maryland in 1972 for the specific purpose of combating this crisis of uninsured driving.
Not Just a Carrier a ‘Carer’
As an independent agency of the State of Maryland, Maryland Auto’s mission is broader than a typical private insurance carrier. We’re the fulcrum of the State’s efforts to engage and educate uninsured drivers on the state’s auto insurance requirements; empowering the uninsured population to take advantage of various tools and programs available.
That’s why the $50 fine for failure to present proof of insurance is targeted specifically to fund education and outreach efforts.
Maryland Auto provides automobile liability insurance to Maryland residents who are unable to obtain automobile insurance in the private market thereby reducing the number of uninsured motorists in the State. Maryland Auto is an independent agency of the State of Maryland and its enabling statutes are found in Title 20 of the Insurance Article of the Maryland Annotated Code. Maryland Auto does not receive state funds. Maryland Auto’s operating funds consist of revenues, premiums and other receipts provided by law.
Help protect Maryland residents against uninsured drivers. Remember, "License, registration, AND insurance."
Questions? Email us: marketing@marylandauto.net
