Bulletins for Businesses

ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 14, 2024) – To honor the more than 600 lives lost in preventable crashes last year, the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office will host its 21st annual Maryland Remembers event on Monday, December 16. Family and friends of loved ones killed (not just in the past year) are invited to attend the free event. Registration is required. Details of the event and how to register are below.

Event Details: The annual Maryland Remembers event begins with a procession of all attendees bringing forth a framed photo of their loved ones and are greeted by Maryland leadership. Following the procession, a short program is held with an informal reception to follow.

Date: Monday, December 16, 2024

Time: 6:00 p.m. (Arrival 5:30 p.m.)

Place: The Westin Annapolis - 100 Westgate Cir, Annapolis, MD 21401

Registration link: ZeroDeathsMD.gov/MDRemembers (registration closes December 11 and limited to the first 200 attendees)

Since 2020, more than 2,300 people have been killed on Maryland roadways. The Maryland Department of Transportation and all partner agencies are committed to saving lives on the roads while honoring those who have been killed. Learn more about the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office at ZeroDeathsMD.gov or on Facebook, X/Twitter, and Instagram at @zerodeathsmd.

GLEN BURNIE, MD (November 25, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and the Maryland Office of the Attorney General are partnering to issue an alert for consumers in the market for a used car to be aware of flood damaged vehicles originating from states recently impacted by hurricanes and flooding.

“Marylanders shouldn’t spend their hard-earned money on a car that is unsafe or doesn’t work,” said Attorney General Anthony G. Brown. “Buying a car is a significant investment of time and money. We urge everyone to do their due diligence before making a such a purchase.”

“The MVA has implemented programs – such as the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System - which is designed to protect consumers from fraud and unsafe vehicles from being resold, however customers must still do their due diligence when purchasing a used vehicle,” said Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer. “Vehicles that have flood damage may look good on the surface, but the irreversible damage may not always be visible. It’s incredibly important to do your research and know what to look for.”

Signs of a flooded vehicle may include:

• A musty odor in the interior, which might be covered with a strong air-freshener;
• Upholstery or carpeting that is loose, stained, doesn’t match, or is damp;
• Rust around doors, under the dashboard, on the pedals, or inside the hood and trunk latches;
• Mud or silt in the glove compartment or under the seats;
• Brittle wires under the dashboard; and/or
• Fog or moisture beads in the interior or exterior lights or instrument panel.

Many signs of flood damage are not always obvious, such as water damage compromising the car’s computer and safety mechanisms, including airbag sensors. The MVA and the OAG have the following tips for consumers looking to buy a vehicle:

• Take the time to inspect the vehicle. Check the engine for a high-water mark on the engine block or radiator. Look for rust or corrosion on wires and other components under the hood. Don’t forget to check the trunk and under the spare tire for any water marks.
• Shop at a licensed dealer. Flood damaged vehicles often end up at auctions or sold by “curb stoners.” Curb stoning is a way for unscrupulous sellers to avoid laws. They may pose as a private seller or through an online service. Not all private sellers are curb stoning, but you should check thoroughly before making the purchase.
• Consider taking the car to a qualified mechanic to inspect the vehicle thoroughly.
• Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) history. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has a free database that can tell you if a car has been marked as salvage, stolen, etc. Note, rental vehicles may not make it into this database. Consumers can check the vehicle history by visiting here. There are several other resources that can provide a detailed history of the car including:
  • Carfax (carfax.com);
  • Auto Check (autocheck.com); and
  • Consumer Guide (consumerguide.com).

The MVA receives real-time alerts through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). All jurisdictions in the continental United States participate in NMVTIS by contributing title and brand information, including flood damaged vehicles. When a customer titles and registers a vehicle in Maryland, their vehicle information number and title number is run through NMVTIS to ensure information is accurate and up to date. For more information about purchasing a vehicle in Maryland, visit MVA’s website.  

Consumers who suspect they may have purchased a flood-damaged vehicle may file a complaint with the Office of Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division by visiting www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov.

21st Annual Maryland Remembers Ceremony Honors the Memory of Marylanders Killed

Click here for full video of the event

ANNAPOLIS, MD (December 17, 2024) – Lieutenant Governor Aruna K. Miller was joined last night by state officials, transportation leaders, safety advocates and law enforcement officers for the 21st annual Maryland Remembers ceremony, an event honoring Marylanders who have lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes.

"Every life lost on our roads is a deeply personal tragedy, and this event allows us to honor those who are no longer with us," said Lt. Gov. Miller. "The pain their families endure is something we can’t forget, and it drives us to work harder every day to make our roads safer. We all have a role to play in protecting one another, and together, we can ensure that no more lives are lost."

Maryland Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary Tony Bridges, Maryland Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer and Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Roland Butler joined Lt. Governor Miller in Annapolis.

Maryland Remembers honors all Marylanders who have tragically lost their lives in traffic crashes. In 2023, 621 individuals were killed on state roads, underscoring the critical need for increased safety and awareness. This solemn event serves as a reminder of the ongoing responsibility of all road users to put safety first and prevent further loss of life on Maryland's roadways. So far this year, there have been 537 fatalities.

“While we’ve seen encouraging improvements in the number of fatalities this year, we still have a long way to go," said Maryland Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary Bridges. "Every life lost is a tragedy, and our work is far from over. We remain committed to making Maryland’s roads safer for everyone, and we will continue working tirelessly until we reach zero fatalities."

"As drivers, we each carry the responsibility to protect ourselves and others on the road," said Motor Vehicle Administrator Nizer, who also serves as Governor Wes Moore’s Highway Safety Representative. "Every decision we make behind the wheel has the potential to impact someone's life, and it’s up to all of us to drive with care and caution to ensure safety for everyone."

The Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office is providing overtime funding to local and state law enforcement agencies to enhance impaired driving enforcement throughout the holiday season. This funding aims to support additional patrols and checkpoints, helping to reduce alcohol-related crashes and promote safer roadways.

"Every time someone chooses to drive under the influence, they put countless lives at risk," said Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr., Superintendent of the Maryland Department of State Police, "The Maryland State Police, along with our law enforcement partners, are committed to protecting lives on Maryland's roads and will continue to work together to remove these dangerous drivers from our roads."

During last night’s ceremony, Administrator Nizer presented Debbie Kirkpatrick Jennings with the annual Kevin Quinlan Award for her dedication to highway safety. Jennings' career spans 25 years, and she has been a leader in cannabis-impaired driver detection training and the statewide mock crash program. She also served on Governor Wes Moore’s Work Zone Work Group. The award is named for the late Kevin Quinlan, a longtime traffic safety professional with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Learn more about the Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office at ZeroDeathsMD.gov or on Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram at @ZeroDeathsMD.

GLEN BURNIE, MD (November 27, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s (MDOT MVA) Highway Safety Office announced today that it has partnered with the Governors Highway Safety Association and Lyft to provide $20 rideshare credits this holiday season. Marylanders are encouraged to take advantage of the safe ride option this holiday season.

A select number of rideshare credits will be available beginning Wednesday, November 27 at 4 p.m. Every Marylander is eligible to receive a $20 rideshare credit. Credits will expire 24 hours after they are claimed within the Lyft app and if they are not redeemed.

To claim the $20 credit, Marylanders should open the Lyft app, choose “Payment” from the menu on the top left corner, and scroll to the “Add Lyft Pass” section and input the code: MAKEAPLAN2024. The $20 credit will be applied to the user’s account and redeemed automatically during the eligible time.

If all codes have been redeemed at that time, check back periodically for additional codes to become available. Credits will expire 24 hours after they are claimed within the Lyft app if they are not redeemed will go back into the system to be claimed again.

According to preliminary data, so far this year, 11,300 people have been arrested for driving under the influence. MDOT is encouraging Marylanders to take advantage of the free rideshare credits to put toward a safe alternative to driving impaired.

In 2023, 132 people died and more than 2,400 were injured on Maryland roadways due to impaired driving. Additionally, more than 13,423 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs — 1,616 of those arrests occurring between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

In addition to the credits, the MDOT MVA’s Highway Safety Office will promote educational messaging through Be the Sober Driver and Be the Make A Plan Driver on advertising platforms.

Learn more about the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office at ZeroDeathsMD.gov or on Facebook, X, and Instagram at @zerodeathsmd.

Online service has earned national and international honors for access, efficiency

GLEN BURNIE, MD (November 20, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration announced today that more than two million Marylanders have registered their myMVA online services accounts, which provides customers with real time access to driver and vehicle information.

Maryland has nearly five million residents with either a driver’s license or state ID. With a myMVA account, customers can complete more than 60 transactions online including common requests to renew a driver’s license or vehicle registration, change an address, apply for disability products and verify vehicle emission inspection deadlines.  In addition, each myMVA account supports ContactMVA, which provides customers with a secure and private way to communicate with the Motor Vehicle Administration.

“We continue to encourage all Maryland drivers to sign up for their myMVA account which gives you 24/7 access to all of your MVA business in one account from the convenience of your own home or office,” Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer said. “We are always reviewing our processes to improve accessibility and give Marylanders more time to pursue life’s opportunities. I want to thank the many talented employees who work hard daily and are passionate about delivering premier services to our customers and for their role in helping us not only achieve this milestone but for helping the MVA in being recognized around the world as an elite government agency delivering premier customer service.”

More than 12 million transactions have been completed via a myMVA account since it launched three years ago. Those transactions would have otherwise required a customer visit into a branch. Click here for a video on how to register an myMVA account.

The MVA will be hosting an informational session today, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the following full service MVA branch locations: Glen Burnie, Bel Air, Frederick and Beltsville, to help customers, including those 65 years and older, register for a myMVA account. Additional informational sessions will also take place in early 2025.

Marylanders who use myMVA say it is an easy and convenient option to complete transactions without having to go to an MVA branch. Here are some of the customer testimonials from the recent Power of Age Expo:
:05 -- :08: “I’ve used it several times for renewing my tags...” & :29 -- :33: “Actually really good. I have had no issues with it.” --William Davis
:21 -- :28: “That’s going to be very useful in the near future especially when it’s time to renew licenses (driver’s), registration (vehicle)...” --Cynthia Simmons

Launched with the agency’s Customer Connect modernization project in late 2021, myMVA surpassed one million online accounts in March 2023 and was honored that same year with international accolades from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) for “giving the customer easy navigation and the most accurate account information” and by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) as a site that “..can only become a model for other jurisdictions to strive to duplicate.”

Creating and accessing a myMVA account is also now easier and more secure as customers can use a Google Single Sign-On feature. Customers with existing myMVA accounts can use the Single Sign-On feature which allows them to sign in with the trusted security of their Google credential across multiple applications and platforms.

Related Sites: Have you heard of myMVA?

GLEN BURNIE, MD (November 29, 2024) -- The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration is encouraging older drivers and their families to use several vital resources as part of Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, Monday, December 2, through Friday, December 6, to allow those who can drive safely to continue to do so.

“Helping older drivers address age-related challenges is a top priority for us,” said Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer, who also serves as Governor Wes Moore’s Highway Safety Representative. “As we kick of Older Driver Safety Awareness Week in Maryland, we are sending a message that our state values its aging drivers and we are committed to doing all we can to help them stay safe on the road.”

Older adults, as a group, are among the safest drivers on the roads. Drivers over age 55 are involved in fewer crashes, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and are more likely to observe safer driving behaviors. However, older drivers are also more likely to be killed or injured in traffic crashes due to age-related vulnerabilities, such as more fragile bones, prescription medication use and chronic medical conditions. Except for teen drivers, older drivers have the highest crash death rate per mile driven, even though they drive fewer miles than younger people.

As drivers age, factors such as decreased vision, impaired hearing, slower motor reflexes and worsening health conditions can place them at increased risks. Aging also tends to result in a reduction of strength, coordination, and flexibility, which can affect drivers’ ability to safely control a car. Here are some essential tips for elderly drivers:

• have vision checked annually;
• stay physically active to maintain strength and flexibility;
• plan travel routes in advance;
• select optimal road conditions for travel to ensure safety;
• drive during daylight hours only in good weather.

Recent statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation exhibit the need for enhanced safety measures among drivers aged 65 and above. In 2022, this age group accounted for 19% of all fatal traffic crashes. However, various adaptive modifications in vehicles, such as hand controls and pedal extenders, offer tailored solutions to address their specific needs and improve driving comfort.

The Motor Vehicle Administration produces a Resource Guide for Aging Drivers that offers detailed information and easy-to-use tools for customers to learn more about aging, health and driving. Additionally, there are several other safety resources to better understand the features available on newer vehicles designed to help prevent crashes and what adjustments can be made within the vehicle to make driving more comfortable. MyCarDoesWhat and CarFit are programs that ensure a motorist is up to date on the latest education and their vehicle is properly adjusted to them.

“The MVA is committed to helping older drivers to continue to travel safely in their communities. We hope that they take advantage of all the available resources the MVA has to offer to help keep themselves healthy, safe, independent and confident when they’re behind the wheel,” Administrator Nizer said.

If you or a loved one begins to recognize the warning signs for diminished driving capacity, have conversations with family, friends and your health care provider. Contact an occupational therapist or a driver rehabilitation specialist to get advice and to learn about other transportation.

Tips Improve Customer Experience and Update Rules of the Road for 2025

GLEN BURNIE, MD (December 26, 2024) – As Marylanders prepare for a fresh start in 2025, the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) shares important information to ensure that all roadway users are safe and prepared both on and off the road.

“We want everyone to arrive safely at their destination, whether walking, biking or driving,” said MVA Administrator Chrissy Nizer, who also serves as Governor Wes Moore’s Highway Safety Representative. “Each of us have a responsibility to make smart and cautious decisions on the road and following these resolutions are a great way to keep yourself and others safe.”

Be the Driver who saves lives
During the holiday season, we want to remind all Marylanders to celebrate responsibly not just now, but year-round to stop driving-related tragedies and to keep our roads safe. We are urging Marylanders to buckle up, share the road, make a plan and slow down – especially in work zones.

New Work Zone Speed Tiered System for Fines Take Effect in January
The MVA and State Highway Administration would like to advise all Maryland motorists that starting January 1, 2025, a new tiered fine system will go in effect for work zone speed violations. The penalty will increase based on how fast the vehicle is traveling above the speed limit. If workers are present, the fines will also double.  

Use Your Mobile ID Beyond TSA Checkpoints
Marylanders can now keep their Mobile ID handy even after passing through TSA checkpoints at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. BWI Airport restaurants now accept customers’ Mobile IDs to verify age when purchasing alcoholic beverages, using the MVA’s ID reader, Mobile ID Check by MD.

Protect and preserve our state’s natural resources
The MVA offers customers more opportunities to protect Maryland’s natural resources by purchasing the newly designed Bay Plate. The program directly supports the Chesapeake Bay Trust, which distributes grants for environmental education and watershed restoration within the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays. Marylanders also have the option to purchase an Agricultural Plate, which supports the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation’s mission to improve agricultural literary and education.

Safeguard your catalytic converter
Catalytic converter theft is a major problem across the nation and our state. Thanks to a partnership with the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council, the MVA is offering free catalytic converter labels to deter theft and improve the recovery of stolen converters. Customers can request a free catalytic converter label here while supplies last.

Create Your myMVA online services account
Complete more than 60 transactions at home or on the go with a myMVA online services account. myMVA users can also verify their REAL ID status to ensure they’re REAL ID ready before the REAL ID deadline on May 7, 2025.

Let us know how we can help
The MVA is continually improving the customer experience for all its customers. To better support customers with disabilities, a Customer Accessibility Coordinator (CAC) can serve as a point of contact to provide reasonable accommodations when visiting the MVA. Marylanders can request accommodations using ContactMVA on their myMVA account before their appointment or contacting the MVA Office of Civil Rights Fair Practices at [email protected].

Use our expanded One-Stop-Shop
Thanks to the partnership with the Maryland Department of Health, more than 5,000 Maryland-born customers have obtained a certified birth certificate at select MVA branch locations. Now, the agency has the authority to print death certificates, which reduces the burden for customers seeking to transfer a title from a deceased vehicle owner.

Get Social with Us!
This holiday season, we are truly appreciative of the more than 48,000 Maryland residents who follow us on our various social media platforms. Now, we would like to introduce a new member to our agency’s social media family – Bluesky. Please consider signing up and following us via our handle @mdmva.bsky.social for important MVA operational updates, news and information. Also be sure to watch or listen to the MVA’s transportation-themed podcast with Administrator Chrissy Nizer, Conversations with Chrissy.

The MVA and the agency’s Highway Safety Office wishes Marylanders and all travelers a safe and happy 2025. For more tips and resources for staying safe on Maryland roads, or to learn more about the Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office, visit ZeroDeathsMD.gov or follow on Facebook, X and Instagram at @ZeroDeathsMD.

Offices will reopen on Thursday, December 26 and January 2

GLEN BURNIE, MD (December 18, 2024) - The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will close all branch offices and Vehicle Emission Inspection Program (VEIP) stations on Wednesday, December 25 in observance of Christmas, and reopen for normal operations on Thursday, December 26.  The Maryland MVA will also close on Wednesday, January 1 for New Year’s Day, and reopen for normal operations on Thursday, January 2. To schedule an appointment at an MVA branch, customers can visit the Appointment Scheduler.

The MVA self-service VEIP kiosks, online services, and 24-hour kiosks will be available during each holiday. Customers are encouraged to sign up for a myMVA account to take advantage of the many services available online. With a myMVA account, customers can also access their driver’s license information, view and print their vehicle registration, view MVA correspondence and check their vehicle emissions inspection program deadlines.  

Creating and accessing your myMVA account is now easier and more secure. Currently, customers can create an account using the Google Single Sign-On feature. Customers with existing myMVA accounts will also be able to use the Single Sign-On feature which allows them to sign in with the trusted security of their Google credential across multiple applications and platforms.

All MVA branch offices and VEIP stations are closed on dates in accordance with the state holiday calendar. A complete list of closings for can be found on our website.

Offices will reopen on Thursday, December 26

GLEN BURNIE, MD (December 23, 2024) - The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will close all branch offices and Vehicle Emission Inspection Program (VEIP) stations on Tuesday, December 24, in observance of Christmas Eve. Governor Wes Moore declared the state holiday and announced that all state agencies and offices will be closed. The Maryland MVA will reach out to affected customers with instructions to reschedule appointments.

The MVA offices will also be closed on Wednesday, December 25 in observance of Christmas, and will reopen for normal operations on Thursday, December 26.  

The MVA self-service VEIP kiosks, online services, and 24-hour kiosks will be available during each holiday. Customers are encouraged to sign up for a myMVA account to take advantage of the many services available online. With a myMVA account, customers can also access their driver’s license information, view and print their vehicle registration, view MVA correspondence and check their vehicle emissions inspection program deadlines.  

Creating and accessing your myMVA account is now easier and more secure with Google Single Sign-On feature, which allows customers to sign in with their Google credentials. Join over two million customers that have already signed up for myMVA.

All MVA branch offices and VEIP stations are closed on dates in accordance with the state holiday calendar. A complete list of closings can be found on our website.

Offices will reopen on November 29

GLEN BURNIE, MD (November 25, 2024) - The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will close all branch offices and Vehicle Emission Inspection Program (VEIP) stations Thursday, November 28, in observance of Thanksgiving. Motor Vehicle Administration branch offices and VEIP testing will reopen for normal operations on Friday, November 29. To schedule an appointment at an MVA branch, customers can visit the Appointment Scheduler.

The MVA self-service VEIP kiosks, online services, and 24-hour kiosks will be available during the holiday. Customers are encouraged to sign up for a myMVA account to take advantage of the many services available online. With a myMVA account, customers can also access their driver’s license information, view and print their vehicle registration, view MVA correspondence and check their vehicle emissions inspection program deadlines.

Creating and accessing your myMVA account is now easier and more secure. Currently, customers can create an account using the Google Single Sign-On feature. Customers with existing myMVA accounts will also be able to use the Single Sign-On feature which allows them to sign in with the trusted security of their Google credential across multiple applications and platforms.

All MVA branch offices and VEIP stations are closed on dates in accordance with the state holiday calendar. A complete list of closings can be found on our website.​

Offices will reopen on November 12

GLEN BURNIE, MD (November 7, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration will close all branch offices and Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) stations on Monday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day. All branch offices will reopen for normal operations on Tuesday, November 12. VEIP testing will also resume on November 12 and does not require an appointment.  

In honor of Veterans Day, the agency will participate in Operation Green Light by illuminating its Glen Burnie campus green. Operation Green Light is an initiative to support military veterans, as well as raise awareness about the resources available to assist veterans and their families. The agency will also be handing out pocket cards that contain resources and programs available through the MVA to every veteran that visits the branch during the week.  

Since forming a partnership in 2019 with the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families to open Veteran Benefits Offices in several branches statewide, more than 140,000 veterans and their beneficiaries have been assisted. The Veteran Benefits Offices are located in seven Motor Vehicle Administration branches: Bel Air, Cumberland, Elkton, Gaithersburg, Glen Burnie, Hagerstown and Salisbury. These offices have a fulltime veteran’s benefits specialist available to assist veterans and their families in applying for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits.

To assist veterans and active-duty personnel as they transition to civilian careers, the agency waives the Commercial Driver's License skills test requirements for a class A or B commercial license for veterans who have been discharged within the previous 12 months, active-duty personnel, reservists and members of the national guard who meet specific criteria. Criteria and additional information can be found on our website.  

Additionally, a measure approved by the Maryland General Assembly in 2020 exempts active military personnel from VEIP requirements for vehicles owned by at least one active-duty member of the military who is deployed outside of the United States or in a state not subject to a vehicle emissions inspection. The Motor Vehicle Administration leadership proposed the bill after meeting the mother of a soldier who was stationed out of state and was unable to complete the emissions inspection on his vehicle, which was registered in Maryland.

The agency also has several ways for veterans to show their pride. Driver’s license and identification card holders can add a “Veteran” designation to their card, which indicates they are eligible for state veteran benefits. The Motor Vehicle Administration also issues permanent vehicle registration cards and license plate stickers to Maryland veterans who qualify as 100% disabled. Veterans who qualify as permanently disabled receive free registration with any plate type. This is available for more than 100 types of specialty license plates honoring veterans and their families, including the newly added Space Force plates. For more information, visit the Military and Veterans page.

The agency’s self-service VEIP kiosks, online services, and 24-hour kiosks will be available throughout the holiday weekend. Customers are encouraged to sign up for a myMVA account to take advantage of the many services available online. With a myMVA account, customers can access their driver’s license information including their REAL ID status, check their vehicle registration status, view Motor Vehicle Administration correspondence, check their vehicle emissions inspection program deadlines and complete an array of online services.

All MVA branch offices and VEIP stations are closed on dates in accordance with the state holiday calendar. A complete list of closings for can be found on our website.

Agency honored for improving customer experience, service delivery and operational excellence

GLEN BURNIE, MD (December 17, 2024) -- The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) is proud to announce its Groundhog Day at MVA campaign was selected as a Granicus’ 2024 Digital Government Award winner. The award recognizes the achievements of states, cities and counties that have elevated standards on the experience of government services to create a better engaged public and a more responsive government. The public campaign won first place in the Service Delivery category for a state government agency in delivering better, more relevant experiences for the public through the strategic use of digital tools and tactics.

Launched on February 2 (Groundhog Day), the goal of the five-week email campaign was to prepare for an unusually high number of customers requiring branch office appointments to renew driver licenses and identification cards. Customers with credentials expiring between February and May 2024 received an email reminder that “The groundhog isn’t waiting six weeks, and you don’t have to either!” The email included a photo of a groundhog along with the benefits of completing transactions online via myMVA’s Online Services.  

“Our Groundhog Day at MVA initiative is a clear example of our agency’s commitment to providing premier customer service that is responsive to all Marylanders,” said Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer. "We understand that our customers lead busy lives and we are dedicated in offering the necessary information to ensure that our customers receive appropriate and timely communication.”

Overall, the outreach campaign reached more than 150,000 customers with an average 40 percent email open rate, six percent click rate to renew online, and four percent increase in customers using a myMVA account.  

With a myMVA account, customers can complete more than 60 transactions online including common requests to renew a driver’s license or vehicle registration, change an address, apply for disability products and verify vehicle emission inspection deadlines. More than 12 million transactions have been completed via a myMVA account since it launched three years ago. In November 2024, the Maryland MVA announced that over two million customers have registered for myMVA.

Since 2010, Granicus has honored government entities and employees who have embraced modern technologies that drive awareness of community programs, improve citizen experiences, transform outdated processes and inspire civic action.

GLEN BURNIE, MD (October 17, 2024) - The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration is alerting customers that the Annapolis branch office will be closing at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 19 to conduct active shooter training for agency employees. The MVA kiosk and tag return services at the Annapolis branch office will be temporary unavailable between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local fire and law enforcement agencies have been notified of the training activity and customers are encouraged to avoid the branch office during this important training exercise.

Customers may continue to use the MVA kiosks at the Glen Burnie branch office as well as the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program Station in Annapolis, which will continue to operate during normal business hours.  

As a reminder, customers are encouraged to sign up for a myMVA account to take advantage of the many services available online including requesting license plate and title replacements, applying for disability products, and resolving insurance cases and administrative flags. With a myMVA account, customers can also access their driver’s license information, view and print their vehicle registration, view MVA correspondence, and check their vehicle emissions inspection program deadlines.​

Apps Available for Businesses to Download for Free in the Apple App Store and Google Play

Glen Burnie, MD (November 18, 2024) - The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) announced today the launch of Mobile ID Check by MD, a free, new app that provides a secure and convenient way for businesses to accept mobile driver's licenses and identification cards for in-person age verification — all on their mobile device, with no additional hardware required. Businesses have already begun to leverage these apps within Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport for age verification for the purchases of alcoholic beverages.

To get started with mobile ID acceptance, businesses can download the Mobile ID Check by MD app, developed by the MVA’s Information Technology team and built using international standards. Mobile ID Check by MD is available for download on the Apple App Store and from Google Play. The technology allows for the acceptance of any state-issued Mobile ID or ID card.

“The MVA continues to be a leader in developing and implementing mobile driver’s licenses by not only offering secure options for our customers, but also developing cost-effective tools for businesses to access this important identity verification tool,” said Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer. “I am so proud of our team for creating an opportunity for businesses to securely interact with the many Marylanders who have already started using their mobile driver’s licenses. By increasing locations where mDLs can be accepted, we’re encouraging more Marylanders to take advantage of not only the convenience, but the security and privacy that mobile driver's licenses offer.”

Customers traveling through BWI Marshall Airport will now be able to present their mobile driver’s licenses for age verification of purchases of alcoholic beverages at the following locations: Flying Dog Tap House, Firkin & Flyer, Obrycki’s, R&R Seafood Bar A, R&R Seafood Bar D/E, La Cocina Mexicana, and Brix & Vine. The MVA has partnered with the Anne Arundel County Liquor Board, BWI Marshall Airport, concessions management company Fraport USA and HMSHost, which operates dining venues at BWI Marshall Airport to launch this initial phase of the mobile ID check program.  

“Maryland and BWI Marshall Airport continue to lead the way with mobile driver’s license technology,” said Ricky Smith, Executive Director/CEO of BWI Marshall Airport. “We’re excited to partner with the MVA and our restaurant partners to offer travelers a convenient, efficient way to verify age when purchasing alcohol.”

“The Anne Arundel County Liquor Board is encouraged with the technological promise offered by the MVA’s mobile digital license initiative at BWI Airport, and we look forward to bringing more secure ways for mobile ID acceptance to even more businesses,” said Wayne B. Harris, Chairman, Board of License Commissioners for Anne Arundel County.

Participating retailers using the Mobile ID Check by MD app will only be provided the required information necessary for age verification, such as a customer’s age and ID photo. Mobile ID Check by MD app accepts ISO18013-5-compliant mobile driver’s licenses, which follow an industry standard that sets clear guidelines around protecting consumers’ privacy. For more information on Mobile ID Acceptance on iPhone. For more information on the Android solution.

The MVA continues to seek new opportunities for businesses and organizations to accept mobile driver’s licenses by collaborating with the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence and 15 technology providers and industry experts including the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, Microsoft, the Department of Homeland Security and US Bank. The participants will share guidance and best practices for accurate identity verification with online transactions, financial institutions, healthcare providers and other organizations.  

Customers can continue to present their Maryland Mobile ID at select Transportation Security Administration airport checkpoints, including at BWI Marshall Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.  

The MVA offers mobile identification to all Maryland residents through Maryland Mobile ID in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet. Maryland Mobile ID serves as a companion to a physical driver’s license or ID. Marylanders should continue to carry their physical driver’s license or ID. Information on how to download Maryland Mobile ID can be found on our website.

(PIKESVILLE, MD) October 17, 2024 – The Maryland Department of State Police, Maryland Department of Transportation, and the Maryland Transportation Authority urge motorists to remember the importance of moving over for vehicles and individuals on the side of the road ahead of National Move Over Day on Saturday, October 19.

Maryland’s Move Over Law requires drivers to move over or slow down when approaching any stopped, standing or parked vehicle displaying warning signals, such as hazard lights, road flares, traffic cones or other emergency signals. The law is designed to protect all motorists traveling on Maryland roads.

To enhance motorist awareness of the law, the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration's Highway Safety Office produced a compelling video that illustrates the dangerous proximity of vehicles when they fail to move over for a stopped vehicle on the shoulder.

While the MVA’s Highway Safety office recommends avoiding unnecessary stops on roadways and shoulders, it can be inevitable for some road users – like law enforcement, tow truck operators, utility workers roadside assistance, and Coordinated Highways Action Response Team (CHART) team members.

“In the video, and while out on the roads, we see just how closely vehicles pass those stopped on the shoulder. It is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and compassion on the road to protect those stopped along the roads – it could be the difference between life and death,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “By moving over and slowing down, we can protect the lives of those who find themselves in vulnerable situations and create a safer environment for everyone.”

In 2024, Maryland State Troopers have issued more than 7,000 citations and warnings for Move Over Law violations, reflecting ongoing statewide efforts to enforce the law and promote the importance of highway safety. Violating the law is a misdemeanor that carries a $110 fine and results in one point on the violator's driver’s license. If the violation leads to a crash, the fine increases to $150 and results in three points. In cases involving death or serious injury, the fine is $750 and results in three points on the license.

"Safety on the road is a shared responsibility,” said Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr., Superintendent of the Maryland Department of State Police. “Whether experiencing an emergency or responding to an emergency, the Move Over Law provides an extra barrier of safety for any motorist on the side of the road, including first responders, highway workers, tow truck drivers and any other utility workers who work to make our roads safer for everyone.”

In 2018, Maryland became the eighth state to extend its Move Over Law to encompass all vehicles. Remember to move over or slow down to protect the lives of everyone on the road including our public safety professionals.​​

7-1-24

WHAT: The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration will join law enforcement officials to remind motorists traveling over the Fourth of July weekend to plan ahead for a safe and sober ride home. The Maryland State Police elite State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort (SPIDRE) team, along with other local enforcement agencies, will be out in force taking impaired drivers off the road.

WHEN: Tuesday, July 2, 2024, 11:00 a.m.      

WHERE: Maryland State Police, Waterloo Barrack
7777 Washington Blvd.
Jessup, MD 20794

WHO: Chrissy Nizer, Motor Vehicle Administrator and Governor Moore’s Highway  Safety Representative Lieutenant Colonel Daniel C. Pickett, Chief, Maryland State Police Field Operations Bureau Megan Moore, Mother of Noah Blonder whose son was killed in an impaired driving crash.

WHY: Impaired driving is 100% preventable. However, over the past five years in Maryland, nearly 800 people have been killed and 15,000 have been injured in crashes involving an impaired driver. Police reports show increased speed, instances of impairment and lower seat belt use as the most common contributing factors in motor vehicle fatalities. Learn more about the Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office at ZeroDeathsMD.gov or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @ZeroDeathsMD.

9-26-24

WHAT: The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration will join highway safety advocates, including the Leotta Family, to announce the expansion of the Ignition Interlock Law that will now require all DUI offenders to participate in the Ignition Interlock System Program.  HB 105 (CH 715), which was signed into law by Governor Wes Moore, will go into effect October 1, 2024, and close the loophole within the original law. The Drunk Driving Reduction Act of 2016, known as Noah's Law, was passed after Montgomery County Police Officer Noah Leotta was killed in the line of duty by a drunk driver.

WHEN: Monday, September 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Marian Fryer Town Plaza, 2424 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD 20902

WHO: Chrissy Nizer, Motor Vehicle Administrator and Governor Moore's Highway Safety Representative

Senator Jeff Waldstreicher, District 18, Judicial Proceedings Committee (Vice Chair)

Senator Will Smith, District 20, Judicial Proceedings Committee (Chair)

Rich Leotta, Father of Officer Noah Leotta

Stacey D. Stewart, CEO, MADD

Kurt Erickson, President, Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP)

Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary, District 13, Ways and Means Committee Chair​

**Vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device will be available on site for demonstration purposes**

WHY: Impaired driving is 100% preventable. However, over the past five years in Maryland, nearly 800 people have been killed and 15,000 have been injured in crashes involving an impaired driver. According to MADD, in 2023 in Maryland, ignition interlocks prevented more than 76,800 drinking and driving attempts (.02 BAC+), including preventing more than 8,100 drunk driving attempts (.08 BAC+).

The annual program trains state’s impaired driving enforcement leaders

COLLEGE PARK, MD (June 10, 2024) – Last week, 26 officers from 18 law enforcement agencies across the state graduated from the University of Maryland’s DUI Institute, a rigorous 40-hour program that develops leaders in the enforcement of alcohol-impaired driving laws. The award-winning program, created in 2003, was developed by the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s (MVA) Highway Safety Office, the University of Maryland Department of Behavioral and Community Health along with police officers from across the state and national experts in DUI enforcement. Since its inception, nearly 500 officers have graduated from the program.

“We commend the institute’s graduates on their dedication to highway safety and their determination to continue learning to improve the safety on our roadways,” said MDOT MVA Administrator Chrissy Nizer, who also serves as Governor Wes Moore’s Highway Safety Representative. “The Maryland Highway Safety Office strives to provide additional training and valuable resources, like the DUI Institute, to law enforcement officers statewide.”

DUI Institute participants learned the latest information on the effectiveness of impaired driving countermeasures including ignition interlocks, DUI courts and sobriety checkpoints, police traffic management, the physiology of alcohol and cannabis and its abuse/addiction, and courtroom testimony. Officers also received advanced training in conducting Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and practiced these techniques with volunteers.

The DUI Institute is sponsored by the MDOT MVA’s Highway Safety Office and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Learn more about the Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office at ZeroDeathsMD.gov or on Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram at @ZeroDeathsMD.

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 13, 2024)—Governor Wes Moore today announced more than $13.3 million in federal highway safety grants to organizations across Maryland as part of a statewide focus to prevent motor vehicle crashes and eliminate roadway fatalities. The federal funds will be distributed on October 1 by the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office to 87 agencies, organizations and programs.

“There is no higher priority for any governor than keeping their people safe. Today, we take another significant step forward in our enduring mission to prevent crashes and keep Marylanders protected on the road,” said Gov. Moore. “In collaboration with our federal partners, we are making Maryland safer for all.”

Funds awarded this year may be used for traffic safety initiatives and are allocated based on crash data for each county or organization. The federal grants are in addition to the state-funded grants announced in July. Funds announced today will be used for initiatives to:

• Increase the use of seat belts in all seats;
• Prevent impaired, aggressive and distracted driving;
• Increase safety for pedestrians, motorcyclists and bicyclists;
• Promote the correct use of child passenger safety seats;
• Support police training for highway safety and traffic enforcement;
• Fund overtime enforcement of Maryland’s traffic laws; and
• Increase the efficiency and capability of Maryland’s traffic data systems.

“As a transportation engineer, I know firsthand how dangerous the work is for the men and women who build and maintain our roadways," said Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller. "Every worker deserves to make it home safely to their families, and it's on each of us to make sure that happens. These grants will help reduce risks and make work zones safer, because one life lost is one too many.”

In 2023, 621 people were killed on Maryland roadways, including 158 pedestrians and 15 bicyclists—a significant increase from 2022 when the state saw 566 fatalities, including 129 pedestrians and 12 bicyclists.

"Ensuring a safe and equitable roadway system in Maryland is crucial for protecting every individual who travels on our roads. In 2023, we experienced a significant rise in fatalities, including 173 vulnerable road users who were killed,” said Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “By distributing these grants for education and awareness initiatives, we are focusing on preventive measures to reduce these tragic incidents before they occur.”

In 2019, the State of Maryland adopted Vision Zero, a traffic safety strategy that sets a goal of zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2030. The goal will guide grant recipients as they implement safety programs. Vision Zero serves as a comprehensive, multi-faceted blueprint to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on roadways across the state by focusing on the four E’s: education, engineering, enforcement and emergency medical services.

"Our commitment to ending unnecessary deaths on our roadways means we will continue to educate and inform, as part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to protect all Marylanders and reduce the number of crashes on our roadways,” said Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer, Governor Moore’s Highway Safety Representative. “By investing in outreach and awareness programs, we are taking proactive steps to address the alarming increase in roadway fatalities and to ensure a safer environment for everyone."

Funds awarded through the highway safety grants can only be used for traffic safety initiatives. The funding is for Federal Fiscal Year 2025, which runs from October 1 to September 30, 2025.

View the list of Highway Safety Grant awardees at zerodeathsmd.gov/grants/awardeesp.

Learn more about the Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office at ZeroDeathsMD.gov or on Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram at @ZeroDeathsMD.

Child Passenger Safety Week Begins September 15

GLEN BURNIE, MD (September 12, 2024) – Motor vehicle crashes continue to be one of the leading causes of death in children, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). To combat this preventable statistic, the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s (MVA) Highway Safety Office is partnering with the Maryland Department of Health’s Kids In Safety Seats, Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems and Safe Kids to provide child safety seat checks across the state during Child Passenger Safety Week, September 15 - 21.

“Ensuring that our most vulnerable passengers are in the right car seat is a responsibility that we all share. Whether you’re the parent or caregiver, anyone who transports children should ensure that they are properly secured,” said Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer, who also serves as Governor Wes Moore’s Highway Safety Representative. “A properly installed car seat can mean the difference between life and death in a crash.”

MVA’s Highway Safety Office supports the following in-person and virtual events to ensure child safety seats are properly installed:

Monday, September 16

Maryland State Police Westminster Barrack
Appointments – please call 410-876-4448
1100 Baltimore Blvd, Westminster, MD 21157
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Laurel Volunteer Fire Company, Station 10 – Appointments
7411 Cherry Lane, Laurel, MD 20707
3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 18

Harford County Sheriff’s Office – Appointments – please call 800-515-0044
1305 Pulaski Highway, Edgewood, MD 21040
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 19

Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department Station 2 – Appointments
450 Solomons Island Rd S, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Fitzgerald Auto Mall – No Appointment Necessary
114 Baughmans Lane, Frederick, MD 21702
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Friday, September 20

Old Town Fire Department– To make an appointment, email Karen Hardingham
1100 Hillen Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
12:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Maryland law requires every driver and passenger to wear a seat belt. If passengers under 16 are not wearing a seat belt, the driver can receive an $83 ticket for each unbelted occupant. Front passengers ages 16 or older without a seat belt will receive a citation.

Under a law that took effect in October 2022, a person transporting a child under two years old in a motor vehicle is required to secure the child in a rear-facing child safety seat that complies with federal regulations until the child reaches the manufacturer's weight or height limit for the child safety seat. The American Academy of Pediatrics and NHTSA recommend children ride rear-facing for as long as possible, as it offers the best protection in the event of a crash. Drivers are responsible for securing children younger than eight years of age in an appropriate booster or child safety seat unless they are 4 feet, 9 inches tall or taller.

Officials encourage everyone who transports children to ensure they are using the right car seat for the age and weight of each child and that it is installed correctly. Agencies across the state offer in-person and virtual checks throughout the year to teach parents and caregivers how to correctly use car seats. Visit ZeroDeathsMD.gov/CarSeat for more information.

Instructional Videos

The MVA’s Highway Safety Office has developed four instructional videos demonstrating the proper installation of rear-facing and forward-facing car seats, booster seats and guidelines for transitioning from a booster seat to “seat belt only.” Watch the videos now and be sure to share with friends and family members:

• Rear-facing – Demonstration of proper installation of a rear-facing car seat and how to determine when a child is ready for the next level car seat.  
• Forward-facing – Demonstration of proper installation of forward-facing/all-in-one safety seats and how to determine when a child is ready for the next level car seat.  
• Booster seats – Demonstration of proper use of booster seats and full review of the difference between backless boosters and those with backs.  
• Seat belts – Guidelines and tips for transitioning from a booster seat to “seat belt only” and the importance of buckling up for all vehicle occupants.

Learn more about the MVA’s Highway Safety Office’s commitment to zero deaths on Maryland roadways at ZeroDeathsMD.gov and on Facebook, X, and Instagram at @zerodeathsmd.