Maryland Proposes New Fee on Emissions-Exempt Vehicles

DON’T DELAY! Please contact the members of the House Environment and Transportation Committee as well as the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee immediately and request amendments to H.B. 46/S.B. 104:
 

You may use the following points in your message:
 

  • H.B. 46/S.B. 104 impose a biennial $14 fee on motor vehicles that are currently exempt from the state’s Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program. Please exempt historic vehicles and street rods from these bills.
     
  • H.B. 46/S.B. 104 ignore the fact that historic vehicles and street rods represent a small percentage of total vehicles on the road in Maryland and thus have minimal environmental impact.
     
  • H.B. 46/S.B. 104 fail to recognize the usage restrictions already placed on all historic vehicles and street rods. Under current mileage restrictions, these vehicles can only be used for exhibitions, club activities, parades, tours, occasional transportation, and similar uses.
     

Overview: Maryland has introduced legislation (H.B. 46/S.B. 104) to enact a biennial $14 fee on motor vehicles that are exempt from the state’s Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program, including historic vehicles and street rods. Currently, all historic vehicles and street rods are exempt from emissions inspections and pay no additional fee. These bills currently await consideration in the House Environment and Transportation Committee and the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee respectively.