Maryland is an at-fault (tort) state with 30/60/15 minimum liability. Here's exactly what the law demands, what it costs to ignore it, and how SR-22 filings work — with statutes cited.
| Coverage MD law requires | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability — per person | $30,000 |
| Bodily injury liability — per accident | $60,000 |
| Property damage liability | $15,000 |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | $2,500 |
| UM/UIM | Uninsured motorist coverage at the same 30/60/15 minimums is mandatory; since July 1, 2024 |
| PIP | Personal injury protection of $2,500 per person for medical expenses and lost wages is inc |
Effective Current as of July 2026 (Maryland Auto Insurance). Source: Maryland Auto Insurance - Minimum Coverage Requirements · Maryland Vehicle Law, Transportation Article, Title 17 (Required Security) and Insurance Article Title 19
First offense: Driving uninsured is a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $1,000, five points, and up to one year in prison; separately, the MVA assesses administrative fees of $150 for the first 30 days of an insurance lapse and $7 for each additional day, plus a $25 registration restoration fee (MD Criminal Law; ValuePenguin).
Repeat offenses: Repeat offenses carry fines of up to $2,000, five points per violation, and up to two years imprisonment, with the same per-day MVA lapse fees accruing up to $2,500 (ValuePenguin).
License impact: The MVA suspends the vehicle registration, may confiscate license plates, blocks new registrations or renewals until violations are resolved, and unpaid penalties are referred to the Central Collections Unit with a 17% collection surcharge (Maryland MVA; MD Criminal Law). (source: Maryland MVA; MD Criminal Law; ValuePenguin)
Maryland does not use SR-22 filings. Instead, the MVA may require an insurer-certified FR-19 form as proof of insurance, for example after a policy cancellation, an insurer switch, vehicle changes, or a random verification draw (Insurify). Drivers moving to Maryland with an SR-22 obligation from another state must maintain it with that state.
Typically required after: . Filing period: 0 years in most cases. Non-owner option: ask a licensed professional about alternatives.
Need one filed? Our SR-22 service page explains the process; a licensed professional at (866) 370-6395 can usually file the same day.
Maryland policies must include $2,500 in personal injury protection, a first-party no-fault-style benefit for medical expenses and lost wages, but adult named insureds can waive it in writing; liability claims still follow at-fault (tort) rules (Maryland Auto Insurance).
PIP is included by default at $2,500 but may be waived for a reduced premium; minors under 16 cannot waive it (Maryland Auto Insurance).
Maryland offers a choice between standard UM/UIM and Enhanced UIM (EUIM); EUIM pays up to your own limits on top of the at-fault driver's liability payment rather than offsetting it (Maryland Insurance Administration).
License and registration consequences: The MVA suspends the vehicle registration, may confiscate license plates, blocks new registrations or renewals until violations are resolved, and unpaid penalties are referred to the Central Collections Unit with a 17% collection surcharge (Maryland MVA; MD Criminal Law).
| City | Population | Median income | 30+ min commute | No-vehicle households |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | 573,243 | $62,177 | 42.0% | 26.7% |
| Columbia | 104,338 | $131,490 | 42.3% | 5.8% |
| Germantown | 90,719 | $117,546 | 48.7% | 7.5% |
| Frederick | 83,395 | $97,069 | 40.3% | 6.7% |
| Waldorf | 82,943 | $116,089 | 65.6% | 3.8% |
| Silver Spring | 81,462 | $99,860 | 60.7% | 16.5% |
| Ellicott City | 75,257 | $156,964 | 41.7% | 3.0% |
| Glen Burnie | 72,590 | $88,280 | 38.9% | 8.1% |
| Gaithersburg | 69,825 | $112,467 | 47.2% | 10.4% |
| Bethesda | 69,397 | $192,237 | 46.5% | 9.6% |
Source: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-year estimates.
Baltimore drives the Beltway, the JFX down into downtown, and the harbor tunnels, which have carried extra weight since the Key Bridge came down. Row-house neighborhoods from Dundalk to Hampden make street parking a contact sport, with sideswipes and mirror clips a routine claim. Bay Bridge backups shape every summer weekend for Annapolis and shore-bound drivers, and Harrisburg and York commuters know I-83's quirks on both sides of the line. Freeze-thaw potholes, ice on bridge decks, and vehicle break-ins keep both collision and comprehensive coverage working. Hit-and-runs in dense neighborhoods make UM protection worth genuine attention, and a local agent can explain Maryland's requirements clearly.
573,243 residents
104,338 residents
90,719 residents
83,395 residents
82,943 residents
81,462 residents
75,257 residents
72,590 residents
69,825 residents
69,397 residents
67,671 residents
65,969 residents
58,679 residents
58,402 residents
58,137 residents
57,926 residents
53,279 residents
52,926 residents
43,665 residents
40,720 residents
34,540 residents
33,285 residents
29,798 residents
Every legal claim on this page traces to:
Laws change. We refresh state pages on a rolling schedule and date-stamp every change; verify with your state before acting.