New Technology In MD For Modern Temporary Tags

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Buel C. Young

MVA Media Relations (410) 762-5188

MARYLAND'S MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION PRODUCES FIRST OF ITS KIND TEMPORARY LICENSE PLATE

New Plates Have Multiple Security Features

(GLEN BURNIE, MD) March 11, 2013 – The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) has begun issuing a new, secure, weatherproof, tamper-resistant, reflective temporary license plate printed on rigid polycon paper with an ordinary laser printer. Maryland becomes one of the first states in the nation to use a reflective temporary tag which makes it both possible for automated tag readers to identify the plate and easier for law enforcement to see.  This new technology, which started being phased in at dealerships across the state on March 1, will be fully implemented by July 1, 2013.

"Maryland is proud to be a national leader in the area of employing technology to benefit Marylanders: in this case preventing fraudulent or difficult to read temporary tags from being used on the roads," said MVA Administrator John Kuo.  "These new tags are more visible, weatherproof, and will help law enforcement to make appropriate identifications."

Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Marcus L. Brown acknowledged the benefits of the new temporary license plate.  “The efforts of the Motor Vehicle Administration have resulted in a temporary plate that is much clearer and easier to read, which will greatly aid the efforts of law enforcement throughout Maryland," Colonel Brown said.  "The new plates will make it easier for police officers to find stolen vehicles, fugitives, missing persons and those misusing temporary plates.  Whether using license plate readers or visual observation, the ability of police to read temporary plates has now been improved significantly."

In 2010, the legislature enacted SB 67 which laid the groundwork for individually printed temporary tags with ownership information available to law enforcement through the MVA's database.  The previous version of the tags, which are being phased out, are printed on standard paper and placed into a bag.  The new weatherproof tags on the polycon paper will remain readable and reflective through the 60 day validity period without being inserted into a bag.  Additionally, each polycon tag will include security features to prevent photocopying, and will display larger, more visible and reflective lettering.