Crashes, insurance and registration in Maryland

By the end of this topic you can

• You can take the right steps at a crash scene.
• You can say when you must call the police.
• You can explain when you must report a crash to the MVA.
• You can state Maryland's minimum liability insurance limits.
• You can describe what is needed to title and register a used car.

What you need to know and understand

• If anyone is hurt, stay at the scene, call 911 and do not move the vehicles.
• If no one is hurt and the cars can move, move them off the road near the crash site.
• Exchange name, address, phone, plate, license number, vehicle details and insurance information.
• Call police if someone is hurt, a vehicle cannot be moved, a driver seems impaired or unlicensed, a driver tries to leave, or public property is damaged.
• If a crash causes injury or death, report it in writing to the MVA within 15 days unless police investigated and filed a report.
• Minimum liability insurance is $30,000 per person and $60,000 per crash for injury, plus $15,000 for property damage.
• Carry your insurance card; an electronic card is accepted.
• A used vehicle needs a valid Maryland safety inspection certificate before it is titled and registered.

At the scene

If you hit and injure a domestic animal such as a dog, horse or cow, call the police right away.

1. Turn on your hazard flashers, or set out flares.
2. Check for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911, give the number of people and the location, and do not move the vehicles.
3. If no one is hurt and the vehicles can move, drive them off the road close to the crash site.
4. Exchange information with the other drivers, and ask witnesses for their contact details.
5. Note the place, time, weather, road conditions and damage, and take photos if you can.
6. If you hit an unattended car or property, find the owner or leave a note with your details where they will find it.

Leaving the scene and reporting

Leaving the scene of a crash with serious injury can mean license revocation and up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. If someone dies, it is a felony with up to 10 years and $10,000. Failing to stop after damaging a vehicle or property is 8 points.

If anyone was injured or killed, each driver must send a written report to the MVA within 15 days, with proof of insurance, unless a police officer investigated and filed a report. Failing to report is 5 points.

Insurance and registration

Every vehicle registered in Maryland must be insured by a company licensed in the state, with at least $30,000/$60,000 bodily injury and $15,000 property damage liability. Keeping a car registered without insurance can cost up to $2,500 per vehicle each year.

Before the MVA titles and registers a used vehicle, it needs a safety inspection certificate, valid for 90 days. New residents may use their old state's registration for the first 60 days. Our guide on the Maryland driving skills test covers the insurance papers you need on test day.

Common mistakes

• Leaving after a minor bump without exchanging details. That can be a criminal offense.
• Standing near the cars on a busy road. Move to a safe place behind a barrier if you cannot stay in the car.
• Moving vehicles when someone is injured. Leave them for police unless there is immediate danger.
• Letting insurance lapse on a car that is still registered. Fines build up per vehicle.

Test yourself: Crashes, insurance and registration in Maryland

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

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