This legislation would empower the Maryland MVA to place administrative flags against Maryland drivers, effectively forcing them to pay Washington, D.C. parking, red-light, and speed camera tickets before they can renew their registration or register a newly purchased vehicle. The implications of this bill are alarming and its impact far-reaching—not just for drivers but for the fundamental fairness of our state's enforcement practices.

Why This Bill Fails Marylanders:

• Maryland is not a collection agency: Our state should not be doing the District's dirty work. By assisting Washington, D.C. in this way, we are assuming the role of a debt collector for another jurisdiction, which is neither fair nor appropriate for our state and its residents.

• A Broken System: Audit reports and legal challenges have proven that a staggering number of these tickets are issued erroneously, either through faulty equipment or inaccurate data reporting. Many Maryland drivers have already experienced frustrating and unreasonable ticketing procedures in Washington, D.C. It's unjust to place the burden of proof on Maryland citizens who have no oversight or control over these external systems.

• Impact on the Vulnerable: This bill will disproportionately affect those who can least afford it. People living on fixed incomes or with limited mobility could find their basic modes of transportation threatened, not by anything they did, but due to administrative errors outside their control. That is simply unacceptable.

Furthermore, research indicates that recent enforcement measures in various jurisdictions have not reliably led to significant safety improvements, calling into question the necessity and efficacy of such far-reaching enforcement collaborations.

By halting the advancement of HB 249, we preserve the integrity of Maryland’s autonomy and protect our citizens from an unjust burden. Let’s ensure that our lawmakers understand the weight of their decisions and the implications this bill has for their constituents.

Please, stand with us and sign this petition to urge Maryland state representatives to stop the progression of HB 249 Traffic Enforcement Reciprocity.