Vehicle flags can be a significant source of frustration for Maryland drivers. Understanding why they occur and how to resolve them is crucial. This guide will delve into Mva Customer Service related to vehicle flags, explaining the reasons behind them, the consequences, and the steps to get them removed.
Common Reasons for MVA Vehicle Flags
An MVA (Motor Vehicle Administration) flag on your vehicle record indicates an unresolved issue. This flag prevents certain MVA transactions, such as registration renewal. Common reasons include:
- Unpaid Traffic Violations: Outstanding parking tickets, red light camera violations, speed camera tickets, and toll violations are frequent causes. These often result in an additional administrative fee charged by the MVA.
- Insurance Non-Compliance: Issues with your vehicle insurance, such as lapsed coverage or failure to meet state requirements.
- Emissions Violations: Problems with your vehicle’s emissions inspection.
- Safety Equipment Repair Orders (SERO): Failure to provide proof of repair for safety-related issues identified during a vehicle inspection.
- Outstanding Fees: Unpaid MVA fees or returned checks.
- Title and Salvage Issues: Problems with vehicle titles or salvaged vehicles.
- Other Violations: Referrals from law enforcement agencies, abandoned vehicle reports, Public Service Commission violations, Comptroller violations (unpaid taxes), and Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) violations.
Consequences of an MVA Flag
A flag on your record prevents several crucial MVA transactions:
- Registration Renewal: You cannot renew your vehicle registration.
- License Plate Transfer: Transferring plates to another vehicle is prohibited.
- Substitute Plates: Obtaining replacement plates is not possible.
- Duplicate Registration: You cannot request a duplicate registration card.
Certain flags might lead to more severe consequences, including license plate retrieval by law enforcement.
Resolving MVA Flags and Contacting Customer Service
Removing a flag requires addressing the underlying issue.
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Identify the Flagging Authority: Contact the MVA Customer Service Center at 1-410-768-7000 to determine which entity placed the flag. The MVA provides contact information for various jurisdictions handling parking, red light, speed camera, and toll violations.
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Resolve the Issue: Contact the flagging authority (e.g., local court, toll authority) to resolve the outstanding violation or fee. This may involve paying fines, providing proof of insurance, or demonstrating compliance with regulations. For specific issues like unpaid taxes (Comptroller) or unemployment insurance contributions (DLLR), contact the respective agencies directly. Phone numbers and email addresses are available on the MVA website.
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Pay MVA Administrative Fees (if applicable): For flags related to parking, toll, speed camera, or red light violations, pay the associated MVA administrative fee. You can pay this fee online through myMVA eServices, by mail, in person at an MVA branch, by phone, or at a kiosk.
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Confirm Flag Removal: After resolving the issue, confirm with the flagging authority that the flag has been removed from your record. This process may take several weeks.
MVA Administrative Fees
The MVA charges an administrative fee for each unresolved parking, toll, speed camera, or red light violation. This fee is in addition to any fines owed to the issuing jurisdiction. While you can pay the fee before or after resolving the initial violation, the flag will remain until both the original fine and the administrative fee are paid.
By understanding the reasons for MVA flags and the steps to resolve them, you can navigate the process more effectively and ensure your vehicle remains in good standing. Utilizing MVA customer service resources and promptly addressing any outstanding issues is key to avoiding potential complications and maintaining driving privileges.
