Encountering a flag on your vehicle record with the Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA) can be a frustrating roadblock. These flags, often resulting from unresolved issues like traffic violations or insurance discrepancies, can prevent you from completing essential tasks such as renewing your vehicle registration. Understanding what these flags mean and how to resolve them is crucial for Maryland vehicle owners. If you’re unsure where to start, the Mva Customer Service Number is your direct line to assistance.
This guide will break down everything you need to know about MVA vehicle flags, from why they are placed to how to get them removed, and most importantly, how the MVA customer service number can help you navigate this process.
Understanding Vehicle Flags and Why They Occur
A flag on your vehicle record is essentially a notification placed by an authorized entity, such as local police or MVA operational units, indicating an unresolved issue associated with your vehicle. It’s important to understand that flags are generally placed after you’ve had an opportunity to address the underlying problem. Typically, the entity requesting the flag will first send a notice requiring action, like paying a fine. Failure to comply within the given timeframe can lead to a flag being placed on your record.
Here are some common reasons why a flag might be placed on your Maryland vehicle record:
- Insurance Compliance Violation: If MVA records indicate an issue with your vehicle insurance coverage, a flag may be applied. Ensure you meet Maryland’s insurance requirements for vehicles.
- Returned Check: If a check you submitted to the MVA was not processed by your bank, a flag could be placed due to non-payment.
- Red Light Camera Violation: Being caught by a red light camera for running a red light will likely result in a flag if the violation is not addressed.
- Parking Violation: Unpaid parking tickets are a frequent cause for vehicle flags.
- Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) Violation: Issues arising from your vehicle’s emissions inspections can lead to a flag. More information is available on Vehicle Emissions.
- Safety Equipment Repair Order (SERO) Violation: Failing to provide proof of repair after being cited for a safety equipment issue (like a broken headlight) can result in a flag. Learn more about Safety Equipment Repair Orders (SERO).
- Law Enforcement Agency Referral: Law enforcement can request flags for various reasons, often related to ongoing investigations or legal matters.
- Abandoned Vehicle Violation: If your vehicle is identified as abandoned by law enforcement, a flag may be placed.
- Title Violation: Problems or discrepancies related to your vehicle’s title can trigger a flag.
- Salvage Vehicle Violation: Issues concerning salvaged vehicles can also lead to flags.
- Public Service Commission Violation: Non-compliance with the Public Service Commission (PSC) regulations can result in a flag.
- Toll Facilities Violation: Unpaid tolls captured by cameras at toll facilities are a common reason for flags.
- Comptroller Violation: Unpaid undisputed taxes owed to the Comptroller’s office can lead to a flag. For inquiries, individuals can call 855-213-6669, and businesses can call 410-649-0633 or email [email protected]. Additional details are available on the Comptroller’s website.
- Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) Violation: Unpaid unemployment insurance contributions to the DLLR can cause a flag. Contact DLLR at 410-767-2699 or [email protected] for more information.
- Speed Camera Violation: Similar to red light violations, speed camera violations also result in flags for unresolved tickets.
- Administrative Fee Owed: The MVA adds an administrative fee flag specifically for parking, toll, red light camera, or speed camera violations. This fee is in addition to the original violation fines.
Consequences of a Vehicle Flag
Having a flag on your vehicle record can significantly restrict your ability to conduct routine MVA transactions. Specifically, a flag will prevent you from:
- Renewing your vehicle registration.
- Transferring your license plates to a different vehicle.
- Obtaining substitute license plates.
- Getting a duplicate registration card.
In more severe cases, certain flags can even lead to immediate license plate retrieval by law enforcement. It’s also important to note the administrative fee charged by the MVA for flags related to parking, toll, speed camera, or red-light camera violations. This fee, along with the original fines, must be paid to fully resolve the flag.
Removing a Vehicle Flag: Step-by-Step
To remove a vehicle flag, you must take the following steps:
- Identify the Flagging Entity: The first step is to determine which entity placed the flag. Your violation notice should provide this information. If you’re unsure, contact the MVA Customer Service Center at 1-410-768-7000 for assistance. They can provide contact details for jurisdictions involved in parking, red-light, speed, and toll facility flagging programs.
- Resolve the Underlying Issue: Contact the entity that placed the flag and resolve the problem that caused it. This usually involves paying outstanding fines or addressing the specific violation (e.g., providing proof of insurance).
- Obtain a Flag Release (If Applicable): After resolving the issue, the flagging entity might provide a flag release document. Check if this is required and obtain it if necessary.
- Pay the MVA Administrative Fee (If Applicable): For flags related to parking, toll, speed camera, or red-light camera violations, you will need to pay an additional MVA administrative fee. This fee can be paid through myMVA eServices, by mail, in person at an MVA branch, by phone at 1-410-768-7000, or at an MVA kiosk.
- Wait for Flag Removal: Once you’ve resolved the issue and paid any applicable fees, the flagging entity will request the MVA to remove the flag. Keep in mind that flag deletion can take several weeks.
MVA Administrative Fees: When and How to Pay
An administrative fee is levied by the MVA for each flag resulting from unresolved:
- Parking violations
- Toll violations
- Red-light violations captured by automated camera systems
- Speed camera violations captured by automated camera systems
This fee is in addition to any fines imposed by the original flagging jurisdiction. You can pay the administrative fee:
- Online through myMVA eServices
- By mail or in person at any MVA branch office
- By phone at 1-410-768-7000
- At an MVA kiosk
When paying online, by kiosk, or phone, you must pay the total amount due, which may include fees for multiple flags.
Contact the MVA Customer Service Number for Help
Navigating vehicle flags can be complex, but help is readily available. For any questions or assistance regarding vehicle flags, including identifying the flagging entity or understanding fees, don’t hesitate to contact the MVA Customer Service Center.
MVA Customer Service Center: 1-410-768-7000
TTY/Hearing Impaired: 1-301-729-4563
By understanding vehicle flags and utilizing the MVA customer service number, you can efficiently resolve any issues and keep your vehicle record clear, ensuring you can continue to access essential MVA services without interruption.
