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May 26, 2016

Maryland Vehicle Identification Numbers

In the state of Maryland, it is against the law to damage or tamper with a vehicle under the Maryland Transportation Code 14-104. It is also against the law of the United States of America (Criminal Resource Manual 1364.) In the 2013 Maryland Transportation Code 14-404 Damaging or tampering with vehicle [Universal Citation MD Transp Code 14-104 (2013)]:

  1. A person may not willfully damage or tamper with any vehicle without the consent of its owner;
  2. A person may not drop or throw stones or other objects at a vehicle or at occupants of a vehicle;
  3. A person may not, with intent to commit any malicious mischief, damage, injury, or crime, climb into or on any vehicle, whether it is in motion or at rest; and
  4. A person may not, with intent to commit any malicious mischief, damage, injury, or crime, manipulate or attempt to manipulate any of the levers, starting mechanism, brakes, or other mechanism or devices of any vehicle while the vehicle is at rest and unattended.

Penalties in Maryland for VIN tampering

Maryland Legislative Code regarding VINs

United States Department of Justice Office of the United States Attorneys laws against altering or destroying a VIN:

Altering Or Removing Motor Vehicle Identification Numbers

Should I do a VIN search before purchasing a car in Maryland?

Yes. It is always recommended that you have at least a license plate check and at least a basic VIN check conducted before you purchase a car. Much like Social Security numbers with humans, those 17 numbers in the VIN can tell you the history of the car, such as:

  • Was the car involved in any accidents?
  • Has the car suffered any damages due to natural disasters (i.e. floods or hurricanes?)
  • Did this car ever have any additional titles? (which suggests that the car was completely destroyed or that someone is using a fake VIN number)
  • Was it ever used as a police car or a taxi?
  • How many miles has this car been driven?
  • How many owners has the vehicle had?

The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration also has a website which allows you to see the line in each county, a VIN check, and inspection info by license plate.

The state of Maryland has a link on the Department of Motor Vehicles website which can allow you to search for the Vehicle Record Request. They also have a link to a free license plate check which you can also look up and find information about the car (although you cannot find out information about personal data as that is a federal crime.)

However, you can find information including:

  • The title of a vehicle (a car, an SUV, a motorcycle, a truck, or even an RV);
  • The ownership of a vehicle (including if there are liens against it or if it has been reported stolen);
  • The condition of the car (including records of floods, fire, salvage, and recall information);
  • Dates and results of the latest inspection;
  • Records of mileage and odometer readings;
  • Whether the car was manufactured in the United States or if it was brought in legally or illegally; and
  • The VIN of the vehicle.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau offers a free service to the public which will let you if the vehicle has been reported stolen and not recovered, or if it has been previously reported as a salvage vehicle.

  • Information the Title of the Vehicle;
  • Most recent Odometer Reading;
  • The Brand History (“brand” is a label that the states assign to vehicles which identify the current or prior condition, and can include “junk,” “salvage,” and “flood.”) and sometimes;
  • Historical Theft Data.

Another searchable database that is very useful is the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System. This database is mainly for cars that have been in the possession of auto recyclers, junk yards, and salvage yards. Places such as salvage yards and auto recyclers are considered easy prey for thieves, and therefore they are more heavily regulated by the government and the data to be reported is mandated, including:

  • The name, address, and contact information for the reporting entity;
  • The VIN;
  • The date the automobile was obtained;
  • The name of the person or entity from whom the automobile was obtained;
  • A statement of whether the automobile was crushed or disposed of, or offered for sale or other purposes; and
  • Whether the vehicle is to be exported out of the country.

Suggestions from the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration on things to do before you buy or lease a car in Maryland:

  • Research the prices and features that you want on the vehicle you are interested in purchasing;
  • Talk to your bank or credit union about getting a loan before you visit the car dealer;
  • If you have a vehicle that you are going to trade in then check the value of the vehicle in the National Automobile Deckers Association (NADA) before going to the dealership;
  • Read and understand ever document that you sign and do not sign any blank documentation;
  • There is no 3-day return policy unless the dealer puts it in writing;
  • Verbal promises or contracts are hard to enforce so make sure you get everything in writing;
  • Check to see if the vehicle has any recalls, especially for safety issues, and whether it has been repaired yet or not. You can check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Center for Auto Safety websites.

Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration Consumer Advice for Buying a Car:

Consumer Tips for Purchasing a New Vehicle

Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration:

Motor Vehicle Administration

Maryland Free VIN check

Maryland Free License Plate Check

National Insurance Crime Bureau

National Motor Vehicle Title Information System

NADA

National Highway Safety Transportation Administration

Two scenarios when you can return your car to the Dealer or Manufacturer in Maryland

In Maryland, unlike most states, there are two different scenarios in which you can return your vehicle to the dealer or the manufacturer.

  • The first scenario is known as a “buy back,” and this happens when the dealer and the consumer mutually agree that the dealer will repurchase the vehicle (whether new or used) during the first 60 days after you take delivery of the vehicle.
  • The second scenario is when your vehicle meets the definition of the “Lemon Law” under the Maryland statute and is explained in further detail in the next part of the article.

Buy Back or Lemon Law

Lemon Law in Maryland

Lemon Laws are laws which are written to protect the consumer from defective equipment and companies which do not honor warranties. In Maryland, the lemon law, also known as the Automobile Warranty Protection Act, generally covers new cars, dealer-owner vehicles, “demonstrator” cars, and used cars which are either sold or leased in the state of Maryland and come with a manufacturer’s new car warranty. Also, members of our military who have purchased a car outside of the state of Maryland but are now stationed in, or residents of, Maryland are covered even if the vehicle in question was purchased outside of the state.

Any car which has been determined to be a lemon and is repurchased by the dealer and then resold must be identified as a “lemon law buyback” and have a “lemon” sticker on their door. If this information is not disclosed and the vehicle is sold “as is” the consumer may still be protected under the Federal Lemon Law.

While most states specify a specific number of repairs that must be attempted before the consumer can contact the state or an attorney and begin the process of getting their money back or getting a replacement vehicle, Maryland does not have a specific timeline. However, the state law presumes that the car is a lemon if, within eighteen months or 18,000 miles, the car has not been repaired successfully after:

  • Two (2) attempts or more to fix a problem which is likely to cause death or a serious injury if the car is driven;
  • Four (4) attempts or more to repair a problem which is reoccurring; or
  • The vehicle has been out of service and in the repair shop for 30 or more days, which need not be consecutive.

It is important to keep notes of conversations, receipts, and copies of correspondence because proper and complete documentation will only serve to strengthen your case. If it is determined that your car is a lemon the manufacturer must either replace the car with a car of comparable value or reimburse the owner an amount equal to the purchase price. You should now begin the next steps:

  • Mail out a preliminary letter to the manufacturer;
  • Begin a file at the Consumer Protection Division (part of the Office of the Attorney General);
    • You will need to mail a copy of the letter and a completed complaint form to a Consumer Protection officer in your area.

The manufacturer has thirty (30) days) to fix the problem or defect in the car; however, it the problem continues or if the manufacturer is either unable or unwilling to fix the problem, even if they begin resisting any inquires that as to a resolution to the problem, then it is time to file a claim and you may wish to consider hiring a lemon law attorney.

Many car manufacturers have arbitration procedures already in place and if the manufacturer does not fix your problem to your satisfaction, then you can enter arbitration to resolve the case. You should know that in most cases the arbitrator will be provided by the manufacturer. This does not mean that the arbitrator will rule in the case of the manufacturer though. If the arbitrator rules in favor of the consumer then the matter is considered closed and legally binding; however, if they rule in favor of the manufacturer then you can always proceed to the next step – court.

In the state of Maryland, the consumer has three (3) years from the date which you originally took possession of the vehicle to sue the car manufacturer. You have the right to represent yourself in a Lemon Law Case, although it is generally considered wise to hire an attorney.

Links to Maryland Lemon Law:

Maryland Attorney General Consumer Protection List

Maryland Automobile Protection Warranty Act

Information on Lemon Laws from DMV.org

Sample letter sent to the manufacturer to the Office of the Attorney General:

Office of the Attorney General

Division of the Attorney General

Complaint Form

Area Consumer Protection

Brochure published by the Office of the Attorney General:

Office of the Attorney General

Maryland Lemon Law

Maryland Lemon Law Questions

Do I need an attorney for a lemon law case in Maryland?

No, you do not need an attorney for a lemon law case in the state of Maryland, but it is a wise idea. Remember that the manufacturer will have experts on their side to try and discredit you and your case and it would be wise to do the same. What are the other benefits of having an attorney on your side?

  • They tend to have special knowledge in lemon laws, consumer protection laws, and other laws which may be relevant;
  • Lawyers can help speed the process along by not allowing it to get bogged down in paperwork;
  • They can remind you of what papers you need, what deadlines are coming, and aid you in keeping your papers in order; and
  • They are experts and even having an attorney next to you will make the manufacturers take you more seriously.

Lemon Law in Maryland

How do you find a good Lemon Law Lawyer in Maryland?

Most of us do not have a family lawyer who we can call for any reason, but very few of us know lemon law attorneys. For that reason, when a lemon law attorney is needed, it is often very hard to find one. Here are some tips to finding a good lemon law attorney:

  • Ask your friends or family if they know a good attorney who specializes in lemon law cases in Maryland.
  • Look for an attorney who has experience and is familiar with the lemon law in Maryland. In this case, a criminal or a divorce attorney might not be a wise choice;
  • Schedule consultations with prospective lawyers. Ask them about their experience, background, history with lemon law cases, and fees;
  • Ask about the fee schedule. Some attorneys will take cases only if they receive money up front, while others will take cases on a contingency basis. This means that if they do not win the case then they receive no money; however, if they do win the case then they get a percentage of the winnings.

If you are unable to find an attorney, you can always contact the Maryland Bar State Association who can assist you in finding an attorney.

Automotive Lemon Law in Maryland

Maryland Bar State Association

MVA
Department of Motor Vehicles
6601 Ritchie Hwy
1 410-768-7000

Beltsville MVA
Department of Motor Vehicles
11760 Baltimore Ave
1 410-768-7000

Glenmont Express MVA
Department of Motor Vehicles
12335 Georgia Ave
1 410-768-7000

Motor Vehicle Administration
Department of Motor Vehicles
North Plaza Shopping Center
8966 Waltham Woods Rd
1 410-768-7000

Maryland VEIP Station
Smog Inspection Station
721 E Ordnance Rd
1 877-634-6361
Closing soon: 1:00 PM

MVA
Department of Motor Vehicles
251 Tilghman Rd
1 410-768-7000

Maryland DMV
Department of Motor Vehicles
10251 Central Ave
1 410-768-7000

Gaithersburg Motor Vehicle Administration
Department of Motor Vehicles
15 Metropolitan Grove Rd
1 410-768-7000

Columbia Express MVA
Department of Motor Vehicles
6490 Dobbin Rd
1 410-768-7000

Loveville MVA
Department of Motor Vehicles
27351 Point Lookout Rd
1 410-768-7000

Motor Vehicle Administration
Car Inspection Station
2121 Industrial Pkwy
1 800-950-1682

Motor Vehicle Administration
Department of Motor Vehicles
1338 Eastern Blvd
1 410-768-7000

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
Department of Motor Vehicles
501 W Macphail Rd
1 410-768-7000

Motor Vehicle Administration
Department of Motor Vehicles
160 Harry S. Truman Pkwy
1 410-768-7000

Waldorf MVA
Department of Motor Vehicles
11 Industrial Park Dr
1 410-768-7000

Motor Vehicle Administration
Driver’s License Office
5425 Reisterstown Rd
1 410-768-7174

MVA Express
Department of Motor Vehicles
8966 Waltham Woods Rd
1 800-950-1682

Motor Vehicle Registration
Department of Motor Vehicles
2131 Industrial Pkwy
1 410-768-7000

MVA
Department of Motor Vehicles
9148 Centreville Rd
1 410-768-7000

Elkton MVA
Department of Motor Vehicles
105 Chesapeake Blvd
1 800-950-1682

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
Department of Motor Vehicles
1106 Baltimore Blvd
1 410-768-7000

Cumberland/Lavale Mva
Department of Motor Vehicles
13300 Winchester Rd SW
1 800-950-1682

Motor Vehicle Administration
Department of Motor Vehicles
200 Duke St
1 800-950-1682

Owings Mills Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program
Department of Motor Vehicles
11510 Cronridge Dr
1 800-950-1682
Closing soon: 1:00 PM

Chestertown Mva
Department of Motor Vehicles
300 High St
1 410-768-7000

Vehicle Emissions Inspection Station
Car Inspection Station
5900 Erdman Ave
1 410-768-7000
Closing soon: 1:00 PM

Maryland Permit Services
57 W Timonium Rd
1 410-561-1901

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
Department of Transportation
6490 Dobbin Rd
1 410-768-7000

E-ZPass Stop-in
Toll Booth
6601 Ritchie Hwy
1 888-321-6824

Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program Station
Department of Motor Vehicles
6340 Woodside Ct
1 800-492-4575
Closing soon: 1:00 PM

Lupus Foundation of America, DC/MD/VA Chapter
Charity
1319 F Street NW suite305
1 202-349-1167

Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program
Car Inspection Station
28 Henry Ford Cir
1 410-768-7000
Closing soon: 1:00 PM

Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program Station
Car Inspection Station
2121 Industrial Pkwy
1 800-492-4575
Closing soon: 1:00 PM

E-Z Pass
Toll Booth
1200 Frankfurst Ave
1 888-321-6824

MD Vehicle Emission Inspection
Department of Motor Vehicles
1631 Robin Cir
Closing soon: 1:00 PM

Administrative Hearings Office
State Government Office
11101 Gilroy Rd
1 410-229-4100

Motor Vehicle Administration Emissions Testing Station
Car Inspection Station
15910 Chieftain Ave
1 410-768-7000
Closing soon: 1:00 PM

Maryland State Government
State Government Office
1202 Cornwell Bridge Rd
1 410-296-4389

MARYLAND CARD COMPANY
Greeting Card Shop
4804 Mountain Rd

Maryland State Government
State Government Office
1400 E North Ave
1 410-467-3018

State Highway Administration
Department of Transportation
10690 Red Run Blvd
1 410-363-1315

VEIP Station
Car Inspection Station
1644 W Pulaski Hwy
1 410-768-7000
Closing soon: 1:00 PM

Field of Screams Maryland
Haunted House
4501 Olney Laytonsville Rd
1 888-720-1112
Opens at 6:30 PM

Maryland Interactive
Government Office
200 Westgate Cir # 402
1 410-990-1090

Maryland State Government
State Government Office
655 W Baltimore St
1 410-528-0006

Maryland State Government
State Government Office
502 Quince Orchard Rd
1 301-948-2477

Maryland State
Government
2901 Druid Park Dr
1 410-728-0361

Seth Okin Attorney at Law
Attorney
108 W Timonium Rd #333
1 410-782-0742
Closed today

CJIS
Fingerprinting Service
6776 Reisterstown Rd
1 410-764-4501

Maryland Department of Transportation
Transportation
1221 Braddock Rd
1 301-729-8436

Maryland Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program VEIP Station
Smog Inspection Station
7401 Jefferson Ave
1 800-492-4575
Closing soon: 1:00 PM

DMV Food Truck Association
Non-Profit Organization
300 Morse St NE
1 202-596-5236

Maryland Department of Transportation
Transportation
1 Orchard Rd
1 410-787-7739

Maryland State Board Of Elections
County Government Office
151 West St #200
1 410-269-2840

John F Kennedy Memorial Hwy
State Government Office
568 Bouchelle Rd
1 410-287-8600

Smicks Inc
Party Store
3721 West St
1 301-386-4000

A Touch of Class Limousines
Limousine Service
1 301-698-2650
Open until 8:00 PM

Peak Tag & Title Services
Driver’s License Office
14440 Cherry Ln Ct
1 240-295-4193
Permanently closed

WRC
White House Visitor Center
1299 Pennsylvania Ave NW
1 202-637-4535

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