Maryland is undergoing a significant transformation in its transportation landscape, with new regulations and enforcement actions that directly impact which vehicles are permitted on public roads.
Driven by environmental concerns, public safety, and evolving federal and state policies, these changes affect a wide range of vehicles—from gas-powered cars to off-road recreational vehicles. This article outlines the latest bans, restrictions, and enforcement updates, supported by the most recent statistics and official reports.
The Ban on Gas-Powered and Hybrid Vehicles: What’s Changing?
Maryland has committed to a major shift toward zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). Under the Advanced Clean Cars II rule, the state plans to ban the sale of new gas-powered vehicles—including most hybrids—by 2035. This aligns Maryland with California and other states adopting similar measures to combat climate change and improve air quality.
- Starting in model year 2027, 43% of new vehicles sold must be electric or zero-emission.
- The requirement rises to 51% in 2028, 59% in 2029, and 68% in 2030.
- By 2035, 100% of new passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs sold must be zero-emission.
Current stats: As of 2025, electric vehicles account for about 12% of new vehicle sales in Maryland, meaning the state must more than triple this share to meet the 2027 mandate.
Delays and Political Pushback
In April 2025, Governor Wes Moore issued an executive order delaying enforcement of these standards by two years, citing concerns about insufficient charging infrastructure and consumer readiness.
Additionally, the U.S. Senate recently passed a resolution aiming to end the ban on gas-powered car sales in Maryland and other states, creating further uncertainty about the future of these regulations.
Off-Road and Unregistered Vehicles: Strict Prohibitions
Maryland strictly prohibits the operation of unregistered vehicles such as dirt bikes, ATVs, golf carts, and off-road vehicles on public roads, bicycle lanes, sidewalks, and most public property. These vehicles can only be operated on private property with the owner’s permission.
Key points:
- Off-road vehicles, ATVs, and golf carts are not allowed on public roadways, trails, or parks.
- Any vehicle not registered in Maryland cannot be driven on public highways.
- Violators may face fines, vehicle impoundment, and other penalties.
Commercial and Oversized Vehicle Restrictions
Maryland also enforces route-specific restrictions for commercial and oversized vehicles. These include limits on vehicle height, weight, and width on certain roads and bridges, as well as outright bans on specific routes for safety and infrastructure reasons.
Examples of current restrictions:
- No permit loads over 80,000 lbs. on certain bridges.
- Height and width limits on various state and local roads.
- Some bridges and roads are closed entirely to oversized vehicles.
Vanity License Plates: Thousands of Messages Banned
While not a vehicle ban, Maryland has also banned nearly 5,000 messages from being used on vanity license plates. These include offensive language, references to drugs or violence, and any content deemed inappropriate or objectionable by the Motor Vehicle Administration.
Latest Statistics and Impact
EV market share: 12% of new vehicle sales in Maryland (2025).
Projected reduction: 383,000 fewer new gas-powered vehicles sold by 2030; 1.68 million fewer by 2035 under the new rules.
Vanity plates: Nearly 5,000 banned messages as of 2025.
Conclusion
Maryland is at the forefront of a nationwide push toward cleaner, safer, and more regulated roadways. The ban on new gas-powered and hybrid vehicles—though currently delayed—signals a dramatic shift toward electric mobility.
At the same time, strict prohibitions on unregistered and off-road vehicles reinforce the state’s commitment to safety and environmental stewardship. As these regulations evolve, Maryland drivers and vehicle owners must stay informed and prepared for ongoing changes in what is—and isn’t—allowed on the state’s roads.
Source:
[1] https://wanada.org/maryland-joins-other-states-in-ice-vehicle-ban/
[2] https://www.autosinnovate.org/posts/blog/maryland-cant-afford-gas-vehicle-ban
[3] https://thedailyrecord.com/2025/05/05/house-vote-block-maryland-gas-car-ban-2035/
[4] https://www.automotiveworld.com/news-releases/alliance-for-automotive-innovation-statement-on-executive-order-delaying-marylands-gas-vehicle-ban/
[5] https://www.wmar2news.com/local/senate-passes-resolution-to-end-ban-on-the-sale-of-gas-powered-cars-in-maryland
[6] http://thebaynet.com/reminder-off_road-vehicles-prohibited-on-streets-and-public-property-html/
[7] https://thebaynet.com/know-what-you-can-drive-on-maryland-roadways-and-what-you-cant-html/
[8] https://www.roads.maryland.gov/oots/routere1.pdf
[9] https://www.fox5dc.com/news/nearly-5000-vanity-license-plates-banned-in-maryland
[10] https://www.kbb.com/car-news/maryland-delays-2035-ev-only-rule/
[11] https://www.sema.org/news-media/enews/2025/15/cracks-forming-maryland-pauses-enforcement-californias-ev-mandate
[12] https://www.autosinnovate.org/posts/press-release/eo-delaying-md-gas-ban
[13] https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/new-maryland-laws-2025/
[14] https://wtop.com/maryland/2017/02/maryland-bans-4900-vanity-license-plates-wtfomg/
[15] https://somdcriminaldefense.com/new-laws-effective-january-1-2025-in-maryland-what-you-need-to-know/
[16] https://marylandreporter.com/2025/05/12/heres-how-federal-and-state-action-may-affect-maryland-electric-vehicle-programs/
[17] https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/features/maryland-joins-other-states-in-ice-vehicle-ban
[18] https://www.marylandinjuryattorneyblog.com/maryland-road-worker-protection-act-updates-roll-out-for-2025/
[19] https://www.governmentattic.org/47docs/MDmdotMVAbannedcustPlates_2022.pdf
[20] https://advancedbiofuelsusa.info/maryland-governor-unveils-plan-to-phase-out-new-gas-powered-cars
[21] https://www.fox5dc.com/news/new-maryland-laws-take-effect-july-1-2025
[22] https://www.mdcourts.gov/sites/default/files/court-forms/dccr090public.pdf
[23] https://mva.maryland.gov/businesses/Documents/bulletins/2025/Industry%20Bulletin%20-%20HB%20352%20(BRFA)%20(2025)%20Changes%2005222025.pdf
[24] https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2025RS/fnotes/bil_0009/sb0949.pdf
[25] https://zerodeathsmd.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SHSP2021-25_compressed.pdf
[26] https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2025RS/fnotes/bil_0008/hb1258.pdf
[27] https://www.wypr.org/2025-04-15/2025-maryland-legislative-tracker
[28] https://roads.maryland.gov/mdotsha/pages/Index.aspx?PageId=545
[29] https://trackbill.com/bill/maryland-senate-bill-322-vehicle-laws-obscured-modified-or-blocked-registration-plates-and-registration-plate-covers/2603807/
[30] https://dbm.maryland.gov/budget/Documents/operbudget/2025-instructions/Appendix_4_State_Vehicles_by_Classification.pdf
[31] https://www.traublaw.com/blogs/7767/maryland-vehicle-laws-you-might-not-know-about/