It’s expensive to drive in Maryland. In July 2023, the state tax on gas rose by over 10% to 47 cents per gallon. This year, it fell slightly to 46 cents/gallon due to fluctuations in the consumer price index and the price of fuel. Tire dealers also now charge a $5 per tire fee for every new tire purchased.
It was eye-opening to read about the almost doubling of vehicle registration fees in Maryland over the last two years and that we pay over twice the amount as a high-tax state like New York (“Maryland now ranks fifth highest for vehicle registration costs,” Oct. 18). In September, I renewed my vehicle registration online. In addition to the high fees, I noted that there is now the option to register for only one year and that there are payment plans available. These options may assist motorists who might not be able to pay in full for what was formerly a traditional two-year registration.
If your vehicle emissions testing hasn’t been done recently, also brace yourself. The cost has more than doubled, going to $30, up from $14 a few short months ago. For you numbers people, that represents an increase of more than 114%. The Motor Vehicle Administration’s website says that the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program is in place to improve air quality. But the exorbitant fee increase may make many Maryland drivers choke.
— Eugene Wu, Sparks
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