AboutRichard Expertise I have been the no-fault insurance administrator and arbitration specialist for 18 years working for a plaintiffs` law firm. I have a copy of and am familiar with the newest Reg.68 of the New York State insurance law and have sucessfully represented over 300 applicants at hearings and have guided more than 1,500 more that didn`t need to actually go to a hearing.
Question Hi there Richard,
My question revolves around a motorcyle I had from August of 2002 until October of 2005. It was the first vehicle I had titled in Maryland, and was unaware of the penalties for cancelling your insurance and not turning in your plates. I had lived in Washington, DC all my life. Long story short, I stopped riding and cancelled my insurance. I never received a letter until it was too late, and the fees were already extensive. The fees totalled over $5000 when I went to the MVA this past March to retitle the motorcycle. Maryland was a complete stickler, and in order for me to get plates, I had to pay 20% of the fine (over $1000) and am now paying $121 dollars a month for the next three years, JUST TO PAY OFF THE FINE!!! Do you know if there is anyway I can fight this fee? I mean I already paid close to $1500 in penalties. Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks so much for your help.
Eric
Answer Hi Eric, I have had several questions regarding the Maryland DMV and their fines which seem to me to be somewhat Draconian! I am afraid that in your case the only remedy open to you would be to declare hardship and ask for a hearing before a Judge. Without a proven change of ownership or proof that the bike was demolished in an accident the DMV will consider it to have been on the road without insurance and the fines for having no insurance will not be excused.
