Maryland Suspended License or Registration Attorney

Maryland Drivers With Unpaid Toll Violations Are at Risk for Having Registration Suspended

Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA) warned drivers today to pay their toll violations or their vehicle registrations will be suspended or flagged for non-renewal.  There is an estimated $7.1 million in accumulated unpaid tolls in Maryland.  MdTA will begin sending letters to approximately 131,000 vehicle owners, “informing them they will have their vehicle registration blocked or yanked entirely if they don’t pay what they owe in tolls and associated citations.”  A majority of the toll violators lacked an E-ZPass device but went through specified E-ZPass lanes anyway.  Others arrived at tolls without any money and failed to follow directions for how to pay.

Last year, Maryland’s General Assembly passed legislation allowing the MdTA to “either suspend or block the renewal of those drivers’ registrations if they don’t pay up within 30 days.”  A majority of the 131,000 violators have unpaid tolls and civil penalties totaling less than $1,000 and will have their registrations flagged for nonrenewal if they fail to settle their debts.  However, there are approximately 9,000 drivers who owe more than $1,000 in tolls and civil penalties.  The MdTA said, “if they don’t pay, they will be referred to the MVA for immediate suspension of their registration.”

Drivers can contest the toll violations and civil citations in District Court if they believe an error has been made.

If you or a family member has a suspended license or vehicle registration and would like a free legal consultation please feel free to contact our office at (301) 854-9000 or visit us on the web at www.portnerandshure.com

Routine Police Stop Turns Into Hot Pursuit Causing Fatality

Routine police stops occur every day. However, on January 29, 2010, the Maryland State Police pulled over Mr. Tyrone Butler for speeding. In the vehicle with Mr. Butler was his friend, Francis Chase, Jr. Mr. Butler was found to be driving on a suspended license at which time the responding trooper called for backup. Once the additional officers arrived on the scene, the officers approached Mr. Butlers pick up truck. Mr. Butler attempted to flee the scene and led the police on a 2 ½ mile chase on Route 235 in Hollywood, Maryland. The pursuit turned deadly when Mr. Butler turned abruptly onto Vista Road and into a private driveway at which time he crashed into two trees before the vehicle came to rest. Mr. Butler was flown to Prince George's County Shock Trauma with non-life threatening injuries. Mr. Chase, however, was pronounced dead at the scene.

This is an example of an accident that was caused by one person's poor judgement. The family of Mr. Chase may pursue a claim against Mr. Butlers' insurance carrier for death benefits to assist with the costs of burial or other costs arising from this accident as well as a wrongful death claim. However, it is unlikely that he had any insurance since he was driving on a suspended license. Hence, the recovery, if any, will have to be under Mr. Chases' own uninsured motorist policy. Mr. Butler could also face civil and criminal charges as a result of his actions. Charges such as vehicular manslaughter could be filed by the State of Maryland.

If you, a family member, or someone you know has been injured in a motor vehicle accident or you would like more information on car accidents, please contact Portner & Shure for a free consultation.