Effective October 1, judgment creditors can no longer seek license suspension though MVA

MARYLAND CLIENT ADVISORY

Effective October 1, judgment creditors can no longer seek license suspension though the Motor Vehicle Administration.

Effective October 1, 2020, under Chapter law 149, Sections 17-204 to 17-207 of the Transportation Article are repealed.  Previously, these sections of the Transportation Article permitted a judgment creditor to request the Motor Vehicle Administration to suspend the license of a judgment debtor upon proof of a certified judgment and a certificate of facts from the District Court of Maryland. Now, judgment enforcement mechanisms are limited to garnishing the debtor’s wages, garnishing the debtor’s bank account, and seizing the debtor’s personal property or real estate. This new statute is also retroactive. As of October 1^st, the Motor Vehicle Administration will withdraw any prior suspension of driver’s license or driving privilege previously entered.

Questions regarding the advisory can be directed to Lauren Upton, at (443) 641-0572 or lupton@tthlaw.com.