Justice Department Seeks Relief for Maryland Military Families from Illegal Fees

The Justice Department sent a letter to Maryland’s transportation department urging an end to nonresident vehicle permit fees imposed on servicemembers and their spouses, arguing the fees violate the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Under current Maryland policy, military families face double taxation when registering vehicles after relocating for service, as they pay fees both in their home state and Maryland. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized that relocation for military duty is financially burdensome without additional fees. The Justice Department requested Maryland exempt military families from these fees, refund prior payments, and update policies to prevent future violations.

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division is seeking relief for military families affected by Maryland’s nonresident vehicle permit fees, which it asserts conflict with SCRA protections. The division called on Maryland to immediately cease collecting the fees, refund amounts already paid, and revise training and procedures to comply with federal law. The request follows concerns that military families, already facing relocation costs, are unfairly burdened by duplicate fees. The Civil Rights Division emphasized that servicemembers and their spouses should not be penalized for complying with military orders.

The Justice Department’s action targets Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Administration policy, which requires nonresident vehicle permits and associated fees for military families relocating under orders. The Civil Rights Division argues these fees constitute an unlawful tax on servicemembers and their dependents, in violation of the SCRA. The department is urging Maryland to align its policies with federal protections, ensuring military families are not subjected to additional financial strain due to service-related moves. The request includes a call for policy updates and staff training to prevent future violations.

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has taken steps to enforce SCRA protections for military families in Maryland, including a request for policy changes and refunds. Servicemembers and their dependents who believe their rights under the SCRA have been violated are advised to contact Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program offices for support. The division also highlighted resources at www.servicemembers.gov for further information on enforcement efforts and servicemember rights. The action underscores the federal government’s commitment to addressing unlawful fees imposed on military families during relocations.