Maryland Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements

Maryland law mandates that every commercial vehicle carry at least $30,000/$60,000/$15,000 in liability coverage, along with uninsured motorist protection that most states don't require. Your actual coverage obligations shift depending on vehicle type, passenger capacity, cargo classification and whether your routes extend beyond state borders.

Learn more about the commercial auto insurance coverage you need for your business in Maryland, mandatory uninsured motorist requirements, passenger carrier limits and PIP obligations below.

Select your industry

Select state

# Maryland Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements

Written by Blest Papio

Updated: March 12, 2026

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

What Commercial Auto Insurance Is Required in Maryland?

Under Maryland Transportation Code §17-103 and Insurance Code §19-504, businesses operating commercial vehicles must meet the state's commercial auto insurance requirements, which include:

$30,000 for bodily injury or death of one person per accident
$60,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people per accident
$15,000 for property damage per accident

The 30/60/15 base applies to standard business vehicles running local operations within Maryland, not to vehicles used exclusively for personal purposes. For-hire passenger carriers, freight haulers with vehicles rated above 10,001 pounds and hazmat transporters all face higher state or federal minimums tied to vehicle capacity, cargo classification and weight rating.

Unlike states that scale liability minimums by weight class, Maryland applies the same 30/60/15 floor to all intrastate commercial vehicles, regardless of size, as long as the vehicle isn't carrying passengers for hire or hazardous cargo. The federal FMCSA threshold starts at 10,001 pounds GVWR for any vehicle engaged in interstate commerce.


0–10,000 lbs	30/60/15 state minimum	Light-duty commercial vehicles (sedans, pickups, cargo vans)
10,001–26,000 lbs	$750,000 CSL (federal, if interstate)	Medium-duty trucks, box trucks, large delivery vehicles
26,001+ lbs	$750,000 CSL (federal, if interstate)	Heavy-duty trucks, semi-trucks, CDL required

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the manufacturer's maximum allowable weight when fully loaded, not what the vehicle actually weighs on any given trip. You can find it on the label inside the driver-side door jamb. Weight-based federal thresholds don't apply to intrastate-only operations hauling non-hazmat cargo, so those vehicles stay under Maryland's 30/60/15 floor regardless of size.

For-hire passenger vehicles in Maryland must meet higher liability minimums set by the Maryland Public Service Commission under PSC Form 28, separate from the base 30/60/15 requirement. The biggest coverage jump happens at the 16-passenger mark, where per-accident bodily injury limits double.


1–7 passengers	50/100/20	Sedans, SUVs, standard for-hire vehicles
8–15 passengers	75/200/50	Shuttles, large vans, small buses
16+ passengers	75/400/100	Motor coaches, charter buses, transit vehicles
16+ passengers (interstate)	$5,000,000 CSL (federal)	Interstate charter and tour buses

Maryland also requires every for-hire passenger vehicle to carry uninsured motorist coverage under Insurance Code §19-509 and personal injury protection under §19-505. Interstate carriers seating 16 or more passengers face a $5,000,000 federal FMCSA liability requirement that supersedes Maryland's PSC tiers. PSC tiers apply the moment a vehicle operates for hire, so carrying the base 30/60/15 on an occasional for-hire vehicle is a common compliance gap. These requirements don't apply to cargo-only vehicles or employee shuttles that don't charge a fare.

Public Utilities Article §10-405 governs insurance for Maryland's transportation network companies and applies across all three phases of TNC service. The coverage mandate begins when a driver logs into the app, not when a passenger enters the vehicle.


App on, waiting for request	TNC driver or TNC	50/100/25 liability + UM + PIP
En route to pick up passenger	TNC driver, TNC or both	50/100/25 liability + UM + PIP
Passenger in vehicle	TNC driver, TNC or both	50/100/25 liability + UM + PIP

Here's the gap most TNC drivers miss: under Maryland Insurance Code §19-517, your personal auto insurer can exclude all coverage while you're providing TNC services, including liability, UM/UIM and PIP. If your personal policy carries that exclusion and the TNC's coverage lapses, the TNC company is responsible for the claim from the first dollar under §10-405(c). These TNC rules under §10-405 don't apply to traditional taxi or livery services regulated separately by the PSC, or to non-app-based car services that operate under standard for-hire authority.

Federal FMCSA liability requirements apply to all hazardous materials carriers operating in Maryland, whether the route is intrastate or interstate. For non-hazmat cargo, Maryland's 30/60/15 state minimums govern intrastate-only carriers, while interstate operators with vehicles over 10,001 pounds GVWR must carry at least $750,000 CSL.


General freight (interstate, 10,001+ lbs)	$750,000 CSL	Dry goods, packaged products, equipment
Household goods	$750,000 CSL	Furniture, personal belongings (moving companies)
Oil and petroleum	$1,000,000 CSL	Crude oil, fuel oil, lubricants
Hazmat (non-bulk, 49 CFR Part 171)	$1,000,000 CSL	Flammable liquids, corrosives, compressed gases
Hazmat (bulk: tanks over 3,500 gallons)	$5,000,000 CSL	Explosives, poison gas, radioactive materials

Federal cargo classification drives the liability floor, not vehicle size. A small van hauling placarded hazardous materials carries the same $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 FMCSA requirement as a tanker truck. A common error is failing to check whether a product you're transporting falls under a hazmat classification at 49 CFR Part 171.

Cleaning supplies, paint and even certain fertilizers can trigger the $1,000,000 floor. These federal cargo-based limits don't apply to intrastate carriers hauling non-hazmat freight in vehicles under 10,001 pounds GVWR, which stay under Maryland's 30/60/15 state minimum.

WHEN DOES FEDERAL LAW APPLY OVER MARYLAND LAW?

Federal FMCSA requirements take priority over Maryland law for any vehicle with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more in interstate commerce, with minimum liability starting at $750,000 and climbing based on cargo and passenger classifications. "Interstate" doesn't require your truck to cross a state line: hauling a load that's part of an interstate shipment from a Maryland warehouse to a Maryland port can trigger FMCSA jurisdiction. Federal rules don't apply to purely intrastate operations carrying non-hazmat cargo in vehicles under 10,001 pounds GVWR. Confirm your obligations through the FMCSA insurance filing requirements and a licensed commercial insurance professional.

Maryland Commercial Auto Insurance Requirement Exemptions

Every registered motor vehicle in Maryland must carry insurance under Transportation Code §17-103, but a handful of vehicle categories sit outside the commercial auto insurance mandate. Because Maryland ties its requirement to registration rather than vehicle use, the exemption list is narrower than in many other states. If a vehicle touches a public road, it almost certainly needs coverage.


Vehicle used only for personal, non-business purposes	Personal auto insurance rules under Maryland's 30/60/15 minimums
Farm implements and agricultural machinery not operated on public roads	No road-use liability requirement
Off-road equipment (construction machinery, ATVs) not driven on highways	Not subject to on-road insurance mandates
Government-owned vehicles covered under authorized self-insurance programs	Government self-insurance statutes
Federal government and military vehicles	Federal government self-insurance
Vehicles not registered for road use (yard-only, private property)	No registration or insurance requirement
Buses and taxicabs (PIP exemption only)	Exempt from PIP requirement; liability and UM still required

These requirements apply uniformly across Baltimore, the D.C. suburbs of Montgomery and Prince George's Counties, Annapolis and every other Maryland jurisdiction. Check with the Maryland MVA or a licensed agent if you're unsure whether a specific vehicle qualifies for an exemption.

Maryland Commercial Auto Insurance Alternatives

Transportation Code §17-103 provides two paths to satisfy Maryland's financial responsibility requirement without a standard commercial auto policy. Both require MVA approval.

Self-insurance: The MVA can approve a self-insurance program if the applicant proves it covers the same liability, UM/UIM and PIP benefits required under §17-103(b) at or above the 30/60/15 minimums. Approved self-insurers pay an annual assessment of up to $750 for actuarial studies and solvency audits. Maryland doesn't set a published minimum fleet size, but approval is generally reserved for large commercial operators with the financial depth to absorb claims directly.
Other approved security: The MVA has discretion to accept alternative forms of financial security in place of an insurance policy, provided the alternative covers liability, PIP and UM/UIM at required levels. The alternative security option is rarely used and demands a formal application. Maryland doesn't offer a standard surety bond or cash deposit option for commercial vehicles, unlike some states that make those alternatives available for personal auto policies.

Special Coverage Circumstances in Maryland

Certain business operations in Maryland create insurance gaps or trigger requirements beyond the base 30/60/15 liability minimums.

Leased commercial vehicles

Lessors frequently require liability limits that exceed Maryland's state minimums by a wide margin. Before binding a policy, review your lease agreement's insurance clause, because falling short of those contractual limits can void your lease protections and expose your business to the full cost of a claim.

Washington D.C. metro and multi-jurisdiction operations

Routes that cross into Virginia or Washington D.C. can create coverage complications. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Commission (WMATC) requires its own certificate of authority for passenger-for-hire carriers operating point-to-point within the D.C. metro region, including Montgomery and Prince George's Counties. WMATC filing obligations and coverage requirements differ from Maryland PSC rules, so verify compliance before expanding service across jurisdictions.

Farm vehicles on public roads

Farm implements are exempt from insurance requirements when they stay on private property, but the exemption ends the moment a tractor, grain truck or other agricultural vehicle pulls onto a public highway. At that point, the vehicle must carry at least Maryland's 30/60/15 liability minimums, even for a short trip between properties or to a local market.

Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (MAIF)

If two or more private insurers have denied your business coverage, or one has canceled your policy, the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund can issue a commercial auto policy that meets state minimums. MAIF premiums tend to run higher than private-market rates, but the fund exists specifically as a backstop for businesses that can't get coverage elsewhere.

Maryland Commercial Auto Insurance Enforcement and Penalties

The MVA enforces Maryland's insurance requirements through an automated electronic verification system that cross-references active policies against registered vehicles, so coverage gaps get flagged whether or not you're ever pulled over. Police also verify insurance during traffic stops and after accidents. Baltimore City, Baltimore County and other jurisdictions hold additional enforcement authority over for-hire vehicles through the Public Service Commission.


First offense (driving uninsured)	Up to $1,000	5 points on license; registration suspended	Pay all fines; provide proof of coverage
Second offense	Up to $2,000	5 additional points; registration suspended	Full reinstatement required
Insurance lapse (administrative)	$200 for first 30 days + $7/day after (up to $2,500/year)	Registration suspended; plates may be confiscated	$25 registration restoration fee; clear all violations
Driving with suspended registration	Additional fines	Vehicle may be impounded	Clear underlying insurance violation first

Maryland doesn't use SR-22 forms. The state's equivalent is an FR-19 certificate, which your insurer files with the MVA to verify minimum coverage after a lapse or policy change. Driving uninsured is a misdemeanor carrying up to one year in jail for a first offense and two years for repeat offenses. The MVA considers points from an uninsured conviction current for two years and public record for three, after which they're eligible for automatic expungement.

How to Verify Your Business Meets Maryland Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements

Walk through these seven checks before renewing or binding a commercial auto policy in Maryland.

1
Confirm your vehicles are registered and insured in Maryland
Every vehicle on a public road in Maryland must be registered with the MVA and covered by an insurer licensed in the state. For vehicles that might qualify for an exemption (farm equipment that stays off public roads, yard-only vehicles), verify the exemption before dropping coverage.
2
Identify how each vehicle is used
Pin down whether the vehicle hauls goods, transports passengers for hire, runs local routes only or crosses state lines. Maryland's coverage obligations hinge on vehicle use, and for-hire passenger operations trigger PSC-mandated limits well above the 30/60/15 base.
3
Check each vehicle's weight rating
Look up the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the manufacturer's label inside the driver-side door jamb. At 10,001 pounds or above, any vehicle in interstate commerce shifts to federal FMCSA minimums of $750,000 or higher, replacing Maryland's state limits entirely.
4
Determine whether state or federal rules apply
If your vehicles move cargo or passengers across state lines, or carry freight that's part of a larger interstate shipment, FMCSA jurisdiction applies even when your portion of the trip stays within Maryland. Check your classification with the FMCSA and MVA before purchasing a policy.
5
Confirm your liability limits meet the correct requirement
A standard Maryland business vehicle needs at least $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident and $15,000 in property damage coverage, plus mandatory uninsured motorist coverage at matching limits. Passenger carriers, hazmat haulers and federally regulated operations all face higher thresholds.
6
Verify your policy reflects actual vehicle use
Double-check that each vehicle's classification, listed drivers and coverage type match how it's actually used day to day. Listing a vehicle as "business use" when it regularly transports passengers for hire is a common reason claims get denied.
7
Check for port and interstate commerce gaps
For businesses operating across Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C., make sure a single policy or coordinated policies cover all three jurisdictions. Passenger-for-hire carriers in the D.C. metro region may also need a separate WMATC certificate of authority with its own insurance requirements.

Maryland Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements: Bottom Line

What your Maryland business needs for commercial auto coverage comes down to vehicle use, passenger or cargo exposure and whether state or federal rules govern your operations. The next step is matching your liability limits, UM/UIM coverage and policy classifications to the specific requirement category that applies, then verifying nothing falls through the cracks when routes cross jurisdictions.

Maryland Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements: Next Steps

Maryland's legal minimums are only half the equation. The requirements above set the floor for what Maryland and federal law demand, but the right coverage level depends on your financial exposure, the contracts you sign and the real-world risks your vehicles face every day.

If your goal is just legal compliance

Verify that your liability limits meet the Maryland or federal minimums for your operation, and that your insurer has classified each vehicle correctly. Misclassified vehicles are one of the most common reasons coverage gets denied at claim time, so sort that out before you get commercial auto insurance coverage.

If your vehicles are valuable or highly visible

At $15,000, Maryland's property damage minimum barely covers a fender on a newer vehicle. A multi-vehicle collision on I-95 or the Capital Beltway can generate damages several times that amount, and branded trucks or tool-equipped vans only increase your exposure. Carry property damage limits that reflect what you'd actually owe, not what the statute requires.

If you transport passengers

Even Maryland's highest PSC tier (75/400/100 for 16+ passengers) can fall short of a single serious injury claim in the Baltimore or D.C. metro area. If you run shuttles, charter services or contracted transport, build your limits around worst-case passenger injury scenarios, not the regulatory minimum.

If you haul goods or equipment

Your coverage should reflect the value at risk on every trip. A loaded box truck or flatbed hauling heavy equipment can cause damage that dwarfs Maryland's 30/60/15 base, and cargo or equipment losses add a second layer of exposure that the state minimum doesn't address.

If your business signs contracts

Government contracts and commercial leases in Maryland routinely require $1,000,000 or more in liability coverage. Review the insurance clause in every agreement before accepting work, because falling short of contractual minimums can lock you out of bidding entirely.

f your business operates in the D.C. metro region

Verify that your policy covers Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C. without gaps, and confirm any additional WMATC requirements for passenger-for-hire service. A coverage lapse between jurisdictions can leave your business uninsured for part of a route, even if your Maryland limits are correct.

About Blest Papio

Blest Papio is a Content Producer at MoneyGeek specializing in small business insurance. With five years of experience in insurance and finance writing and hands-on perspective as a former business counselor, he understands the risks that come with running a business and what it takes to protect against them.

Blest focuses on commercial auto, cyber, property and specialty business insurance. He digs deep into policy details, regulations and provider offerings so businesses can find the coverage they need and avoid financial fallout. His goal is to translate technical insurance language and insurer offerings into guides you can act on.

Whether you're insuring company vehicles, managing cyber liability or protecting your commercial property, Blest aims to guide you through your risks to help you find coverage you truly need, not sell you a policy.

Read Full Bio »

sources

Maryland General Assembly. "Transportation Code §17-103 — Required Security." Accessed March 23, 2026.
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. "Insurance Requirements for Maryland Vehicles." Accessed March 23, 2026.
Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund. "Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage." Accessed March 23, 2026.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. "Insurance Filing Requirements." Accessed March 23, 2026.
U.S. Department of Transportation. "49 CFR Part 171 — General Information, Regulations and Definitions." Accessed March 23, 2026.

Maryland Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements

What Commercial Auto Insurance Is Required in Maryland?

Maryland Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements by Vehicle Weight

Maryland Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements by Passenger Count

Maryland Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements by Service Type

Maryland Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements by Cargo Type

Maryland Commercial Auto Insurance Requirement Exemptions

Maryland Commercial Auto Insurance Alternatives

Special Coverage Circumstances in Maryland

Maryland Commercial Auto Insurance Enforcement and Penalties

How to Verify Your Business Meets Maryland Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements

Confirm your vehicles are registered and insured in Maryland

Identify how each vehicle is used

Check each vehicle's weight rating

Determine whether state or federal rules apply

Confirm your liability limits meet the correct requirement

Verify your policy reflects actual vehicle use

Check for port and interstate commerce gaps

Maryland Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements: Bottom Line

Maryland Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements: Next Steps

sources