Ch. 444                                     1993 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(d)     (1) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection, for each
vehicle registered under this section, the annual registration fee is based on the
manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating as follows:

Manufacturer's Gross                                                   -Fee

Weight Rating (in Pounds)

10,000 (or less) to 26,000                                                $100

More than 26,000                                                            $300

(2) (i) The annual registration fee for a vehicle registered under this
section that, is used for any purpose other than that described in subsection (c) of this
section shall be determined under subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph if the maximum
gross weight of the vehicle or combination of vehicles:                                                       

1. Exceeds 18,000 pounds and the vehicle has a manufacturer's
gross weight rating of 26,000 pounds or less; or .

           2. Exceeds 35,000 pounds and the vehicle has a manufacturer's

gross weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds.

(ii) The annual registration fee shall be the greater of:            

1.       The fees set forth in paragraph (1) of this subsection; or

2.       The fees set forth in § 13-916(b) of this subtitle.

(e)     (1) Notwithstanding §§ 24-104.1, 24-108, and 24-109 of this article, a tow
truck registered under this section, while engaged in an emergency tow, may remove a
motor vehicle or vehicle combination from a highway for safety reasons if:

(i) The tow truck and the motor vehicle or vehicle combination being
towed comply with all applicable statutory weight and size restrictions under Title 24 of
this article when measured or weighed separately; and

(ii) The motor vehicle or vehicle combination is being towed directly to
a nearby facility for repair or storage.

(2) If a disabled motor vehicle or disabled vehicle combination is carrying a
perishable commodity, the. vehicle may be towed directly by the safest and shortest
practical route possible to the commodity's destination.

(f)      (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, a person may not
engage in any emergency or secondary tow or any other tow of a motor vehicle or vehicle
combination that exceeds any applicable statutory weight and size restrictions under Title
24 of this article unless the person has obtained the appropriate annual blanket permit
under this subsection.

(2)     The State Highway Administration and the State Police, jointly, shall
adopt regulations to implement this section.

(3)     The regulations adopted under this subsection shall specify criteria for:

- 2388 -