Maryland Unveils Updated Coastal Bays License Plate

Maryland has unveiled an updated design for its specialty bay license plate, which now includes recognition of the state's five coastal bays alongside the Chesapeake Bay. This redesign aims to draw more environmentally conscious drivers, with state officials anticipating an increase in sales, especially from Eastern Shore residents who felt previously overlooked. The new plates, which retain the iconic Maryland blue crab and Chesapeake Bay Bridge imagery, will help fund environmental initiatives through the Chesapeake Bay Trust. Senator Mary Beth Carozza and Kevin Smith, Executive Director of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, expressed hope that this change will raise awareness and financial support for maintaining the coastal waters. Currently, about 7% of Maryland vehicles display a bay license plate, with 40,000 plates issued this year alone. The fees from these plates contribute to educational and conservation efforts for Maryland's waterways.