Can Police Run Your License Plate Without Probable Cause in Maryland?

Frank Benvenuto, P.A.
Aug 11, 2025
2 min read

If you’ve ever spotted a police cruiser behind you and wondered, “Can they run my license plate without a reason?” — you’re not alone. In Maryland, the law is clear: yes, they can. Your license plate is considered public information, and police can run it at any time without probable cause or reasonable suspicion.

Why Maryland Police Can Run Your License Plate Anytime

In Maryland, license plates are publicly displayed identifiers. The courts have ruled there’s no reasonable expectation of privacy for items visible in public, such as your tag number. This means law enforcement officers can:

Check your vehicle’s registration status
Verify that your registration is current
Identify stolen vehicles
Check for outstanding warrants tied to the registered owner
Confirm insurance compliance

Police officer running a license plate — Officer running a license

The Role of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs)

Maryland police departments often use Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) — devices that scan plates in seconds and cross-check them against databases. ALPRs can instantly flag:

Expired registrations
Suspended or revoked licenses
Stolen vehicles
Amber Alerts and other law enforcement bulletins

Does This Mean Police Can Pull You Over Without Cause?

Not exactly. While running your plate requires no probable cause, stopping your vehicle does. A plate check might lead to a lawful stop if it reveals a violation, such as:

Expired registration
Suspended license
Outstanding warrant

What Maryland Drivers Should Do

To avoid unwanted encounters with law enforcement:

Keep your documents up to date — registration, license, and insurance.
Be aware of your rights — you can ask why you were stopped.
Stay calm and cooperative — arguing roadside won’t change the law.

Bottom Line:

In Maryland, police don’t need probable cause to run your license plate. Because tags are considered public information, they can be checked at any time. Staying informed and compliant is the best way to avoid legal trouble.