Maryland Executive Order on Vehicle Repossessions

Dear WANADA Members,

Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland issued an executive order this afternoon that bars creditors from repossessing automobiles, trucks, or mobile residences during the remainder of the state's COVID-19 catastrophic health emergency. This order, however, does not impose any kind of suspension of a creditor's ability to continue assessing payments or penalties.

While this order is largely a moratorium on a number of types of evictions, the section most relevant to our members is Section III, which is reproduced below.

III. Prohibition on Certain Repossessions.  To the extent any statute, rule or regulation of the State of Maryland or any political subdivision would permit a Creditor to repossess any automobile, truck, or Chattel Home by self-help (including, without limitation, CL ยงยง 9-609, 12-115, 12-624, 12-1021, or 14-2008), such statute, rule, or regulation is hereby suspended until the state of emergency is terminated and the catastrophic health emergency is rescinded.

Please contact me or Joe Koch ( jk@wanada.org) if you have any questions about this executive order. Should the state Office of Legal Counsel provide additional guidance about this mandate, we will let you know as soon as possible.

Sincerely,
  
John O'Donnell
WANADA President and CEO