MarylandMaryland law protects dealers who explain lower vehicle prices online
Starting October 1, 2026, vehicle makers and distributors may not punish dealers for making a specified online price disclosure, unless the dealer breaks certain laws.
What it does
Vehicle makers and their distributors may not punish a dealer for saying online that a vehicle's advertised price is the maker's minimum and the dealer may offer it for less. Exceptions apply when the dealer breaks specified advertising or public protection laws.
Argument forDealers may feel safer telling shoppers that the listed price is a minimum and that they may offer the vehicle for less.
Argument againstShoppers could be confused if a dealer says the listed price is a minimum but does not state what lower price it may offer.
More detail
Manufacturers, distributors, and factory branches may not take adverse action against a dealer for making the specified price disclosure on its website. The disclosure must say that a vehicle's advertised price is the manufacturer's minimum allowed advertised price and that the dealer may offer it for less. The protection does not apply if the dealer violates a state or local law meant to protect the public, or the rules against false, deceptive, or misleading vehicle ads and ads made without intent to sell as advertised. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 26Approved by the Governor Wes Moore - Chapter 770Became Law
- Apr 9Returned Passed
- Apr 9Third Reading PassedPassed Senate
- Apr 8Second Reading Passed
- Apr 8Favorable AdoptedMinor
- Apr 8Favorable Report by Judicial ProceedingsMinor
- Mar 21
- Vote recorded On Third Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 13Referred Judicial ProceedingsMinor
- Mar 12Third Reading PassedPassed House
- Mar 11Second Reading Passed
- Mar 11Motion Special Order until 03/12 (Delegate Fisher) Rejected
- Mar 11Favorable AdoptedMinor
- Mar 10Favorable Report by Economic MattersMinor
- Feb 28
- Vote recorded On Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 27
- Vote recorded Motion to Special Order. Result: fail.Lower
- Feb 6Hearing 2/11 at 2:30 p.m.
- Feb 6Hearing canceled
- Jan 19Hearing 2/11 at 1:00 p.m.
- Jan 19Hearing canceled
- Jan 19Hearing 2/04 at 1:00 p.m.
- Jan 15First Reading Economic MattersIntroduced
Consumer Protection