MARYLAND

Prior to the first state registration law, passed on April 12, 1904, cities would have been the only entities to have the authority to register automobiles, with Baltimore being the only known example with a requirement dating to 1902.

Baltimore (558,485)

The Horseless Age, on November 5, 1902, mentions that there are few automobiles in Baltimore and that they are subject to the same speed limits and other traffic laws as all other vehicles.  No license or number provisions are mentioned.  A Chicago Tribune news article on December 11, 1902, does mention a city license requirement and number display for automobiles as well as other vehicles.  "Baltimore streets are not well adapted to autos, and there are not many on the streets..."  Compared to the smooth, wide boulevards of Washington, D.C., downtown Baltimore roads were apparently steep and curvy.  It is uncertain if the above-mentioned requirement was for all types of vehicles, including horse-drawn, or if it qualifies as a true motor vehicle ordinance.