A mechanic’s lien is a security interest in real or personal property that is acquired by someone who adds material or labor to improve the property. A mechanic’s lien usually remains in effect until the lien holder (the auto repair shop) is paid for the material or labor added to the property. For a movable piece of property like a car, the property owner’s failure to pay the auto repair shop for material or labor may allow the auto repair shop to keep possession of the car until the owner pays for the material and labor. In the auto repair context, a mechanic’s lien is sometimes called a garageman’s lien.

In Maryland, a mechanic's lien, also known as a garageman's lien in the context of auto repairs, is a legal claim against a vehicle for unpaid repairs or improvements made by a mechanic or repair shop. Under Maryland law, mechanics and auto repair shops can retain possession of a customer's car until the bill for repair work or improvements is paid. The process for enforcing a mechanic's lien is governed by Maryland statutes, specifically under the Maryland Commercial Law Code. To perfect the lien, the repair shop must follow specific procedures, which may include notifying the vehicle owner of the outstanding debt and filing a lien statement with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) within a certain time frame. If the debt remains unpaid, the repair shop may be able to sell the vehicle at a public auction after complying with the legal requirements for notice and waiting periods. It is important for both vehicle owners and repair shops to understand their rights and obligations under Maryland's mechanic's lien laws to ensure proper legal procedures are followed.