Maryland DMV Point System: What is It? How does it Work?

Pennsylvania Drivers License
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The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will suspend your Maryland driver’s license if you are convicted of multiple traffic violations within a short time. Each violation has a specific number of points assigned to it. The less severe infractions have a lower number of points when compared to the more severe offenses. The point system is known as the Maryland DMV point system.

Maryland DMV Point System

The Maryland DMV point system starts with a low point count for minor offenses. Getting one offense will not have your license suspended. However, if you get many in a short time, it can lead to a suspension. Some offenses that will carry low points include:

  • Failing to use a turn signal
  • Not stopping at a red signal or stop sign
  • Not turning in a “turn only” lane
  • Changing lanes in an unsafe situation

Other violations may lead directly to a Maryland driver’s license suspension. These violations are more severe and can result in property damages or death. Some severe violations that will yield a high number of points are:

  • DUI/DWI of drugs and alcohol
  • Driving impaired because of drugs or alcohol
  • Driving with a suspended or revoked license
  • Driving without insurance

If you want to see more violations and the fees associated with them, click here.

Maryland DMV Point System & DUI/DWI

One of the most severe traffic offense you can commit in Maryland is the conviction of DUI or DWI. Getting caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and receiving a sentence will suspend your license immediately. In some cases and severity of the violation, your license can be revoked or canceled. The latter is usually associated with repeat offenders.

DUI Convictions

A DUI conviction will add 12 or more points to your Maryland driving records. For you to be determined intoxicated, your BAC test must be 0.08% (adult), 0.02% (minor), or 0.04% (commercial driver) or higher. You can be sentenced:

First Offenders:

  • License revoked up to 6 months
  • Fine $1,000
  • Imprison for up to 1 year
  • 12 points added to your driving record

Second Offense:

  • License revoked for one year and ignition interlock device required
  • Fine $2,000
  • Imprison for five days (mandatory) and up to 2 years
  • 12 points added to your driving records
  • Mandatory alcohol abuse program

DWI Conviction

A DWI conviction starts at 0.07% (adult), 0.01% (minor), or 0.03% (commercial driver) or higher. Even if you’re below the required percentage and failed the sobriety test, you will be charged for DWI.

First Offense:

  • License suspension for six months
  • Fined $500
  • Imprison for up to 2 months
  • 8 points added to your driving records

Second Offense:

  • License suspension for six months
  • Fined $500
  • Imprison for up to 1 year
  • 8 points added to your driving records

Maryland DMV Point System & Points Reduction

You may be able to remove points from your driving records, but it will take time. To remove points, you cannot continue to get points added. The Maryland MVA is not as forgiving when it comes to eliminating points. The only thing is to wait so that the points are erased in time.

The state will delete your record by:

  • 31 days after your most recent conviction for drivers who have:
    • Never had a license suspended for driver safety reasons
    • Never had a license revoke
    • No moving violations on their records
  • Three years after your last moving violation conviction date for drivers who have:
    • Never had a license suspended for driver safety reasons
    • Never had a license revoke
    • Moving violations on record
  • Five years after your last moving violation conviction date for drivers who have:
    • Only one driver’s license suspension
    • Never had a license revoke
  • Ten years after your most recent moving violation conviction date or grant of probation before judgment for drivers with:
    • Multiple license suspensions
    • The previous license revoked