Suspended license in Maryland: points, other causes, and how to reinstate

How the points system works

Most states assign points to moving violations and suspend the license when the total inside a set window crosses a threshold. The threshold, the window and how long each violation keeps counting are all set by the state.

Maryland assigns points to the driving record after a conviction for a moving violation; the MDOT MVA says the points system 'helps promote traffic safety and encourages good driving habits'. Points accumulated within a two-year period trigger escalating action: a warning letter at 3 to 4 points, a required Driver Improvement Program at 5 to 7 points, a Notice of Suspension at 8 to 11 points, and a Notice of Revocation at 12 or more points.

Points period stated by the agency: 2 years. Points are assessed as of the date of violation and are counted within any two-year period for MVA action; the MVA states that over time points may no longer count toward certain actions but remain part of the official driving record and are not removed on request. Under Transp. § 16-117.1 the MVA expunges the public driving record after 3 conviction-free years if the license was never suspended for driver-safety reasons or revoked, after 5 years with not more than one such suspension, or after 10 years regardless of the number of suspensions or revocations.

“3 to 4 points: You will receive a warning letter from the MVA.”

“The licensee has not been convicted of a moving violation or a criminal offense involving a motor vehicle for the preceding 3 years, and the licensee’s license never has been suspended for reasons related to driver safety, as defined by the Administration, or revoked”

Check points or the driving record: mva.maryland.gov

Traffic school and point reduction

Maryland's Driver Improvement Program is a 4-to-8-hour rehabilitation course that the MVA requires of drivers who accumulate 5, 6 or 7 points, drivers referred by a District Court judge or an Administrative Law Judge, and provisional licensees convicted of a moving violation. It does not remove points: the MVA states that points 'are not removed upon request' and remain on the record according to Maryland law. The course is taken from an MVA-listed DIP provider, which sets its own fee; a driver who does not attend by the date on the referral letter is suspended until the program is completed.

“If you do not attend a DIP class by the date specified on your referral letter, the MVA will suspend your driving privilege.”

Other reasons a license is suspended, and what ends each one

These are the causes the licensing agency itself lists on its suspension pages, with what it requires to lift each one. Court-imposed suspensions and DUI suspensions are covered on the state's DUI pages.

Reinstating after a non-DUI suspension

Reinstatement fee: $30. The MVA fee table lists a $30 restoration fee (to lift a suspension), $90 for non-CDL or CDL reinstatement after a revocation, and $150 for reinstatement after drug- or alcohol-related offenses. Most hearing requests to the Office of Administrative Hearings carry a separate $150 filing fee.

“Driver license reinstatement fees Restoration fee $30 Non-CDL or CDL reinstatement $90 Non-CDL or CDL reinstatement due to drug or alcohol related offenses $150”

1. Surrender the license or accept the action

   For a points suspension or revocation, the most recently issued license is returned to the MVA by mail or in person by the date on the notice; a late return extends the period by the number of days of delay, and the revocation waiting period starts on the later of the surrender date or the revocation date.

   “You must return your most recently issued driver’s license to the MVA no later than the suspension date shown on your notice. If you return it late, your suspension will be extended by the number of days you delay.”

2. Complete the waiting period and any required program

   After a revocation the waiting period is 6 months for a first revocation, 1 year for a second, 18 months for a third and 2 years for four or more; alcohol- or drug-related revocations also require treatment such as the 12-hour Alcohol Education Program. Reinstatement is not automatic.

   “Reinstatement is not automatic. You must: Meet eligibility requirements Complete the mandatory waiting period Submit an application with the required fees Complete any required treatment or testing”

3. Request a reinstatement application through myMVA

   The MVA reviews the record for insurance violations, child support violations and other eligibility issues; if none are found it mails the application.

   “The MVA will review your driving record for insurance violations, child support violations, and other issues that could affect eligibility. If a problem is found, you will receive a letter explaining why you are not eligible.”

4. Submit the application and fees

   The completed application is uploaded through myMVA with payment of the required fees; approval may carry driving restrictions such as an alcohol restriction or an Ignition Interlock requirement.

   “Complete the application and upload it through your myMVA account along with payment of required fees. Once received, the MVA will make a final decision and notify you by mail.”

5. If approved, visit a full-service branch; if denied, appeal to OAH

   An approved applicant makes an appointment, brings the approval letter and may need to retake knowledge, vision or driving tests; a denial may be appealed to the Office of Administrative Hearings, which charges a separate filing fee.

   “Make an appointment to visit any full-service MVA branch. Bring your approval letter to your appointment. You may need to retake knowledge, vision, or driving skills tests and must meet all current eligibility requirements.”

Official page: mva.maryland.gov

After a DUI the steps are different: how to get a license back after a DUI in Maryland.

Driving during a non-DUI suspension

Available in some cases · Restricted license in lieu of suspension (Administrative Law Judge at the Office of Administrative Hearings). A driver who receives a Notice of Suspension or Revocation for points may request a hearing within 15 days with the $150 filing fee; the action is held in abeyance until the hearing. The MVA's hearing page states that an Administrative Law Judge may restrict the license in lieu of a suspension, in which case the driver schedules an appointment with the MVA to obtain the restricted license. Transp. § 16-404(c)(4) preserves the MVA's authority to issue a restrictive license or modify a points suspension. For child-support suspensions, the Child Support Administration may permit limited driving privileges and notifies the MVA.

“If the Administrative Law Judge restricted your license in lieu of a suspension, you must schedule an appointment with the MVA to obtain the restricted license.”

For the privilege after a DUI, see driving after a DUI in Maryland.