When Does a Maryland Traffic Offense Result in Driver’s License Suspension?

When a person commits a traffic offense in Maryland, they can experience various consequences. Major traffic infractions — such as drunk driving or accidents with fatalities — a person can face prison time and criminal fines. For less severe infractions, the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) generally assesses points on the driver’s license.

Many minor traffic infractions — such as running a red light or improperly passing another vehicle — generally result in one point; however, if the infraction contributes to an automotive accident, it will normally result in three points instead. Drivers with too many points can experience a temporary suspension or permanent revocation of their driver’s license.

What are the Consequences of Driver’s License Points?

Any driver who accumulates a specific number of driver’s license points within a two-year period will face certain consequences:

• 3 to 4 Points — The driver will receive a warning letter from the MVA;
• 5 to 7 Points — The driver must enroll in a Driver Improvement Program (DIP);
• 8 to 11 Points — The driver will receive a Notice of Point Suspension or a Notice of Suspension; and
• 12+ Points — The driver will receive a Notice of Revocation.

What is a Notice of Point Suspension?

A driver will receive a Notice of Point Suspension if they amass eight to 11 points on their driver’s license. But this type of driver’s license suspension only occurs when there are no previous traffic violations involving alcohol or drugs.

Drivers who receive a Notice of Point Suspension typically have two options:

• Agree to the suspension and turn in their driver’s license; or
• Contest the suspension by requesting a hearing within 15 days.

What is a Notice of Suspension?

A driver will receive a Notice of Suspension if they amass eight to 11 points on their driver’s license. This type of driver’s license suspension includes previous traffic violations involving alcohol or drugs.

Drivers who receive a Notice of Suspension typically have three options:

• Agree to the suspension and turn in their driver’s license;
• Contest the suspension by requesting a hearing within 15 days; or
• Install an ignition interlock device and adhere to all program requirements.

What is a Notice of Revocation?

A driver will receive a Notice of Revocation if they amass 12 or more points on their driver’s license. Unlike suspension, which are temporary in nature, driver’s license revocation is a permanent loss of driving privileges.

Drivers who receive a Notice of Revocation typically have three options:

• Agree to the revocation and turn in their driver’s license;
• Contest the revocation by requesting a hearing within 15 days; or
• Install an ignition interlock device and adhere to all program requirements.

In order to regain driving privileges after revocation, a person must apply for reinstatement and complete a series of requirements. A person is not guaranteed to regain their driver’s license after a revocation.

Let Us Help You Today

If you have legal questions about traffic offenses in Maryland, it can be extremely valuable to consult with a proficient criminal defense attorney. The Bel Air traffic offenses attorneys at Schlaich & Thompson, Chartered have more than 60 years of combined legal experience in criminal and family law, including many different types of traffic offenses. If you need legal help, contact us today for an initial consultation.

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