Getting a license suspension in Maryland could mean shelling out thousands in fines, jail time and the dreaded poor driving record that drives up your insurance premium. But avoid the problem altogether by paying your traffic ticket or opting for a special program for DUI offenses.
How do I find out if my license is suspended in Maryland?
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) sends a suspension notice by mail after it’s notified of your excessive points or traffic violation. While this letter is the official notice, you could call the MVA Customer Service at 410-768-7000 with questions about your suspension.
Reasons your license might be suspended
Maryland includes many of the same reasons for suspension as other states. But a few uncommon ways involve not paying a traffic ticket within 30 days or child support within 60 days. Other reasons for license suspension:
Eight or more points on record
At fault in a fatal accident
DUI, involving drugs or alcohol
Failing to pay child support
Failing to pay for gas
Not appearing for court dates
Not paying fines, violations or traffic tickets
Outstanding warrant for arrest
Physical or mental disabilities that inhibit driving
Reckless driving
Refusing an alcohol breath test
Violating restricted driver’s license
What happens if you get a suspended license in Maryland?
You’ll need to return your driver’s license to the MVA by the date listed, and complete your term of no driving. You might also be required to take an approved defensive driving course. Don’t drive without a license during this period to avoid criminal charges.
However, you can appeal the license suspension by requesting a hearing. To do that, fill out the hearing request section on your suspension notice. Then, send the request along with the required fee within 15 days of the notice’s date. The Office of Administrative Hearings will let you know details about your hearing.
Who is most likely to be researching license suspension in Maryland?
Finder data suggests that men aged 25-34 are most likely to be researching this topic.
Response
Male (%)
Female (%)
65+
2.38%
2.47%
55-64
6.31%
5.92%
45-54
8.05%
8.93%
35-44
11.64%
11.89%
25-34
14.17%
10.82%
18-24
10.24%
7.18%
Source: Finder sample of 2,061 visitors using demographics data from Google Analytics
Can I drive with a suspended license in Maryland?
No, you’re not legally allowed to drive with a suspended license in Maryland. If you do, you may have to serve jail time and pay extra fines, depending on the severity or number of your offenses.
For example, a first-time offender might pay $1,000 and serve up to a year in jail. Another offense can increase jail time up to two years.
How can I avoid my suspension?
In some situations, you can avoid or immediately lift a suspension by paying for your traffic ticket or child support.
If you received a DUI suspension, you might qualify for the Ignition Interlock Program. This program allows drivers charged with a DUI to continue driving, but they must use a breathalyzer to confirm they’re not impaired first. If the test confirms alcohol levels are too high, the ignition interlock system won’t let the vehicle start.
How to reinstate a suspended license in Maryland
Before applying for reinstatement, you should have served your suspension and met any requirements outlined by your suspension notice or judge in court. Then, you can request your reinstatement either by phone or in person:
In person. Visit the Drivers Wellness and Safety division to request your reinstatement at 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062.
By phone. Call the MVA customer service at 410-768-7000.
To get the reinstatement process going, follow these steps:
Call or visit the MVA’s Driver Wellness And Safety (DW&S) division and request to get your license reinstated.
The MVA will review your driving record to ensure that you qualify. If so, you’ll receive an application in person or by mail.
Fill out the application completely and pay any application fees.
You’ll receive a letter to inform whether or not your license is reinstated.
Take an approved reinstatement letter to your local MVA and apply for a new license.
When can I drive my car again?
You can drive your car once you’ve received approval for a reinstated license and have received your new license through the MVA.
If you opted for the Ignition Interlock Program to avoid a DUI suspension, you can drive as soon as the system is installed and you receive your restricted driver’s license.
How to get car insurance with a suspended license in Maryland
Because drivers with a suspended license can’t drive at all in this state, you might only need coverage to avoid a lapse or protect another driver. Maryland doesn’t require SR-22 coverage for high-risk drivers, so that can help you find insurance more easily.
To get a new car insurance policy:
Compare standard vs. high-risk insurers. Some standard insurers cover drivers with points on record.
Pinpoint your coverage needs. Determine how much coverage you need while you’re not driving, such as storage coverage or minimum state required coverage.
Get quotes. You might weigh providers who will cover you against the amount of coverage and cost for their policies.
Start your new policy. Once all the information gathering is done, you can finalize your policy and get back on the road.
While you might not be driving for a while, find the best insurer for coverage during and after your suspension.
Frequently asked questions about suspended licenses in Maryland
Maryland MVA suspends your license once you receive eight or more points. If you accumulate 12 points, the consequence increases to a revoked license.
You can pay your ticket with the district court in three ways:
Online. Pay online at the Maryland Court payment center.
By phone. Use your credit card to call 800-492-2656. If you’re in Baltimore, call 410-974-7177.
At court. Pay for the violation at your court date or visit the district court on your own time.
It’s important to know that paying your ticket means you’re admitting guilt for the offense.
At your court hearing, you can expect the judge and officials to ask whether you plead guilty or not guilty. If guilty, officials may require you to amend the situation, such as setting up a payment plan for fines or applying for Ignition Interlock.
If you’re not guilty, you may need solid proof or reasoning to show why the charges should be dropped. Depending on your situation, you might want to consult with a lawyer to know whether your evidence will help your case.
Sarah George is a personal finance writer at Finder who’s spent the last four years wielding her digital pen on all things banking and insurance. Her know-how has been featured in such publications as CBS, CNET and Reviews.com, and she was a panelist in Finder’s 2020 money-saving webinar. Sarah earned an English education degree and is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance.
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