How to Get the Points on Your Maryland License Removed
Maryland residents with traffic violations understand the problems that past mistakes can cause years down the road. Though they paid the fines and suffered the immediate consequences, these mistakes can still haunt them. That is because, in addition to fines or jail time, many traffic violations add points to the person’s driver’s license. Too many points may lead to losing your license or your insurance rates increasing.
However, it may be possible to remove points off your license early. Doing so might be difficult on your own, so consider reaching out to a Maryland traffic offense attorney.
How Long Do Points Stay on a Driving Record in Maryland?
Points will stay on your Maryland license for two years, and the clock starts ticking on the violation date. For example, if you received a speeding ticket on April 1, 2020, but do not pay the fine until April 30th, the two-year period would still end on April 1, 2022.
The number of points you receive will depend on the infraction, and it may increase if you caused an accident. For example, a driving under the influence conviction will carry more points than a speeding conviction.
Automatic Expungement from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
As of October 2017, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will automatically expunge driving records when and if the individual becomes eligible. Drivers will not need to apply for expungement. Additionally, it does not matter whether the traffic violation was a misdemeanor or felony. To be eligible, drivers must meet the following requirements:
- A court has not convicted you of another traffic violation or criminal offense within the past three years
- A court or judge has not suspended or revoked your Maryland driver’s license
- A court has not granted probation before judgment for fleeing an auto accident that caused an injury or death, a DUI, or a similar offense
- You do not have current criminal proceedings against you
If you meet these requirements, the MVA will expunge the violation three years after conviction. Keep in mind that these requirements differ for drivers with a CDL. Sometimes the MVA fails to expunge eligible records. If this happens to you, you will need the assistance of a qualified traffic attorney, like Attorney Hillel Traub.
How to Request a Traffic Expungement in Maryland
Even if you are not eligible for an automatic expungement, you may be able to manually request one from the MVA and remove points from your license. You must either complete and send an Expungement Request form to the MVA’s Administrative Adjudication Division or write a letter containing the following information:
- Full name
- Address
- Driver’s license number
- Date of birth
- Explanation of the criminal or traffic violation a court convicted you of, including the date and location of the offense
- A statement of whether you have any pending criminal charges
After making the request, the MVA will review your record and determine if you are eligible. A skilled Maryland traffic offense attorney will be beneficial to you during this process.
Obtain Help from a Maryland Traffic Offense Attorney
Removing points from your driving record in Maryland can be a long and challenging process if you are not eligible or the MVA did not remove them automatically. The Law Office of Hillel Traub will review the specific facts of your case and create a solution that will work for you. Attorney Traub could help seek expungement if your violation was also a criminal offense.
Our office has helped people in Maryland resolve traffic issues for more than 20 years. Attorney Traub has invaluable experience that will benefit your case. Call (410) 580-1100 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.