How Does the Driver’s License Point System Work in Maryland?

Having the ability to drive is both a privilege and a responsibility. People travel, go to work, and run errands throughout each day. Maryland has more than 4.3 million licensed drivers, and a way to keep drivers safe is through enforcing traffic laws and regulations. The driver’s license point system is one of the ways the law relates to driving with a systematic way of penalizing drivers with vehicle-related law violations. As a driver’s record accumulates points from getting tickets and violations, their license may be suspended and even revoked.

Don’t pay a ticket without first discussing it with a traffic lawyer. If you’ve received driving tickets resulting in points on your license, a professional attorney may help you clear your record. At the Law Office of Hillel Traub, our experienced attorney can help you dispute the charges to get back on the road. Here’s some information about Maryland’s driver’s license point system and how legal representation can help you.

Do All Types of Traffic Tickets Affect My License?

When it comes to traffic tickets, a good point to remember is that the more serious the offense, the higher the severity of penalties. Every state has different ways of regulating traffic violations. Depending on the violation and the state of your driving record, the points you accumulate lead to penalties that affect or revoke your driving privileges.

In Maryland, if you are convicted of violating a traffic law and receive a ticket or a fine, some of these also carry the possibility of jail, it is reported to the Motor Vehicle Administration. After being reported, the MVA applies the appropriate amount of points to your license based on the violation. The points stay on your driving record for two years, and the MVA notifies you with a warning or a notice of suspension. Listed below are some examples of respective points given for traffic violations in Maryland’s Driving Record Point System found in ß 16-402.

  • Making an improper turn (1)
  • Failure to stop for a school bus (2)
  • Driving with a suspended license (up to 12)
  • Speeding 30 mph or over (5)
  • Reckless driving (6)
  • Failing to stop after an accident resulting in
  • vehicle or property damage (8)
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (12)

As you can see, according to the laws and point system, the severity of the incident affects your license and driving record. When you experience the penalties of a traffic violation that could result in any points on your record,  seeking a qualified attorney to help you in your case will get you back on the right track.

How Does the Driver’s License Point System Work?

Every traffic violation has a designated number of points based on the severity of the incident. When a driver is pulled over for anything from making an improper turn to driving while under the influence, their license is at risk. Here are the actions that the MVA takes according to Point Accumulation:

  • Warning: When a driver reaches 3 to 4 points on their record, the MVA issues a warning letter to notify the driver of this status.
  • DIP program enrollment: When a driver reaches 5 to 7 points on their driving record, the MVA in Maryland may require them to enroll in a Driver Improvement Program (DIP) to provide rehabilitation and education related to driving safely.
  • License suspension: At the point of a driver’s record reaching 8 to 11 points, the MVA will notify the driver that their license has been suspended. The driver cannot drive in this case and needs to take the necessary steps to get their license reactivated.
  • License revocation: With 12 points on a driving record, the driver has lost all privilege to drive, and the MVA sends the person notification of this status.

If you are worried about the number of points on your license, do not hesitate to reach out to a Maryland traffic ticket lawyer to learn your options.

Can a Lawyer Help Me Get My License Reinstated?

A great way for drivers to get back on the road and clear their driving record of offenses is through getting an experienced attorney on their case. Drivers have the right to either accept a license suspension or request a hearing. Our attorney and legal team help you prepare for your hearing and guide you through the process. Having a lawyer on your side will help you organize your next steps to getting your license reinstated.

Losing your driving privileges is stressful, no matter what the violations are. With legal help and traffic school courses to rehabilitate your driving record, you’re set to regain your driving privileges. The process to reinstate your license may take time, but having a legal team to support your rights helps you along the way.

Contact Baltimore Traffic Ticket Lawyer Hillel Traub to Resolve Your Case

The penalties of traffic violations and a bad driving record negatively affect your daily life. Delaying your response to fines, tickets, and MVA notices will result in a worsening record. Attorney Hillel Traub is an expert in Maryland’s MVA practices and resolving traffic cases. Our team is here to help you defend your traffic offenses, no matter what your record looks like. Contact us using our online form or give us a call at (410) 580-1100 for your free consultation.

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