5 Reasons Licenses are Suspended or Revoked in Maryland

One of the most common serious traffic charges is Driving While Suspended or Revoked. One gets their license suspended or revoked for several reasons. Whatever the reason, being unable to drive legally has serious consequences and can cause great hardship.

Suspensions occur when a driver is temporarily disallowed from legally operating a motor vehicle for a specified period of time. Revocations, however, are more serious as they often require individuals to get approval from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration before they can legally drive again.

The requirement for getting your license reinstated after having it suspended or revoked varies from case to case. The best way to avoid this affecting you is by being aware of what can lead to you losing your driving privileges. Here are the top 5 reasons why Maryland drivers have their license suspended or revoked.

DUI Conviction

A DUI conviction is punishable by possible jail time, fines, and points on your license. It is also one of the top reasons why drivers lose their driving privileges. Depending on the individuals’ driving record and specifics of the incident one’s license may even get revoked.  After a conviction and receipt of an MVA notice of Revocation or Suspension, it is crucial to immediately contact an experienced MVA lawyer to assist in helping to retain your driving privilege.

Hillel Traub is experienced at assisting clients charged with DUI. He helps them stay out of jail and retain their driver’s licenses.

Point Accumulation

Point accumulation is another common reason why drivers get their licenses suspended or revoked. Maryland drivers can accumulate up to seven points before the loss of driving privileges comes into the picture. Your license gets suspended after 8 points and revoked after 12 points.

Therefore, when you receive a traffic citation, even if you consider it to be a minor charge or too inconvenient to go to court, it is vital that you immediately contact one of our lawyers to represent you. Failure to take care of that ticket or just paying it will result in points being assessed by MVA and the accumulation of points can result in suspension or revocation of your license.

Violating Driving Restriction

Many drivers have restrictions or requirements that they must abide by when operating a motor vehicle. Medical professionals often deem that it is unsafe for some drivers to drive at night while other drivers are required to wear glasses while driving.   Similarly, a drivers age or past legal history can impose restrictions that, if violated, can result in a license suspension. This can require appearance in court and before the MVA.

Unpaid Traffic Tickets

Many people often unknowingly underestimate the seriousness of traffic tickets. When a police officer issues you a ticket, you are required to take action within 30 days; this action can be either paying the ticket or requesting a trial; the preferred option. If you fail to take any action before that 30-day period expires, your driver’s license will be suspended. This is true regardless of how minor you think the original ticket was.

Furthermore, if you fight the ticket in traffic court and the court ruling requires you to satisfy a requirement within a specified period, and you fail to do so, you also risk having your license revoked.

Refusing a Breathalyzer Test

When a law enforcement officer stops a driver on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol; (DUI) you are already deemed to have agreed to take a breath test to measure alcohol levels in your system. You do have the right to refuse to submit to an alcohol test but doing so has its consequences. Depending on the circumstances of the incident, you may have your license suspended for anywhere from 45 days to a year.  Once a test is refused or failed, and you are issued a temporary license with your regular license retained by the police you have a very short period of time to take action to protect your legal rights.  It is crucial that you immediately contact one of our lawyers to discuss your legal options and the consequences of your decisions.

Leading a productive life can be seemingly impossible without your driver’s license, which is why you should take all of the steps necessary to ensure that you keep your driving privileges. If you are faced with a traffic ticket or criminal charges for a serious traffic offense, reach out to a local attorney who can help mitigate penalties.

The Baltimore traffic offense lawyers at The Law Office of Hillel Traub can help keep points off of your license and lessen charges. Contact us today at 410-580-1100 for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Your License Suspended or Revoked in Maryland

Why is my license suspended in Maryland?

In Maryland, a motorist can get their license suspended or revoked for numerous reasons, but the bottom line is that being unable to drive legally has serious consequences. A suspension occurs when a driver is temporarily disallowed from legally operating a motor vehicle for a specific period of time, while a revocation requires individuals to get approval from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration before they can legally drive again.

What reasons would get my license suspended?

The top 5 reasons why Maryland drivers have their license suspended or revoked are a DUI conviction, point accumulation if a driver accumulates up to seven points on their license, violating driving restrictions such as wearing glasses while driving, unpaid traffic tickets, and refusing a breathalyzer test after a law enforcement officer stops a driver on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.

What is a provisional license in Maryland?

In Maryland, a provisional license is a license with special conditions. They’re often referred to as a provisional instruction permit or a learner’s permit. With a provisional driver’s license, you can drive with a licensed adult who is 25 or older.

What are Maryland’s breathalyzer laws?

When a law enforcement officer stops a driver on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, the law in Maryland makes it clear that you’ve already agreed to take a breath test by having a driver’s license due to implied consent. Refusing to submit to an alcohol test means your license can be automatically suspended for anywhere from 45 days to a year.

Do I need to report my lost license to the Maryland MVA?

If you lost your license, you don’t need to report it to the MVA. You can now renew or replace your current Drivers License or Maryland MVA ID card online or use the MVA KIOSK terminals at any MVA location near you. All duplicate licenses will be mailed to you.