📅 2026 Update: Changes in Maryland Traffic Fines and DUI Laws

Since the original article was written, Maryland has made important updates to its traffic fines and DUI laws. These changes impact penalties, the Ignition Interlock Program, and more. The earlier article continues below this update for those who want more detailed information.

🚦 Expansion of Ignition Interlock Program

As of October 1, 2024, Maryland expanded its Ignition Interlock Program. It now includes people convicted of DUI, DWI, or those who refused a breath test at arrest. This change also applies to individuals who caused a fatal injury while driving under the influence.

💰 Current Fees and Costs

The costs associated with DUI and DWI offenses have changed. A first DUI offense can lead to a fine of up to $1,000. If it's a second DUI offense, the fine may be as high as $2,000.

First DWI offenses incur a fine of up to $500, while second offenses remain capped at $500.

🕒 Processing Times for License Suspension

When a driver fails a chemical test, the suspension starts when they surrender their license or declare they no longer have it. For repeat offenders in the Ignition Interlock Program, the duration is one year, plus an additional year of restricted driving privileges.

📋 Eligibility for Ignition Interlock Program

Drivers with suspended licenses due to DUI or DWI offenses can enter the Ignition Interlock Program. They must install the ignition device within 30 days of their Order of Suspension to qualify.

📌 Key Points Summary

  • 🚦 Ignition Interlock Program expanded as of October 2024.
  • 💰 Fines increase for DUI and DWI offenses.
  • 🕒 License suspension begins when the license is surrendered.
  • 📋 Eligibility for the Ignition Interlock Program requires timely installation.
  • 🕒 Repeat offenders face longer program durations.

💡 Tips for Handling DUI and DWI Situations

Review your unique situation with your attorney to understand how the laws apply to you.

🚗 Know Your Rights

Upon arrest, officers provide the Advice of Rights Form (DR-015). This form outlines your rights and what happens if you refuse a chemical test.

⏳ Timely Action Required

If you're eligible for the Ignition Interlock Program, install the device within 30 days of your Order of Suspension. Delaying this can affect your eligibility.

📅 Understand Suspension Periods

When failing a chemical test, your suspension period starts immediately upon surrendering your license. Be prepared to manage this timeline effectively.

⚖️ Points on Your Record

A DUI conviction adds 12 points to your driving record, while a DWI adds 8 points. Accumulating 8 points or more in two years can lead to further suspension.

📜 Permanent Criminal Record

A DUI or DWI conviction will result in a permanent criminal record. This can affect job opportunities and other aspects of your life.

🧐 Consider Probation Before Judgment

For some first-time offenders, Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) may be available. This option allows you to avoid a conviction if you meet probation conditions.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🚔 What happens if I refuse a breath test?

Refusing a breath or blood test results in a 270-day suspension for a first offense and 2 years for a second offense.

🏷️ How long does a DUI/DWI stay on my record?

A DUI or DWI conviction remains on your Maryland driving record for 10 years.

⚠️ What penalties apply for underage alcohol offenses?

Underage drivers caught with any detectable alcohol face penalties, including a $500 fine for the first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses.

🏆 How does a DUI affect my commercial driver's license?

A first DUI offense results in a one-year disqualification, while a second offense leads to a lifetime disqualification from holding a CDL.

📜 Is expungement available for DUI/DWI records?

Expungement is generally not available for DUI or DWI offenses in Maryland.

💼 How can a DUI/DWI affect my employment?

A DUI or DWI conviction may impact your insurance premiums and appear indefinitely on background checks for employment.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to DUI and DWI

Recent court rulings have addressed various aspects of DUI and DWI laws in Maryland, impacting penalties and enforcement procedures.

For more details, browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update






 



A Brief Introduction to Maryland Traffic Fines



 

Maryland Traffic Fines


 



A Sampling of Maryland Traffic Fines



 



 



Many different costs are association with Maryland traffic fines, some direct payment and some more indirect. However, the most obvious ones are the Maryland traffic fines themselves, which vary quite a bit from violation to violation. Here is just a sampling of some of the associated fines: 



 



 



•Speeding 1 -9 mph over limit: $80.00 1



 



 



•Speeding 10 - 19 mph over limit: $90.00 2 



 



 



•Speeding 20 - 29 mph over limit: $160.00 2



 



 



•Exceeding speed limit of 65 mph by 10 to 19 mph: $160.00 2



 



 



•Exceeding speed limit of 65 mph by 20 to 29 mph: $290.00 5



 



 



•Speeding 30 to 29 mph over limit: $290.00 5



 



 



•Speeding 40 mph and over: $530.00 5



 



 



•Driving below minimum posted speed limit: $80.00 1



 



 



•Reckless driving in wanton disregard for the safety of nearby persons and property: $510.00 6



 



 



•Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant: $60.00



 



 



•Parking in a handicapped space: $140.00



 



 



•Driving while using a handheld telephone: $40.00



 



 



•Failure to stop at stop sign: $90.00 1



 



 



•Improper turning: $90.00 1



 



 



•Failure to stop of pedestrian crosswalk: $80.00 1



 



 



•Failure to yield right-of-way properly at an intersection: $110.00 01



 



 



•Failure to obey properly operating traffic light: $90 1



 



 



In addition, very serious driving violations, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs or fleeing the scene of an accident will be punished with a Maryland traffic fine of $500 or more, but this will only be determined by the judge handling the court case.



 



 



Maryland Point System



 



 



Most of the additional costs that come with Maryland traffic violations besides Maryland traffic fines come with the disciplinary point system. This system assigns points on the licenses of drivers who commit moving violations. The main point of the system is that drivers with 12 points or more on their license will get a temporary suspension.



 



 



The reason that the point system increases fines is that it alerts insurance companies that some of their drivers may be more at risk for a motor vehicle accident than others. Therefore, drivers with points on their licenses will pay higher in insurance premiums than those who don’t.



 



Here are a few of the assigned points for given traffic violations:



 



 



•Failure to remain at scene of accident: 12 points



 



 



•Driving Under the Influence of alcohol: 12 points



 



 



•Reckless driving in wanton disregard for the safety of nearby persons and property: 6 points



 



 



•Exceeding speed limit of 65 mph by 20 to 29 mph:  5 points



 



 



•Speeding 30 to 29 mph over limit:  5 points



 



 



•Speeding 40 mph and over:  5 points



 



 



•Speeding 10 - 19 mph over limit: 2 points



 



 



•Speeding 20 - 29 mph over limit: 2 points



 



 



•Exceeding speed limit of 65 mph by 10 to 19 mph: 2 points



 



 



•Speeding 1 -9 mph over limit: 1 point



 



 



•Driving below minimum posted speed limit: 1 point



 



 



•Failure to stop at stop sign: 1 point



 



 



•Improper turning: 1 point



 



 



•Failure to stop of pedestrian crosswalk: 1 point



 



 



•Failure to yield right-of-way properly at an intersection:  1 point



 



 



•Failure to obey properly operating traffic light: 1 point