The Impact of Traffic Tickets on Your Maryland Driver’s License

In Maryland, receiving a traffic ticket presents two immediate risks: If you get convicted (or if you plead guilty), you will have to pay a fine, and you will have points added to your driver’s license. But, having points added to your driver’s license can lead to additional consequences as well, so it is critical to ensure that you have a clear and comprehensive understanding of what is at stake in your case.

How a Traffic Ticket Can Impact Your Driver’s License

Like other states, Maryland has a “points” system for traffic violations. All traffic violations are assigned a certain number of points (ranging from zero to twelve), and if you get convicted of a traffic violation, the assigned number of points will be added to your driver’s license.

Points accumulate over two years; the more points you accumulate, the greater the consequences. In Maryland, the consequences of accumulating points on your driver’s license are:

• 5 to 7 Points – If you accumulate between five and seven points on your driver’s license, you will be required to enroll in a Driver Improvement Program (DIP). The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will send you a referral letter, and you must complete your DIP class by the date specified in the letter. If you do not enroll in a DIP or if you do not complete your DIP class, the MVA will suspend your driver’s license.
• 8 to 11 Points – Accumulating eight to eleven points as a result of traffic tickets can result in an immediate driver’s license suspension. The length of your driver’s license suspension will depend on your points total and the specific traffic violations you committed—and it could range from several months to several years.
• 12 or More Points – If you accumulate 12 or more points on your driver’s license in a two-year period, the MVA will revoke your driver’s license indefinitely. While you may eventually become eligible to apply for a new driver’s license, this will be years down the road, and significant costs will be involved.

In addition to putting your driving privileges at risk, accumulating points on your driver’s license can also significantly increase your insurance premiums. Depending on your points total and the specific traffic violations you committed, your premiums could go up by anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars per year.  

Examples of Traffic Ticket Points in Maryland

If you received a traffic ticket in Maryland, how many points are you facing? Here are some examples of common traffic violations and the points they carry:

• Failure to Yield the Right of Way – 1 Point
• Speeding (1 to 9 mph Over the Limit) – 1 Point
• Speeding (10 to 19 mph Over the Limit) – 2 Points
• Tailgating – 2 Points
• Driving on a Suspended License – 3 Points
• Drag Racing – 5 Points
• Driving While Intoxicated (First Offense) – 8 Points

Schedule an Appointment with Maryland Traffic Ticket Lawyer Cynthia Christiani

Did you receive a traffic ticket in Maryland? If so, we strongly encourage you to contact us for more information. To schedule an appointment with Maryland traffic ticket lawyer Cynthia Christiani, please call 443-405-8211 or request a confidential consultation online today.