Maryland’s Traffic Violation Point System

Maryland traffic tickets usually result in fines and fees. But traffic ticket convictions are also reported to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). The MVA uses a point system to keep track of violations This article explains Maryland's traffic violation point system and the consequences you'll face for racking up too many points.

How Does Maryland's Traffic Ticket Point System Work?

The Maryland MVA assigns a certain number of points for each traffic violation conviction. The number of points roughly correlates to the seriousness of the offense (see chart below).

Drivers who accumulate too many points face consequences like traffic school and license suspension. However, points eventually expire (explained below). So getting a traffic ticket every so often usually won't result in penalties.

Warnings, Traffic School, and License Suspension for Traffic Violation Points in Maryland

Warning. A driver who acquires three points in a two-year period will receive a warning letter. This letter informs the driver of the current point total and consequences of future violations.

Traffic school. At five points within two years, the MVA will order the driver to attend and complete a driver improvement program. The program is lecture-based and is intended to provide safety information and rehabilitation.

Suspension. A driver with at least eight points within two years will receive a notice of suspension. The suspension period depends on the driver's history.

• A driver with no prior point suspensions will be suspended for two to 30 days.
• A driver with prior point suspensions will be suspended for 15 to 90 days.

Revocation. A driver with at least 12 points in two years will receive a notice of license revocation. The revocation is permanent, but a driver can reapply for a driver's license after six months. The MVA can require reexamination. Subsequent revocations will require longer periods of revocation before reapplication.

• Second revocation: minimum one year before reapplying.
• Third revocation: minimum 18 months before reapplying.
• Fourth or subsequent revocation: minimum two years before reapplying.

How Long Points Stay on Your Maryland Driving Record

Points expire two years from the date of the violation.

Requesting a Hearing and Possibly Avoiding a Maryland Point Suspension

Within ten days of receiving a notice of suspension or revocation, the driver can request an administrative hearing. The hearing officer can review the record and make any necessary corrections but is also able to dismiss or modify the penalty if detrimental to the driver's employment.

Points Values for Traffic Violations in Maryland

Here are some of the most common traffic violations and associated points. An out-of-state conviction is assessed points only for vehicular manslaughter, DUI, hit-and-run, or a felony.

Multiple violations within a single incident will result in point assessment for only the most serious violation.