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 assigns a certain number of points depending on the severity of the violation. Drivers who accumulate enough points will first receive a warning and then might face license suspension or other penalties.
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.
|
Violation |
Points Assessed |
|
Unlisted moving violation |
1 (3 points if contributes to accident) |
|
2 |
|
|
Speeding 10 or more miles per hour over limit (but less than 30 miles per hour over limit) |
2 |
|
Failure to stop for school bus |
3 |
|
Littering |
2 |
|
Failure to yield to pedestrian |
2 |
|
2 |
|
|
Speeding 30 or more miles per hour over limit |
5 |
|
5 |
|
|
Failure to report accident |
5 |
|
5 |
|
|
Driving while suspended |
12 (in most situations) |
|
5 |
|
|
Nitrous oxide system |
5 |
|
Speeding 20 or more miles per hour over limit of 65 miles per hour |
5 |
|
Aggressive driving |
5 |
|
6 |
|
|
8 |
|
|
Failure to stop at accident (injury or damage) |
8 |
|
8 |
|
|
Failure to stop at accident (death) |
12 |
|
Driving while revoked |
12 |
|
12 |
|
|
Driving under the influence |
12 |
|
Any felony involving use of a vehicle |
12 |
|
Fleeing or eluding officer |
12 |
|
Unlawful taking or use of vehicle |
12 |
|
Texting and driving that results in death or serious bodily injury |
12 |
Multiple violations within a single incident will result in point assessment for only the most serious violation.
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.
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.
Point removal. Points expire two years from the date of the violation but are not otherwise removed.
Hearing. 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.