How does the driver’s license point system work in Maryland?

When some people think of a traffic violation, they think about something that involves nothing more than paying a fine. In Maryland, not all traffic violations work that way. In some cases, points will be added to your license if you are convicted of a traffic violation. Some traffic violations can’t simply be paid. In some cases, you will have to appear in court to resolve the traffic violation.

What does it mean to have points added to my license?

Driver’s licenses in Maryland use a points system to determine if the person who holds the license is still a driver who should be on the road. A driver’s license starts out with zero points.

Why are points added to a driver’s license?

The number of points added to your license depends on the violation. If you reach a certain number of points, you can face having your license suspended or revoked. When you are convicted of a traffic violation that adds points to your license, the points you have on your license for two years prior to the violation date are considered to determine the outcome of your driving privileges.

What do the points mean?

If you have 3 to 4 points, you will get a warning letter about the number of points you have. If you have 5 to 7 points, you will have to take a Driver Improvement Program. If you have 8 to 11 points, your license will be suspended. If you have 12 or more points, your license is revoked.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you must explore your options for dealing with the suspension or revocation. Ideally, your defense against a license suspension or revocation should start as soon as you learn that you are facing a traffic violation that will add points to your license.

Source: Maryland Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Administration, “Point Accumulation,” accessed Sep. 19, 2015

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