If you get 3 to 4 points on your driving record in Maryland, the MVA (Motor Vehicle Administration) will send you a warning letter. This letter tells you you risk losing your license if you get more points. Even though you still have your license, the warning means you must be careful.
Reaching a point total of five to seven on your driving record will necessitate participation in a Driver Improvement Program or a Points System Conference as mandated by the MVA. These programs help you improve your driving skills and avoid future traffic offenses.
What Can Get Points on Your License?
Maryland uses a point system to track traffic violations. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) manages this system. Traffic violations can put points on your driving record if you are convicted or if you pay a fine.
Although traffic violations might seem minor, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) has specific rules for drivers.
Here are some traffic offenses that can lead to points:
- Driving over the speed limit
- Driving too slowly, such as on highways
- Using a limited-speed vehicle on restricted roads
- DUI
- Speeding in bad weather
- Driving with a suspended license
- Failing to yield to emergency vehicles
- Not stopping for a school bus
- Ignoring traffic control devices
- Disregarding flashing traffic signals
- Reckless or aggressive driving
These violations can earn you points on your license. Collecting too many points can result in losing your driver’s license.
Maryland Speeding Ticket Points
In Maryland, you can get a speeding ticket if a police officer pulls you over for speeding or if a traffic camera catches you going too fast. Points are added to your driving record when you get a speeding ticket.
You can lose your driver’s license and driving privileges if you get too many points. Because of this, drivers in Maryland often worry more about getting points on their licenses than paying the fines. Driving safely and following speed limits is essential to avoid these penalties.
Will You get Points for a Speeding Ticket in Maryland?
In Maryland, you can get points for speeding, just like for other traffic violations. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) adds these points to your record after the Maryland District Court charges you.
The number of points you get depends on how much over the speed limit you are going. You’d get more points if you were driving way over the limit. If you cause an accident because of speeding, the points will be even higher.
How Many Points Do You Get for a Speeding Ticket in Maryland?
The number of points you get for speeding in Maryland depends on how much you exceed the speed limit. Points are assigned based on the number of miles you drove over the limit per hour.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Driving just 1 to 9 mph over the speed limit earns you 1 point.
- Driving 10 to 19 mph or 20 to 29 mph over the limit earns you 2 points.
- If you cause an accident, you’ll get 3 points regardless of how much over the limit you were driving.
For speeds above 70 mph:
- Driving 10 to 19 mph over the limit earns you 2 or 3 points if you cause an accident.
- Driving 20 to 29 miles per hour over the speed limit earns you 5 points, whether or not you cause an accident.
- Driving 30 to 39 mph or 40 mph over the limit also earns you 5 points, regardless of whether you cause an accident.
Maximum Number of Points for a License Suspension
In Maryland, if you accumulate too many points on your driving record, the MVA may suspend your license. You can receive a suspension notice if you get more than 8 to 11 points.
Once you receive this notice, you must return your driver’s license to the MVA by mail or before the suspension date.
If you think the suspension notice was unfair, You have 15 days to request a hearing. Hiring a Maryland reckless driving lawyer to help you prepare your case for the hearing with the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) is essential.
How Long are Points on Your Driving Record in Maryland?
In Maryland, points stay on your driving record for two years. This two-year period starts when you commit the traffic offense, not when the MVA adds the points to your record. After two years, the points are no longer considered “current” and cannot be used to suspend your license.
How Can You Avoid Getting Points for a Speeding Ticket in Maryland?
Many people pay for a speeding ticket, but the MVA will add points to your driving record when you get a speeding ticket. To avoid these points, follow these steps:
Your best option is to contact a traffic lawyer in Maryland as soon as you receive the ticket. Here’s how a traffic lawyer can help:
- They will challenge the ticket, primarily if it was issued unfairly.
- They will work to keep your driving record clean.
- If you already have points on your record, the lawyer will help ensure you don’t reach the 8-point limit that could suspend your license.
Seek Help From a Skilled Attorney
Getting help from an experienced traffic lawyer is crucial to handle a traffic ticket effectively. For expert assistance with traffic offenses and a solid attorney-client relationship, contact The Law Offices of Krum, Gergely, & Oates. They specialize in managing traffic cases and will provide the guidance you need. An experienced attorney can challenge the ticket, reduce points, and protect your driving record. Don’t wait—reach out to ensure you get the best defense possible.
