Maryland Auto Transport & Auto Transportation Driving Information

Maryland Speed Limits

Generally:

• Drivers may not operate a vehicle in excess of lawful limits [TR §21-801.1]
• Maximum speed limit on most highways in the State of Maryland is 55 miles per hour.  On specially designated highways, the maximum speed limit is 65. [TR 21-801(e)(2)]
• Maximum speed limit for streets, divided highways, business districts, and residential districts is defined by statute [TR 21-801.1(b)]
• Drivers prohibited from willfully operating at a slow speed as to impede normal movement of traffic [TR 21-804(a)]
• Many violations of speed limit are treated as a misdemeanor [TR 27-101]
• Currently, fines for most violations of speed range between  $60 to $520, though can be higher based on severity of violation  [TR 27-101(b)]
• Fines for excessive speed in a school zone are doubled [TR 21-803.1(d)]
• Citations issued to residents, generally, carry points assessment against driving record [TR 16-402]
• Citations issued to non-residents may be assessed against home state driving record.  (Maryland is a member of the Driver License Compact) [TR 16-703]
• Maryland State Police use various methods to detect speed violations including [Art. 88B §3]:
• RADAR (radio detection and ranging)
• VASCAR (visual average speed computer and recorder)
• LASER (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation)
• ASEP (aerial speed enforcement)
• PACING (Certified calibrated speedometer used to match speed of violators vehicle)

• Enforcing agency need only demonstrate proper maintenance of equipment and competent operator to validate violation [CJP 10-301 & 10-304]

Maryland Driving Laws/Info

First Maryland DUI Offense Jail – Up to 1 Year Jail – Up to 2 Years (If Transporting Minor) License Suspension – 6 Months Minimum Fine - Up to $1,000 Fine - Up to $2,000 (If Transporting Minor) Jail – Up to 2 Months Jail – Up to 6 Months (If Transporting Min or) License Suspension – 6 Months Minimum Fine - Up to $500 Fine - Up to $1,000 (If Transporting Minor)

Second Maryland DUI Offense Jail – Up to 2 Years Jail – Up to 3 Years (If Transporting Minor) License Suspension – 1 Year (If Within 5 Years of Previous) Ignition Interlock Program Possible (After 45 Days of Suspension) Fine - Up to $2,000 Fine - Up to $3,000 (If Transporting Minor) Jail – Up to 1 Year License Suspension – 1 Year Minimum Fine - Up to $500 Fine - Up to $2,000 (If Transporting Minor)

Third Maryland DUI Offense Jail – Up to 3 Years Jail – Up to 4 Years (If Transporting Minor) License Suspension – 18 Months Minimum Fine - Up to $3,000 Fine - Up to $4,000 (If Transporting Minor)

 

MD License Point System:

Demerit Point Schedule

Three to four points over the course of a two-year period will result in the MVA issuing a written caution. The warning is just a friendly heads-up that accruing another infraction will result in more stern measures.

Amass five to seven points in a two-year period and the MVA will insist you sign up for a Points System Conference (PSC) and/or attend a Driver Improvement Program (DIP). The programs are offered by various third-party providers across the state and the fees vary with each.

When you tally eight to 11 points in a two-year time frame, you might start questioning whether you are becoming a detriment to the road. You will have plenty of time to ponder because, at this point, the MVA will suspend your license.

Hitting the high-water mark, or accruing at least 12 points in a two-year period, will result in the MVA sending out a "notice of revocation." You will be asked to relinquish your license to an MVA office and once the revocation period expires you'll have to apply for a new license.

Top Points per Offense

Most moving infractions that do not cause an accident are assessed one point. Maryland has a comprehensive list of offenses and the points attached to them, but here is a quick overview of the most frequent:

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs - 12 Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs - 12 Unlawful use of your driver's license - 12 Loaning or borrowing a driver's license - 12 Speeding (9 miles per hour (mph) or less) - 1 Speeding (10 mph and over) - 2 Speeding (20 mph or greater over the 65 mph speed limit) - 5 Speeding (30 mph and over) - 5 Driving without a license - 5 Speed contests - 5

Driving alone with a permit - 5 Driving without proof of insurance - 5 Reckless driving - 6 Driving with a suspended license - 3 Failure to stop at a red light - 2 Failure to stop for a school bus - 2 Improper turn - 1 Clicking off your lights to evade identification - 8 Failure to yield - 1