Maryland suspends your license when you reach 8 points within a 24-month period
In Maryland, the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) tracks violations using a point system. Each traffic violation carries a set number of points. When your total reaches 8 points in any 24-month window, the MVA will suspend your license automatically. This is not a warning or a fine — it is a suspension that prevents you from driving legally until you complete the reinstatement process.
The 24-month period is a rolling window. If you get 5 points in January and 3 more points in November of the same year, you hit 8 points and face suspension. If you then go 24 months without a new violation, the oldest points drop off and your total resets. But if you get another violation before that 24-month mark passes, the clock restarts.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland suspends your license automatically when you accumulate 8 points within 24 months, regardless of the types of violations.
- Points stay on your record for 24 months from the violation date, and the period is rolling — new violations restart the clock.
- Common violations like speeding 1–10 mph over the limit cost 1 point, while reckless driving costs 6 points.
- You can request a hearing before the MVA to contest the suspension, but you must do so within 30 days of receiving the suspension notice.
- Completing a defensive driving course may reduce points on your record, though this does not prevent suspension if you have already reached 8 points.
How points are assigned for common violations
Different violations carry different point values. A minor speeding ticket — say, 1 to 10 mph over the limit — costs 1 point. Speeding 11 to 20 mph over the limit costs 3 points. Speeding 21 to 30 mph over the limit costs 4 points. Speeding more than 30 mph over the limit costs 5 points.
Other common violations include: failure to obey a traffic signal (3 points), improper lane change (2 points), following too closely (3 points), and reckless driving (6 points). Hit-and-run, driving under the influence (DUI), and driving with a suspended or revoked license each carry 12 points — enough to suspend your license when ready, even if you have no prior points.
If you are convicted of a violation in another state, Maryland may add points to your record under its reciprocal agreement with other states. The number of points assigned may differ from what the other state assigned, because Maryland uses its own point scale.
What happens when you reach 8 points
The MVA does not call you or send a warning when you are close to 8 points. Instead, you will receive a notice in the mail stating that your license has been suspended, effective when ready. The notice will list the violations that caused the suspension and explain your right to request a hearing.
Once suspended, you cannot drive legally in Maryland or any other state. Driving on a suspended license is itself a violation that carries 12 points and can result in criminal charges. You will also face fines and possible jail time.
The suspension lasts until you complete the reinstatement process. For a first suspension due to points, you must wait a minimum period (usually 30 days to 6 months, depending on your record), pay a reinstatement fee to the MVA, and sometimes provide proof of insurance or completion of a driver improvement program.
Requesting a hearing to contest the suspension
You have the right to request a hearing before the MVA within 30 days of receiving the suspension notice. At the hearing, you can challenge whether the violations were correctly recorded or whether the points were properly calculated. You can also present evidence or testimony in your defense.
To request a hearing, contact the MVA's Driver Safety and Education Division or submit a written request to the address listed on your suspension notice. Include your driver's license number, the date of the notice, and a brief explanation of why you believe the suspension was incorrect.
If you miss the 30-day window, you lose the right to a hearing. However, you can still complete the reinstatement process and get your license back once the suspension period ends.
How defensive driving courses affect your points
Maryland allows you to reduce points on your record by completing an approved defensive driving course. If you complete the course, you can reduce your point total by 1 point. However, you can only use this reduction once every 24 months, and it applies only to violations that occurred before the course completion date.
This means a defensive driving course cannot prevent a suspension if you have already reached 8 points. It can only help if you are below 8 points and want to lower your total before a new violation pushes you over the limit. Some insurance companies also offer discounts if you complete an approved course, which can offset the cost of the course itself.
To find an approved course, visit the MVA website or call the Driver Safety and Education Division. Courses are offered online and in person, and most take 4 to 8 hours to complete.
The difference between suspension and revocation
A suspension is temporary. Once you meet the reinstatement requirements, your license is restored and you can drive again. A revocation is permanent or long-term. Maryland revokes licenses for serious violations like multiple DUIs, habitual traffic offenders, or certain criminal convictions. A revoked license cannot be reinstated; you must reapply for a new license after a waiting period, which can be years.
Point accumulation leads to suspension, not revocation. However, if you accumulate 12 points within 24 months, you face a longer suspension period. If you are suspended multiple times in a short period, the MVA may classify you as a habitual traffic offender and revoke your license instead.
Reinstatement steps after a point suspension
To reinstate your license after a point suspension, you must: (1) wait out the suspension period set by the MVA, (2) pay the reinstatement fee (currently $100 in Maryland, though this may change), and (3) provide proof of insurance if required. Some suspensions also require proof that you have completed a driver improvement program.
You can reinstate your license by visiting an MVA office in person, by mail, or online through the MVA website. Bring your driver's license, proof of insurance, and payment. If you reinstate online or by mail, allow 5 to 10 business days for processing. If you reinstate in person, your license is restored when ready.
Do not drive until your license is officially reinstated. Even if the suspension period has ended, you are not legally permitted to drive until the MVA confirms your reinstatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive during the suspension period if I get a work permit?
Maryland does not issue work permits or restricted licenses during a point suspension. You cannot drive for any reason — not for work, not for medical appointments, not for court appearances. Your only option is to wait out the suspension period and complete reinstatement.
Do points from violations in other states count toward the 8-point limit?
Yes. Maryland has reciprocal agreements with other states and will add points to your record for out-of-state violations. However, the number of points assigned may differ from what the other state assigned, because Maryland uses its own point scale.
What if I get a violation while my license is suspended?
Driving with a suspended license is a separate violation that carries 12 points. This will extend your suspension and may result in criminal charges, fines, and jail time. If you are caught, you will face both the original suspension and new penalties.
How long does it take to get my license back after I pay the reinstatement fee?
If you reinstate in person at an MVA office, your license is restored when ready. If you reinstate by mail or online, allow 5 to 10 business days. Do not drive until the MVA confirms your reinstatement in writing or in person.
Can I dispute a violation that led to the suspension?
Yes, but only within 30 days of receiving the suspension notice. You can request a hearing and present evidence that the violation was incorrect or that the points were miscalculated. If you win the hearing, the violation may be removed and the suspension lifted. After 30 days, you lose the right to a hearing and must complete reinstatement instead.