Your license stops being valid when ready, and driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense

When the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) suspends your license, you lose the legal right to drive in Maryland and every other state that recognizes the suspension. The suspension takes effect on the date the MVA sends you notice — not the date you receive it. If you drive during the suspension period, you can be charged with driving with a suspended license, which carries its own penalties separate from whatever caused the suspension in the first place.

The MVA will mail you a notice of suspension to the address on file with your license. That notice includes the reason for the suspension, the effective date, the length of the suspension, and instructions for how to end it. You do not have to wait for the letter to arrive to stop driving; the suspension is effective as soon as the MVA processes it, whether you know about it or not.

A suspended license is different from a revoked license. Suspension is temporary — it ends on a specific date or when you meet certain conditions. Revocation is permanent, and you must reapply for a new license after the revocation period ends. Most Maryland suspensions are temporary, but the length varies depending on the reason.

Key Takeaways

  • Your license becomes invalid the moment the MVA processes the suspension, even if you have not received the notice yet.
  • Driving while suspended is a separate criminal charge that can result in fines, jail time, and additional license penalties.
  • The MVA will send you written notice by mail that explains the reason, length, and how to restore your license.
  • You can check your suspension status online through the MVA website or by calling the MVA Customer Service Center at 410-768-7000.
  • Some suspensions end automatically on a set date; others require you to pay a fee, complete a program, or meet other conditions before you can drive again.

Common reasons Maryland suspends licenses and how long they last

The MVA suspends licenses for many reasons, and the length of suspension depends on what caused it. Unpaid traffic fines or court costs trigger a suspension that lasts until you pay in full. Failure to appear in court for a traffic violation results in a suspension that remains until you resolve the court case. Accumulating too many points on your driving record — 8 points in two years for drivers 18 and older, or 4 points in two years for drivers under 18 — triggers a mandatory suspension.

Suspensions for point accumulation last 6 months for a first offense, 12 months for a second offense within three years, and 24 months for a third offense within three years. Suspensions related to alcohol or drug offenses, including DUI convictions or refusing a breath test, last a minimum of 6 months and can extend to several years depending on the offense and whether it is a repeat violation. Child support non-payment suspensions remain in effect until the MVA receives notice from the Department of Human Services that the arrears have been paid or a payment plan is in place.

Medical suspensions — when the MVA suspends your license because of a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely — last until you provide medical clearance from a doctor. Suspensions for failing to maintain insurance last until you show proof of current coverage. The MVA website lists the specific suspension length for each reason, and your notice of suspension will state the exact date it ends or the condition you must meet to restore driving privileges.

What you cannot do while your license is suspended

You cannot legally drive any vehicle in Maryland or any other state. This includes driving to work, to the store, to pick up children, or for any other reason. The suspension applies to all types of driving — commercial, personal, for hire, or for business. If you are caught driving while suspended, you face criminal charges separate from the original suspension reason.

Driving with a suspended license in Maryland is a misdemeanor. A first offense carries a fine of $500 to $1,000 and up to 60 days in jail. A second offense within three years carries a fine of $1,000 to $2,000 and up to 90 days in jail. A third or subsequent offense within three years carries a fine of $2,000 to $3,000 and up to 120 days in jail. Your vehicle can also be impounded, and you will face additional towing and storage fees.

You also cannot obtain a temporary or restricted license while your license is suspended, with one exception: Maryland offers a Work-Related Driving Privilege in limited circumstances. This allows you to drive only to and from work, to a court-ordered treatment program, or to a medical appointment if the suspension is related to alcohol or drug offenses. You must request this privilege in writing to the MVA and meet specific conditions. Not all suspension reasons may have access to for this privilege.

How to check if your license is currently suspended

You can check your license status online through the MVA website at mva.maryland.gov. Click on "Check Your Driving Record" and enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will show your current license status, any suspensions or restrictions, and the date the suspension ends.

You can also call the MVA Customer Service Center at 410-768-7000 (toll-free 1-800-950-1MVA from outside Maryland). Have your license number and date of birth ready. The MVA can tell you the reason for the suspension, the end date, and what you need to do to restore your license. Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon on weekdays.

If you have not received your notice of suspension by mail and you believe your license may be suspended, check your status when ready. Do not assume the suspension is not in effect just because you have not seen the paperwork. The MVA's records are the official record, and driving while suspended is illegal regardless of whether you received notice.

Steps to restore your license after suspension ends

The process depends on the reason for the suspension. If your suspension ended automatically on a set date with no conditions attached — such as a point-accumulation suspension that lasted 6 months — your license is automatically restored. You do not need to do anything. You can begin driving again on the date the suspension ends.

If your suspension requires you to meet a condition before it ends, you must complete that condition and then request restoration. For unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount to the court or the agency that issued the citation. Contact the court or the traffic violations bureau listed on your suspension notice. Once payment is confirmed, the MVA will be notified and your license will be restored.

For suspensions related to failure to appear in court, you must resolve the court case — either by appearing in court, paying the fine, or reaching an agreement with the court. For child support suspensions, the Department of Human Services must notify the MVA that your arrears are paid or that you have a payment plan in place. For medical suspensions, you must submit a medical clearance form signed by your doctor to the MVA's Medical Advisory Board. For insurance-related suspensions, you must provide proof of current insurance to the MVA.

Once you have met the condition, contact the MVA to confirm your license has been restored. You can check your status online or call 410-768-7000. Some restorations are processed when ready; others may take a few business days. Do not drive until you have confirmed that your suspension has been lifted.

Fees and additional requirements for license restoration

Most license restorations in Maryland do not require a fee if the suspension ended automatically or once you have paid the underlying fine or court cost. However, if your license was suspended for accumulating points and you want to restore it before the suspension period ends, you can request an Early Restoration by paying a $100 fee to the MVA. Early restoration is available only for point-accumulation suspensions, not for other suspension reasons.

If your suspension was related to an alcohol or drug offense, you may be required to complete an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Assessment and any recommended treatment before your license is restored. This assessment is separate from any court-ordered treatment and is conducted by a licensed provider. The cost varies by provider, typically ranging from $100 to $300 for the assessment alone. Treatment costs depend on the type and length of the program.

For suspensions related to medical conditions, the MVA may require you to pass a written test, a vision test, or a driving test before your license is restored. These tests are administered at the MVA and have associated fees. A written test costs $7, a vision test costs $5, and a driving test costs $20. You must schedule these tests in advance through the MVA website or by calling 410-768-7000.

What happens if you drive while suspended and get caught

If a police officer stops you and discovers your license is suspended, you will be cited for driving with a suspended license. This is a criminal offense, not a traffic violation. The officer will take your license and issue you a citation. You will be required to appear in court on the date listed on the citation.

At your court appearance, you can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If you plead guilty or no contest, the judge will impose a sentence based on the number of prior offenses. A first offense carries a fine of $500 to $1,000 and up to 60 days in jail. A second offense within three years carries a fine of $1,000 to $2,000 and up to 90 days in jail. A third or subsequent offense carries a fine of $2,000 to $3,000 and up to 120 days in jail.

In addition to the criminal penalty, your license suspension will be extended. The MVA will add an additional suspension period on top of the original suspension. Your vehicle may be impounded, and you will be responsible for towing and storage fees, which can total $200 to $500 or more depending on how long the vehicle is impounded. A conviction for driving with a suspended license will appear on your criminal record and your driving record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a restricted license to drive to work while my license is suspended?

Maryland offers a Work-Related Driving Privilege only for suspensions related to alcohol or drug offenses, and only if you meet specific conditions. You must request it in writing from the MVA. Other suspension reasons do not may have access to for any form of restricted driving. Contact the MVA to ask whether your suspension qualifies.

What if I did not receive the suspension notice in the mail?

The suspension is effective whether or not you receive the notice. The MVA mails notices to the address on file with your license. If you move, update your address with the MVA when ready. Check your suspension status online or by phone if you think your license may be suspended. Lack of notice is not a defense to driving while suspended.

Does my suspension carry over if I move to another state?

Yes. Maryland suspensions are recognized by all other states through the Interstate Compact on Driver Licenses. If you move to another state while suspended, your license remains suspended there as well. You cannot obtain a license in another state until your Maryland suspension is lifted.

Can I appeal my suspension?

The process depends on the reason for the suspension. For point-accumulation suspensions, you can request a hearing with the MVA within 30 days of the suspension notice. For other suspension reasons, you must address the underlying cause — pay the fine, resolve the court case, or meet the condition stated in your notice. Contact the MVA or the agency listed on your suspension notice to learn what options are available for your specific situation.

How long does it take to restore my license after I meet the requirements?

If your suspension ended automatically on a set date, your license is restored when ready on that date with no action needed. If you had to meet a condition, restoration typically takes 3 to 5 business days after the MVA receives confirmation that the condition has been met. Check your status online or call the MVA to confirm the restoration before you drive.