Driver's License Revocation In Maryland State

In Maryland, 12 points on your driving record will result in your license revoking. There is uncertainty about when a person can reclaim their Maryland driver's license. Drivers who are concerned that their license will be revoked believe it will take years to regain their license. This is not always the case. If you had your driver's license revoked because you had 12 or more points on your record, you might be eligible sooner than you think.

Waiting Time For Revoked License

The minimum amount of time you must wait before requesting reinstatement of your license after it has been revoked is determined by the number of times your Maryland driver's license has been revoked:
  • One revocation - - - - - - - - - - 6 month waiting period
  • Two revocations - - - - - - - - - 12 month waiting period
  • Three revocations - - - - - - - - 18-month waiting period
  • Four revocations or more - - - a 24-month waiting period
The waiting period begins on the day you return your revoked driver's license or on the date of revocation, whichever is later. You must present your most recently issued driver's license.

Driving With A Revoked License

While a driver's license or privilege to drive in Maryland is suspended, revoked, canceled, or refused, they are not permitted to drive on Maryland roads. Driving while revoked can result in jail and a $1000 fine. A conviction would result in 12 points as well. The maximum penalty for driving while suspended is determined by the reason for the driver's suspension. The maximum penalty for failing to appear in court or failing to pay a fine is 60 days in jail and a $500 fine if a driver's license is suspended. The driver will receive three points if convicted. If the license is suspended for any other reason, the maximum penalty is one year in prison and a $1000 fine. The driver will receive 12 points if convicted. To convict a driver of driving while suspended or revoked, the State must show that the driver was driving a motor vehicle on a highway or private property used by the general public and that the driver had actual knowledge of the suspension, revocation, cancellation, or refusal at the time of the offense. Knowledge can also be demonstrated by either intentionally avoiding learning about it or being willfully blind to the suspension or revocation.

Penalties

Driving on a suspended license was a simple ticket and fine before 2006. There was no need for a court appearance. However, the law is much stricter nowadays regarding people driving without proper documentation. This law has two distinct penalties for violations.
  • If the driver's license was suspended in Maryland or another state for failing to pay fines or appear in court, or if the vehicle was uninsured, the penalty is up to two months in jail and a $500 fine.
  • This category of penalties applies to drivers whose licenses have been suspended due to more serious offenses such as DUIs. A driver caught driving with a revoked license will also face harsher penalties. A first offense is punishable by a $1,000 fine and up to two years in prison, with each subsequent offense increasing the punishment.

What To Do If Your License Is Revoked

If you believe you meet the criteria for reinstatement, contact the MVA's Driver Wellness and Safety Division (DW&S) and request that your driver's license be reinstated. You will be asked for your full name, address, date of birth, and, if you have one, your driver's license number. The MVA will review your driving record for any insurance violations, child support violations, or other issues that may prevent you from being reinstated. If we discover a problem with your driving record, we will send you a letter explaining why you are not eligible for reinstatement. We will mail or hand you an application form if no obvious problems exist. After completing the driver's license reinstatement application, please return it to the MVA's Driver Wellness and Safety Division with the appropriate application fee. Following receipt of the application and fee, a final decision on the reinstatement of your driver's license will be made, and you will be sent a letter granting or denying reinstatement. If you are granted driver's license reinstatement, take the letter to any full-service MVA branch office and apply for a new license. You may have to retake the law, vision, and driving skills tests. You will also be subject to all MVA eligibility requirements. If you are denied reinstatement of your driver's license, you have the right to appeal the MVA's decision to the office of administrative hearings. Contact the Driver Wellness and Safety Division of the MVA.

FAQs About License Revocation In Maryland

What exactly is revocation?

    • Revocation sounds serious. Right. If your license is revoked, it is permanently lost, not suspended,, and waiting to be reactivated. That means you'll have to reapply for your license before driving again as if you never had one in the first place.

Are there any options available after revocation?

    • If your driver's license has been suspended, you can surrender it or contest the revocation. If you don't want to fight, you can send your license to the MVA in person or by mail. If you want to appeal the decision, you can contact an experienced Maryland defense attorney or follow the instructions on the back of your revocation notice.

What are the consequences of driving with a revoked license?

    • Driving on a revoked license is a serious offense in Maryland, with penalties including up to 12 months in jail, a $1,000 fine, and a whopping 12 points on one's driving record.

How to restore a revoked Maryland driver's license?

    • If your driver's license was revoked due to a high number of points on your record or an alcohol/drug violation, the good news is that you may be able to get it reinstated in the future if you follow certain steps.

How do I request reinstatement?

    • If you've waited the required amount of time and believe you're eligible for reinstatement, go to any MVA office and make a request. Your name, address, date of birth, and driver's license number will be requested. The MVA will then begin a review of your driving record to ensure that all issues have been resolved to their satisfaction. The MVA will provide you with an application form if there are no obstacles. After you submit your application, the MVA will review it and issue a final ruling, which will be mailed to your home address, either granting or denying your request for reinstatement.

What happens after you've been reinstated?

    • Congratulations if the MVA granted your reinstatement request! You can take the letter to your local MVA office and apply for a new driver's license. If you were denied, it's critical to understand that you have the right to appeal to the Office of Administrative Hearings. You can find information on how to file an appeal in your denial letter or by contacting an experienced Maryland defense attorney.