Maryland State Laws and IID Requirements
Offenders who drive while intoxicated in Maryland risk a variety of penalties. There are types of alcohol-based driving offenses in Maryland - Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). DUI is used for offenders with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or higher. DWI refers to offenders with a BAC Of .07 percent or lower. Some drivers may be required to install an ignition interlock device to regain driving privileges.
What Happens if I Get a DUI or DWI in Maryland?
First Offense
- Jail sentence up to two-and-a-half years
- $500 to $5,000 in fines
- Some offenders may receive the jail sentence OR the fine, and some will receive both
- Upon arrest, driver’s license suspended for up to 30 days, until their DUI court date (offenders are entitled to a hearing within 15 days to request license reinstatement)
- Following conviction, driver’s license may be suspended for one year (or more depending on the circumstances of the offense) by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
- May need to install an IID to regain driving privileges
First Offense DUI
- License suspended for six months
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- Up to one year in jail
- 12 points added to driver’s record
- IID from a state-approved provider may need to be installed
First Offense DWI
- Fine up to $500
- Up to two months in prison
- License may be suspended for 6 months
- Eight points added to driver’s record
- Drivers under 21 may have their license suspended for up to one year
Second Offense DUI
- Jail sentence of five days up to two years
- Fines up to $2,000
- License may be revoked for one year
- 12 points added to driver’s record
- If second offense is within five years of the first, an IID from a state-approved provider is required
- Anyone convicted of a DUI may be required to attend treatment
Second Offense DWI
- Fine up to $500
- Eight points could be added to driver’s record
- License suspended for nine to 12 months
- Drivers under 21 may have their license suspended for two years
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What Happens if I Refuse a DUI Test in Maryland?
There are still consequences for refusing to take the test. Refusal to take a blood alcohol content (BAC) test will result in an automatic license suspension for 270 days. For repeat offenders the suspension can increase to two years.
How Do I Regain Driving Privileges in Maryland?
Some offenders are able to regain driving privileges during their suspension period by participating in the state’s Ignition Interlock Program, and some are required to participate based on their offense. In order to qualify for this program, drivers may need to:
- Apply for a restricted license
- Within 30 days of the arrest, they need to surrender their license to the MV
- If they do not have the license, they will need to sign a certified statement that they do not have the license in their possession
- Prove they held a valid license that wasn’t canceled, suspended, or revoked at the time of the offense
- Pay any required fines
- Complete any treatment if required to do so
- Install a state-approved ignition interlock device
- Show in writing that they intend to participate in the IID program by completing the form and submitting it to the MVA office
Intoxalock MD Interlock Devices
Your ignition interlock device must be installed by a state-approved provider. ADS is an approved provider, and our devices are easy to use and feature bilingual prompts. ADS has a vast partner network with more than 5,500 locations nationwide. This makes it easy to find a location that is near your home or workplace. You will be returning on a regular basis for device calibration, so it’s important to choose an ADS location that’s easy for you to get to.
What is an Ignition Interlock Device?
An ignition interlock device is a small mechanism that is wired into your vehicle’s ignition system. The device requires the driver to take a Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) test and pass before they can start the vehicle. Failures are reported to the state monitoring authority. The device also requires random retests during most trips to prevent device tampering.
How Long is an IID Required in MD?
This will be made clear in court and is typically determined by statute.
Ignition Interlock Cost in Maryland
Maryland requires DUI offenders to cover the cost of their ignition interlock device. The devices vary in cost depending on the provider. ADS devices cost between $2.50 and $3.50 per day to lease.
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Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation.