DUI License Recovery in Maryland
A first DUI in Maryland carries up to 1 year in jail and up to $1,200 in fines (as of June 2025). A first DWI carries up to 60 days and up to $500. License suspension is typically 6 months. You can participate in the Ignition Interlock Program to drive during suspension. The IID program is 6 months for a first offense. Maryland does not typically require SR-22 filing, though proof of insurance is required.
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Overview
Maryland distinguishes between two separate impaired driving offenses: DUI (Driving Under the Influence, BAC >= 0.08%) and DWI (Driving While Impaired, BAC 0.07%-0.079% or observable impairment). DUI carries heavier penalties than DWI. As of October 1, 2024, the MVA requires participation in Maryland's Ignition Interlock Program for all DUI/DWI convictions, including probation before judgment. Effective June 1, 2025, maximum fines increased for DUI offenses. Effective October 1, 2025, the MVA must revoke licenses when impaired driving causes death or life-threatening injury. Maryland uses a 10-year lookback period, though only priors within 5 years count for sentencing enhancement levels.
Quick Answer
A first DUI in Maryland carries up to 1 year in jail and up to $1,200 in fines (as of June 2025). A first DWI carries up to 60 days and up to $500. License suspension is typically 6 months. You can participate in the Ignition Interlock Program to drive during suspension. The IID program is 6 months for a first offense. Maryland does not typically require SR-22 filing, though proof of insurance is required.
Suspension Rules
| Offense | Suspension |
|---|---|
| 1st Offense | DUI (BAC >= 0.08%): 6-month license suspension. DWI (BAC 0.07%-0.079%): 60-day suspension or 45-day suspension with participation in the Ignition Interlock Program. 8 points assessed for DUI, 8 points for DWI. |
| 2nd Offense | DUI: 1-year license suspension with mandatory minimum 5 days in jail. DWI: 9-12 month suspension. IID program participation required: 1 year for DUI, 1 year for DWI. |
| 3rd Offense | DUI: 18-month license suspension. Felony charges possible with up to 3 years imprisonment. IID program required for 3 years. DWI third offense: 1-year suspension. |
| Refusal | Refusing a chemical test triggers a 270-day (9-month) license suspension for a first refusal. Second refusal: 2-year suspension. The officer seizes the license and reports to the MVA. You have only 10 days to request a hearing to challenge the suspension. IID is mandatory for all test refusals. The refusal can be used as evidence in court. |
Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Requirements
As of October 1, 2024, Maryland requires participation in the Ignition Interlock Program for all DUI/DWI convictions, probation before judgment dispositions, test refusals, and impaired driving causing death or life-threatening injury. The IID program allows participants to drive during their suspension period with the device installed.
SR-22 Insurance
Maryland primarily uses the FR-19 insurance certification form rather than SR-22 for most DUI/DWI reinstatements. Your insurance company files proof of coverage with the MVA. If SR-22 is specifically ordered by the court, it must be maintained continuously. Any lapse triggers automatic re-suspension.
Reinstatement Process
Fee: $100-$150 depending on the specific violation. Additional costs include IID program enrollment, alcohol education programs, and insurance increases. | Timeline: IID program participants can drive immediately after device installation. Full reinstatement processing after completing the suspension takes 2-4 weeks once all documents are submitted. The MVA reviews your entire driving record for any other outstanding issues before approving reinstatement.
Serve Suspension Period or Enroll in IID Program
Either complete the full license suspension period, or enroll in Maryland's Ignition Interlock Program to regain driving privileges during the suspension. The IID program allows driving immediately upon installation.
Complete Alcohol Education/Treatment Program
Complete the required alcohol education or treatment program as ordered by the court. Provide the certificate of completion to the MVA.
Install IID if Required
If participating in the IID program (required for all DUI/DWI convictions as of October 2024), have the device installed by an approved provider. The provider notifies the MVA of installation.
Create MyMVA Account and Submit Documents
Create a MyMVA account at mva.maryland.gov/online-services for 24/7 access to your case. Upload required documents including program completion certificates and proof of insurance. Alternatively, call the Driver Wellness and Safety Division at 410-768-7553.
Pay Reinstatement Fees
Pay all applicable reinstatement fees ($100-$150) through your MyMVA account or by mail with the application.
Receive Approval and Visit MVA Branch
Once the MVA reviews your record and approves reinstatement, you will receive a letter. Take this letter to any full-service MVA branch office to apply for a new license. You may need to retake vision, law knowledge, and/or driving skills tests.
DUI Penalties
| Offense | Penalties |
|---|---|
| 1st Offense | DUI (BAC >= 0.08%): up to 1 year in jail, up to $1,200 fine (increased from $1,000 effective June 1, 2025), 12 points on driving record, 6-month license suspension. DWI (BAC 0.07%-0.079%): up to 60 days in jail, up to $500 fine, 8 points, 60-day suspension. |
| 2nd Offense | DUI: up to 2 years in jail, up to $2,400 fine (increased from $2,000 effective June 1, 2025), mandatory minimum 5 days in jail, 1-year license suspension. DWI: up to 1 year in jail, up to $500 fine, 9-12 month suspension. |
| 3rd Offense | DUI: up to 3 years in jail, up to $3,000 fine, 18-month license suspension. This is a felony offense with mandatory minimum incarceration. DWI third offense: up to 3 years in jail, up to $3,000 fine. |
| Felony DUI | Third DUI offense is a felony carrying up to 3 years in prison and $3,000 in fines. As of October 1, 2025, DUI/DWI causing death or life-threatening injury triggers mandatory license revocation by the MVA; the driver must demonstrate rehabilitation before reinstatement and may be required to install an IID. Repeat DUI/DWI offenses with high BAC or injuries carry progressively harsher mandatory minimum sentences. |
BAC limit: 0.08% for DUI. 0.07% for DWI (Driving While Impaired). 0.04% for commercial vehicle operators. 0.02% for drivers under 21. | Lookback period: 10 years for considering prior DUI/DWI offenses in judicial proceedings. However, only priors within the past 5 years count for determining sentencing enhancement levels (mandatory minimums). Offenses older than 5 but within 10 years may still be considered by the judge at sentencing.
Hardship / Restricted License
Maryland does not issue traditional hardship or work-permit licenses after a DUI/DWI. Instead, Maryland offers the Ignition Interlock Program as an alternative to full suspension. By enrolling in the IID program, drivers can continue driving with the device installed on their vehicle during what would otherwise be a suspension period.
Edge Cases
What is the difference between DUI and DWI in Maryland?
In Maryland, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) applies at BAC 0.08% or higher and carries heavier penalties (up to 1 year jail, $1,200 fine for first offense). DWI (Driving While Impaired) applies at BAC 0.07%-0.079% or when an officer observes impairment regardless of BAC, and carries lighter penalties (up to 60 days jail, $500 fine for first offense). These are two distinct criminal offenses.
What changed with Maryland DUI fines effective June 1, 2025?
Effective June 1, 2025, the maximum fine for a first DUI offense increased to $1,200 (from $1,000). The maximum fine for a second DUI offense increased to $2,400 (from $2,000). DWI fines remained unchanged.
What is the October 2025 law change regarding license revocation?
Effective October 1, 2025, the MVA must revoke a driver's license when the driver is convicted of impaired driving (DUI or DWI) that contributes to an accident resulting in death or life-threatening injury. Reinstatement requires demonstrating evidence of rehabilitation and may require IID installation.
Does Maryland require SR-22 insurance after a DUI?
Maryland is unusual in that it does not typically require SR-22 filing for most DUI/DWI convictions. Instead, Maryland uses the FR-19 form (proof of insurance certification). However, courts may specifically order SR-22 filing in certain cases, and it may be required for specific violation combinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I drive during my DUI suspension in Maryland?
- Yes, if you enroll in Maryland's Ignition Interlock Program. As of October 2024, the IID program is available for all DUI/DWI convictions. You can drive immediately after having the IID installed on your vehicle. The program duration is 6 months for a first offense, 1 year for a second, and 3 years for a third.
- How quickly must I request a hearing after a DUI arrest?
- You have only 10 days from your arrest to request an administrative hearing with the MVA to challenge your license suspension. Missing this deadline results in automatic suspension without the opportunity for a hearing.
- Is a third DUI a felony in Maryland?
- Yes. A third DUI offense is a felony in Maryland carrying up to 3 years imprisonment and $3,000 in fines, with mandatory minimum incarceration. Courts have limited alternatives even for defendants with strong mitigating factors.
- What is the Ignition Interlock Program and how does it work?
- Maryland's IID program allows DUI/DWI offenders to continue driving by installing a breath-test device on their vehicle's ignition. You must blow into the device before starting the car and at random intervals while driving. If alcohol is detected, the vehicle will not start. The program is administered through the MVA and requires using an approved vendor. Successful completion can lead to early license reinstatement.
- What are the new MVA online services for reinstatement?
- You can create a MyMVA account at mva.maryland.gov/online-services to securely upload documents, check your case status 24/7, pay reinstatement fees, and track your reinstatement progress. You can also call the Driver Wellness and Safety Division at 410-768-7553.
Video Guides
Take Action — Direct Links
- Maryland MVA - Impaired Driving Laws
Official MVA page with comprehensive information about Maryland's DUI/DWI laws, penalties, and license consequences.
- Maryland MVA - Ignition Interlock Program
Official information about Maryland's Ignition Interlock Program including enrollment, approved providers, and program requirements.
- Maryland MVA - Reinstatement of Revoked License
Official guide to reinstating a revoked driver's license through the MVA, including required documents and the application process.
- Maryland People's Law Library - DUI/DWI
Comprehensive legal resource explaining Maryland DUI/DWI laws, penalties, and the legal process in plain language.