How Driver Points Work in Maryland
How the Maryland point system works, points for speeding, how long points last, and whether traffic school helps.
Short answer: Maryland uses a point system based on points accumulated within any two-year period: 3 points brings a warning letter; 5 points requires a Driver Improvement Program; 8 points brings a notice of suspension; Md. Code, Transp. § 16-404; MVA, Driver's License Points
| Point system | Maryland uses a point system based on points accumulated within any two-year period: 3 points brings a warning letter; 5 points requires a Driver Improvement Program; 8 points brings a notice of suspension; and 12 points brings a notice of revocation. An initial points suspension is 2 to 30 days and a later one 15 to 90 days. A notice takes effect 10 days after it is sent unless a hearing is requested. Provisional license holders under 18 who reach 5 or more points in 12 months are suspended for 6 months (1 year for a later offense). |
|---|---|
| Points for speeding | Speeding 10 mph or more over the posted limit is 2 points; speeding 20 mph or more over a posted 65 mph limit is 5 points; speeding 30 mph or more over the posted limit is 6 points. Lesser moving violations not otherwise listed (and not contributing to a crash) are 1 point. Source: Md. Code, Transp. § 16-402(a) |
| How long points last | Points are assessed as of the date of the violation once a conviction is reported, and MVA actions are based on points accumulated within any two-year period. The MVA says points are not removed on request. |
| Traffic school | The MVA does not offer a course that dismisses a ticket or removes points; it says points are not removed upon request. A Driver Improvement Program is required when a driver reaches 5 points within two years. |
Where to get help in Maryland
More Maryland traffic tickets & dui
- Reinstating a Driver's License in Maryland
- DUI Laws in Maryland
- Paying or Contesting a Traffic Ticket in Maryland
- All Maryland traffic tickets & dui rules
FAQ
How does the driver point system work in Maryland?
Maryland uses a point system based on points accumulated within any two-year period: 3 points brings a warning letter; 5 points requires a Driver Improvement Program; 8 points brings a notice of suspension; and 12 points brings a notice of revocation. An initial points suspension is 2 to 30 days and a later one 15 to 90 days. A notice takes effect 10 days after it is sent unless a hearing is requested. Provisional license holders under 18 who reach 5 or more points in 12 months are suspended for 6 months (1 year for a later offense).
How many points is a speeding ticket in Maryland?
Speeding 10 mph or more over the posted limit is 2 points; speeding 20 mph or more over a posted 65 mph limit is 5 points; speeding 30 mph or more over the posted limit is 6 points. Lesser moving violations not otherwise listed (and not contributing to a crash) are 1 point.
How long do points stay on your license in Maryland?
Points are assessed as of the date of the violation once a conviction is reported, and MVA actions are based on points accumulated within any two-year period. The MVA says points are not removed on request.
Can traffic school remove a ticket or points in Maryland?
The MVA does not offer a course that dismisses a ticket or removes points; it says points are not removed upon request. A Driver Improvement Program is required when a driver reaches 5 points within two years.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.