Donate
Donate

Drunk Driving in Maryland

Convictions & penalties

If you are convicted of impaired driving, you face criminal penalties and license sanctions.

Penalties & sanctions for impaired driving offenses

Driving Under the Influence

DUI Convictions Penalties & Sanctions
First Offense
  • Up to $1,000 fine
  • Up to 1 year in jail
  • 12 points on your record
  • License may be revoked up to 6 months
Second Offense
  • Up to $2,000 fine
  • Up to 2 years in jail
  • 12 points on your record
  • License may be revoked up to 1 year
Two DUI Convictions in 5 Years
  • Ignition Interlock Program required
  • Possible alcohol abuse evaluation
  • Possible treatment program

Driving While Impaired (DWI) penalties & sanctions

Driving Under the Influence

DWI ConvictionsPenalties & Sanctions
First Offense
  • Up to $500 fine
  • Up to 2 months in jail
  • 8 points on your record
  • 6-month license suspension
  • If under 21: 1-year suspension
Second Offense
  • Up to $500 fine
  • Up to 1 year in jail
  • 8 points on your record
  • 9 to 12-month suspension
  • If under 21: 2-year suspension

You will face higher penalties if you are driving with a minor or it’s your third offense

Points on your driving record

If you are convicted of a DUI or DWI in Maryland, the MVA applies the appropriate points to your driver record.
Learn more about driver's license points and actions

License suspensions

License suspension for test failure

BAC level Length of suspension
BAC 0.08–0.14
  • 1st offense: 180 days
  • 2nd offense: 180 days
  • With fatality: up to 1 year
BAC 0.15 or more
  • 1st offense: 180 days
  • 2nd offense: 270 days
  • With fatality: up to revocation

Your suspension time begins when you turn in your license or submit a signed statement saying you no longer have it. Visit the Drivers with Revoked or Suspended Licenses page for more information.

Repeat offender consequences

  • A repeat offender is someone with more than one DUI in 5 years.
  • Repeat offenders face a 1-year suspension followed by 1 year with Ignition Interlock.
  • Eligible drivers may choose 1 year of Ignition Interlock instead of suspension.

Underage alcohol & fake ID penalties

Alcohol purchase, possession, or use (under 21)
  • First offense: $500 fine
  • Second offense and beyond: $1,000 fine
Alcohol restriction violations
Fake ID use
  • Up to $500 fine and up to 2 months in jail
  • 12 points on your record
  • Possible license suspension or revocation
Fake ID sales
  • Up to $2,000 fine for each one and up to 2 years in jail
  • Possible federal charges
Person 21+ providing alcohol to a minor
  • First offense: Up to $2,500 fine
  • Second offense and beyond: Up to $5,000 fine

Commercial Driver (CDL) penalties

See general penalties below, but you can find more information on the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Disqualification & Reinstatement page.

DUI penalties
  • 1st offense: 1-year CDL loss
  • 2nd offense: Lifetime CDL loss
DUI penalties if carrying hazardous materials
  • 1st offense: 3-years CDL loss
  • 2nd offense: Lifetime CDL loss
Scroll to Top