Maryland Points System
If you are convicted of a moving offense in a Maryland District or Circuit Court, the court then notifies the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). Once the MVA is notified of the conviction, they then apply the appropriate number of points to your driving record.
Depending on the number of points you get from a conviction, or an accumulation of convictions, the MVA may take some sort of action against your license. The MVA may send you a warning letter, require you to enroll in a Driver Improvement Program, send you a notice of suspension, or send you a notice of revocation. The more points you accumulate, the harsher the consequences will be on your driver’s license. An exact breakdown of the points system and the consequence at that level is below:
3 to 4 points The MVA will send you a warning letter.
5 to 7 points The MVA will require enrollment in a Driver Improvement Program (DIP).
8 to 11 points The MVA will send you a notice of suspension.
12 points The MVA will send you a notice of revocation.
Points assessed by the MVA remain on your driving record for 2 years. Insurance companies and employers, often look back up to 3 years. Therefore, your insurance rates will likely be affected by a driving conviction and assessment of points for a three year window.
It is very important to understand the points system so you preserve your license and keep your insurance rates as low as possible. If you find yourself facing a Maryland traffic ticket, contact a Maryland traffic defense attorney for a consultation.