Photo: Corwin Melvin, Pexels
Maryland MVA points are added to your record when you are convicted of a traffic offense, from 1 point for a minor moving violation up to 12 for the most serious. Points counted over any 2-year period trigger a warning letter, a driver improvement program, a suspension or a revocation. New drivers face tighter rules on top of this. This page is for Maryland permit and provisional drivers, and their parents, who want to know what a ticket really costs.
What happens at each points level in Maryland
For points collected within any 2-year period (Transportation Article §16-404):
| Points | MVA action |
|---|---|
| 3 | Warning letter |
| 5 | Driver improvement program required |
| 8 | License suspended |
| 12 | License revoked |
A first points suspension lasts 2 to 30 days, and a later one 15 to 90 days. The notice tells you how long. You have 10 days after it is sent, not counting weekends and legal holidays, to ask in writing for a hearing. Without a hearing request, the suspension or revocation takes effect at the end of that period.
The extra rule for provisional drivers under 18
If you hold a provisional license, are under 18, and collect 5 or more points in 12 months, the MVA must suspend your license:
- first time: 6 months
- second or later time: 1 year
On top of that, any moving violation on a provisional license brings separate sanctions under §16-213. A first offense means a driver improvement program. Repeat offenses bring possible suspensions and limits on when you can drive. See Maryland provisional license rules for the full table.
A ticket also resets your clock
- On a permit (under 19): a moving violation conviction restarts the 9 months you must wait before the skills test.
- On a provisional license: a moving violation conviction, or a provisional restriction violation, restarts the 18 months before you can get a full license.
- Probation before judgment counts the same as a conviction for both clocks.
Maryland point values new drivers should know
| Offense | Points |
|---|---|
| Moving violation not listed, no crash | 1 |
| Speeding 10 mph or more over the limit | 2 |
| Following too closely | 2 |
| Running a steady red light | 2 |
| Negligent driving | 2 |
| Failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights | 3 |
| Any moving violation that contributes to a crash | 3 |
| Driving on a learner’s permit unaccompanied | 5 |
| Driving while not licensed | 5 |
| Failing to report a crash | 5 |
| Aggressive driving | 5 |
| Speeding 20 mph or more over a 65 mph limit | 5 |
| Reckless driving | 6 |
| Speeding 30 mph or more over the limit | 6 |
| Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs | 8 |
| Racing or exhibition driving on a highway | 8 |
| Driving under the influence of alcohol | 12 |
| Fleeing or trying to elude police | 12 |
| Failing to stop after a crash causing injury or death | 12 |
The full list is in §16-402. If you are convicted of several charges from the same incident, the MVA counts only the charge with the most points.
Worked example
A 17-year-old provisional driver is convicted of speeding 12 mph over the limit (2 points). Four months later, they are convicted of running a red light (2 points). The total is 4 points in 12 months: not yet a suspension, but a third 1-point ticket within the 12 months would make 5 and trigger a 6-month suspension. Each conviction also restarts the 18-month provisional clock, and the second one counts as a second provisional offense under §16-213.
Phone offenses for new Maryland drivers
- Under 18, using any phone while driving, except to call 911, can lead to a suspension of up to 90 days.
- Texting while driving is banned for everyone. Under 18, it can also lead to a suspension of up to 90 days.
- For handheld phone use under §21-1124.2, no points are added unless the offense contributes to a crash.
- Carrying passengers under 18 in your first 151 days on a provisional license is a moving violation, so it carries points.
Common questions
How many points before a suspension in Maryland?
8 points in 2 years for most drivers. For a provisional driver under 18, 5 points in 12 months.
How many points is a speeding ticket in Maryland?
Under 10 mph over is usually 1 point. 10 mph or more over is 2, and 30 mph or more over is 6. Speeding 20 mph or more over a 65 mph limit is 5.
Do points from a ticket on my permit count?
Yes. Points go on your driving record, and the conviction also restarts your permit waiting period.
Can I fight a points suspension?
Yes. Request a hearing in writing within 10 days of the notice being sent, not counting weekends and legal holidays.
What is a driver improvement program?
An MVA course for drivers with points or provisional offenses. The MVA sets the fee, and approved private providers can run it instead.
Back to the Maryland learner driver guide. For how points work elsewhere, see US points and suspensions. Related: zero tolerance under 21.
Sources
- Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-402” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
- Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-404” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
- Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-213” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
- Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-212” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
- Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-105” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
- Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §16-111” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
- Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §21-1123” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
- Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §21-1124” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
- Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §21-1124.1” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)
- Maryland General Assembly, “Transportation Article §21-1124.2” (mgaleg.maryland.gov)