Maryland Requirements
There are a variety of penalties for drunk driving offenses in Maryland. This guide will go over the consequences of DUI and ignition interlock laws in Maryland.
DEVICES AVAILABLE - If you need to install a device to meet your state requirements, we can help. Contact us today to schedule an installation appointment.
The MD Ignition Interlock Program
As of October 1, 2024, Maryland’s new law, HB 105, will require ignition interlock devices (IIDs) for more first-time DUI offenders and those with lower BAC levels between .07 and .0799. This change is part of Maryland’s ongoing effort to make roads safer and reduce drunk driving.
In Maryland, the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is .08 percent. Anyone driving with a BAC at or above this limit can be charged with DUI. Additional penalties may be imposed depending on the circumstances of the alcohol-related driving incident, including the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) to regain driving privileges.
There are two types of alcohol-related driving offenses in Maryland:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) for drivers with a BAC of .08 percent or higher
- Driving While Impaired (DWI) for drivers with a BAC between .07 and .0799
With the new expansion to Noah’s Law (HB 105), DWI offenders will now also be required to install an IID.
What Happens if I Get a DUI in Maryland?
First DUI Offense
- Six-month license suspension
- Fines of up to $1,000
- One-year in jail
- 12 points added to driving record
- Ignition interlock Maryland approves may need to be installed
Second DUI Offense
- Up to two years in jail
- $2,000 fine
- One-year license revocation
- 12 points added to driving record
- Installation of ignition interlock device Maryland approves required for drivers convicted twice within five years
- Repeat offenders who offend within five years may be ordered to attend treatment
Third DUI Offense
- Up to three years in jail
- Pay up to $3,000 fine
- 12 points added to driving record
- May be required to attend a treatment program
- Ignition interlock Maryland approves required to be installed on every vehicle they own
HB 105 Credit for Early Installation
Under HB 105, Maryland drivers can now receive credit toward their IID requirement starting from the day of installation. Installing the device early can shorten the required usage period.
Expungement Opportunities Under HB 105
Starting October 1, 2024, Maryland’s HB 105 allows certain DUI offenses to be expunged. Drivers who received a probation before judgment (PBJ) for impaired driving may be eligible to apply for expungement 15 years after completing probation. This provides a path to clear your record after demonstrating long-term compliance with Maryland’s laws.
What Happens if I Fail to Complete or Refuse to Submit to a DUI Test in Maryland?
Refusing the test does not excuse an offender from consequences. Refusing to take a blood alcohol content test is an automatic license suspension for 270 days, and two years on a second offense and refusal. There may be additional fines and penalties handed out depending on the circumstances of the offense.
How Do I Get a Restricted Driver’s License in Maryland?
In Maryland, criminal aspects of the DUI offense are handled in court. There is also a separate administrative hearing regarding driving privileges. This hearing is where driver’s license restrictions and revocations are discussed and decided.
Eligible drivers may be allowed to apply for a restricted license that allows them to regain driving privileges. If approved they will be allowed to drive to approved locations.
To get a restricted driver’s license in Maryland, offenders must:
- Fill out the application for a restricted license
- Pay all fines
- Complete treatment if required
- May need to show proof of SR-22 insurance
- Install an ignition interlock device Maryland approves
Get a Free Quote! Call 877-274-3419
Thank you, a State Specialist will contact you in the next few minutes to guide you through the IID requirement and process.
Thank you, a State Specialist will contact you during business hours to guide you through the IID requirement and process.
The Process: What to Expect
-
Consult with Legal Counsel
Seek guidance from a DUI lawyer to understand your legal options and rights following a DUI violation.
-
Get an Assessment
Complete a court-ordered or voluntary assessment to evaluate your risk level and determine any required interventions.
-
Schedule Interlock Install
Speak to our State Specialists to schedule your IID installation to meet court or state requirements.
-
Regular Monitoring
Your ignition interlock usage will be regularly monitored to maintain compliance with legal requirements.
-
Device Removal
After fulfilling your IID requirement and receiving approval from your monitoring authority, you can arrange to have your ignition interlock device removed at your local service center.
Interlock Cost in Maryland
Maryland ignition interlock device costs are covered by the offender. Devices are typically leased as opposed to purchased outright. Maryland does offer financial assistance to offenders who qualify.
- Costs vary, but an Intoxalock ignition interlock device Maryland approves is between $2.50 and $3.50 a day.
- Intoxalock also offers a device protection plan in case of damage, for $10 a month.
- Intoxalock state specialists can help you determine costs and find a location near you.
Expert DUI Attorneys in Maryland
Fishbein & Fishbein PA
Columbia, MD 21046
Greivell & Garrott Johnson, LLC
Hagerstown, MD 21742
Leavy & Frank, LLC
Bethesda, MD 20814
The Cohen Law Firm
Baltimore, MD 21208
Maryland FAQs
Yes, there is financial assistance available. If you have received state assistance in the last 12 months, you may be eligible. To apply, you will submit an Application for Waiver for Ignition Interlock Participation to the monitoring authority for approval.
Visit the Maryland locations page to review all locations in Maryland. There are more than 160 throughout the state.
To see how an ignition interlock device works, visit our ignition interlock page and watch our video demonstrating how to use the device.
Intoxalock customers will pay a $74.99 to $100 deposit and a $29.99 setup fee at their installation appointment. The lease fees will be $49.99 to $74.99 monthly.
If an offender is convicted of drunk driving in Maryland, their driver’s license may be suspended or revoked. Some drivers are able to regain driving privileges by installing a state-approved ignition interlock device with a camera.
Check the Maryland state page for all DUI penalties.
You will make your appointment with the interlock service center location of your choice. If Intoxalock is your chosen provider, our state specialists can help you find the most convenient one for you to visit and help you make an appointment.
Your Maryland driver’s license or state identification, and the name of the vehicle’s registered owner. You may receive paperwork at the appointment to share with the state monitoring authority.
You don’t need to bring your authorization letter with you, but make sure you are authorized for removal prior to making your appointment.
An ignition interlock device is a smart add-on for vehicles that stops impaired driving by checking the driver's breath for alcohol.
You will receive a Completion Letter once you are close to being eligible to remove the device. You should complete the final calibration after the eligibility date. Once the final calibration is complete, Intoxalock will share the data with the monitoring authority. Offenders will attend a meeting with their Hearing Officer to determine if they are authorized to remove the device. Regardless of the results of the hearing, the monitoring authority will send a letter with results. If eligible to remove, you can then make your removal appointment.
To learn more about ignition interlock information, please visit our ignition interlock device page.
Our state specialists can help you find an attorney. We work with several experienced DUI attorneys throughout the state.
Customers Have Great Things to Say
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.
Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation.
