How do People with DUIs Get Their Licenses Back in Maryland?

When someone gets their license suspended or revoked because of driving under the influence, the first thing on their mind very well might be how they can get their license back. The ability to drive a motor vehicle can be important for getting to work, doing recreational activities, and countless other daily tasks that would be much harder without a motor vehicle. Thus, people who have had their license taken away because of a DUI conviction will want their ability to drive back as soon as possible.

The only way to get your license back is to wait out the period that your license is suspended. It is also very important that you do not have any incidents during the waiting period since that time can be extended if you are convicted of further driving-related crimes.

Rice, Murtha & Psoras’s Baltimore DUI defense lawyers can be contacted at (410) 694-7291 for free initial case reviews.

Suspension vs. Revocation of Driver’s Licenses in Maryland

After you are convicted of driving while influenced (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI), your driver’s license can be either suspended or revoked. A suspension is merely a taking away of your license for a period of time determined by law based on the offense in question. A revocation, on the other hand, is much more severe. Revoked driver’s licenses cannot be renewed. If your license is revoked, you have to apply for a new one to drive again. This is different from a suspension, where your license becomes active again after the time period runs its course.

Waiting to Reinstate a Revoked Maryland Driver’s License

In Maryland, once your license is revoked, you need to wait a certain length of time before you can try and get another one. The time you need to wait is determined by the seriousness of your driving offense. Like in all states, driving infractions are assigned “points” that determine whether a license needs to be suspended or revoked. At eight points, your license must be suspended. At 12 points, it is revoked. A conviction for driving while influenced is worth eight points, while a conviction for driving under the influence is worth 12 points.

The length of time you need to wait before getting a license after it was revoked is also dependent on your prior driving conviction history. If this is your first revocation, you need to wait six months before trying to reinstate your license. For two revocations, you must wait 12 months. Third and fourth revocations will require waits of 18 and 24 months, respectively. The waiting period starts on the later of when you turn in your license for revocation or when it is actually revoked.

How to Reinstate a Revoked Driver’s License in Maryland

You need to complete multiple steps and tasks to get a driver’s license back in Maryland after it has been revoked. If you need help with any part of the process, our Annapolis DUI defense lawyers can help you through it and work towards getting your license back as efficiently as possible.

Wait Until Eligible

The first thing you need to do is wait until you are able to apply for a new license. If you try to get a new license before you are eligible, you will be denied, and it will likely look bad on future license applications. The best course of action is to be patient and wait for the probationary period to run its course.

Additionally, do not attempt to drive a motor vehicle during the time that your license is suspended. If you are pulled over and found to be driving without a license, the time before you can get a new license will be extended depending on the severity of the infraction.

Contact the Motor Vehicle Administration

The next step is to put in a reinstatement request with the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). This can be done either online or in person, and our lawyers can assist you with whatever path you choose. Once you request reinstatement of your license, the MVA will go over your driving records. You will be denied if you have not waited enough time to be eligible for reinstatement. This is another reason to not “jump the gun” and try to apply early.

Once the MVA approves your request, you will be sent an application that you will need to fill out. Complete it fully and return it to the MVA.

Fees

Additionally, there are fees attached to reinstating a driver’s license in Maryland. The fee you have to pay is associated with the conduct that caused your driver’s license to be revoked. Fees for reinstating a license generally range between $20 and $72.

After Reinstating Your License in Maryland

Once you receive your new license, you will be able to drive again. However, there may be some lingering requirements after your license. You may be required to take a driving test again, or your vehicle may have a breathalyzer installed that you must use before you can drive it.

What If My Reinstatement Is Denied in Maryland?

If the MVA denies your reinstatement, you can appeal that decision through an MVA hearing. In an MVA hearing, the court examines your situation and determines whether you get your driver’s license back or not. Although this happens in a courtroom, this hearing is not a trial, but our lawyers can still represent and support you through the process of appealing a denied license reinstatement.

Discuss Your Case with Our Maryland DUI Defense Lawyers

If you need legal assistance, call (410) 694-7291 to go over your case with Rice, Murtha & Psoras’s Ocean City DUI defense lawyers.