Maryland Traffic Violations

A traffic violation happens when a driver or an individual breaks one of the laws that guide the operation of vehicles on the road. In Maryland, they range from civil trafficoffenses to misdemeanors and, in aggravated circumstances, jailable crimes. Individuals and road users must seek adequate knowledge about the legal, financial, and civic implications of traffic offenses in Maryland.

What Is Considered a Traffic Violation in Maryland?

Maryland’s motor-vehicle rules are primarily found in the Transportation Article. In Maryland, a “minor” traffic ticket is a charge for a traffic violation that does not carry the possibility of jail time as part of the sentence.

This minor ticket is a criminal offense classified as a misdemeanor. The driver only needs to pay a preset fine to avoid going to court. Serious traffic violations or felonies carry the possibility of jail time, and the driver must appear in court.

It is a traffic offense for a driver to be caught with alcohol way above the legal limit (0.08 BAC) while operating a vehicle. If drivers refuse to comply with an officer’s request to submit to a chemical test for alcohol or drug use, they will be issued an Order of Suspension along with their traffic ticket.

Types of Traffic Violations in Maryland

In Maryland, there are two types of traffic violations, namely “payable” and “must appear”. Common examples of traffic violations in the state include:

• Speeding: It is a crime for drivers to operate a vehicle at a speed that exceeds posted limits.
• Running a red light or stop sign: This results from a driver’s failure to stop at a stop sign or obey traffic signals.
• Driving without a license / wrong class: It is unlawful for an individual to drive or attempt to drive without a valid license; violations are crimes according to state law.
• Driving without insurance/proof of security: Vehicle owners must maintain the required liability security and present proof (paper or electronic) on request to an officer. Failure to do so may trigger fines and registration sanctions.
• Reckless or negligent driving: This refers to a wanton or willful disregard for traffic rules, or to careless or imprudent driving by a driver. It is a crime.
• Hit-and-run / leaving the scene:The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident that results in bodily injury to another personmust stop, render aid, and exchange information. Failure to comply with this action is a crime with penalties.
• Failure to yield. Disobedience by drivers to rules for passing through highways and turning movements.
• Distracted driving. Maryland prohibits handheld phone use for drivers while a vehicle is in motion and bans texting.

Traffic Violation Penalties in Maryland

Individuals must learn about the consequences of traffic violation convictions in Maryland. Penalties for drivers who violate traffic laws include:

• Points and MVA actions: Maryland uses a point system that involves assigning a numerical value to various traffic violations. For example, driving through a stop sign is worth one point, while driving through a stop sign and causing an accident is worth three points. Reckless driving is also worth six points. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) may impose additional penalties, including driver improvement programs (DIP), suspensions, and revocation of license, for accumulating too many points within two years.
• Illustrative offenses: DUI and DWI offenses carry 12 and 8 points, respectively, with possible jail time, lengthy license suspension, and requirements of ignition interlock devices. Administrative suspensions may follow test results or refusals to submit to chemical tests, even before appearing in court.
• Repeat offenders and uninsured driving: Recidivism raises penalties, and insurance lapses may lead to payment of fines, license suspensions, and collections.
• Diversionary outcomes: The court may issue probation before judgment, which allows a judge to withhold entering a conviction after a guilty plea or finding of guilt. Instead, the court places the driver/defendant on probation, and if all conditions are met, no conviction or point is entered on the record.

However, the MVA may impose a driver improvement program, provisional licenses, or separate administrative actions in DUI cases.

How to Search for Traffic Violation Records in Maryland

The public may search for traffic violation records in Maryland through court-case information (District Court or Circuit Court) and/or driver history from the MVA.

• Court records and ticket status.
  • Individuals may use the Maryland Judiciary Case Search Portal to look up District or Circuit Court traffic cases by name or case/citation number. For payments, the Judiciary’s traffic pages list options such as online, phone, mail to the District Court Traffic Processing Center, or in person. Automated speed enforcement (SafeZones) has a separate online pay portal.
• Driver history (official MVA record).
  • Individuals may request driving records online via the Maryland Department of Transportation MVA’s Driving Record service. They must pay $12 for non-certified records and $15 for certified records. They may also complete a Request for Motor Vehicle Administration Records Form and submit it by mail or in person (with a check/money order) to the MVA.

Court records/dockets summarize charges, statutes cited, hearing dates, disposition, and amounts due. However, the official case file remains with the court clerk. In MVA records, individuals may find convictions, points, suspensions, interlock entries, and administrative actions for the period retained.

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay on Record in Maryland?

Convictions of traffic violations remain visible to employers/insurers for at least 3 years from the date of violation. Points are no longer considered current after 2 years from the violation date. However, they remain on the driving record until they are expunged by the MVA. DUI/DWI traffic offenses carry higher points and often trigger longer administrative consequences.