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Maryland Traffic Violation Records

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Any official record detailing a contravention of the traffic laws in Maryland may be referred to as Maryland traffic violation records. These records are maintained by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) in Maryland.

Traffic violations account for a significant percentage of the violation of Maryland laws. Significant among traffic violations are speeding violations. In Maryland, about 10.1% of drivers have a previous speeding violation on their driving record. This is nearly at par with the national average of 10.5%.

Maryland punishes traffic violators with demerit points, which are added on their driving records as a penalty. Getting too many demerit points leads to higher insurance premiums, mandatory participation in driver improvement programs, and a suspension or revocation of driving privileges in the state.

Are Traffic Violations Records Public in Maryland?

Basic traffic violation records are public records in Maryland. However, both state and federal laws, such as the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), ensure that the Maryland MVA does not provide public access to the personal information contained within traffic violation records. Also, since court records are generally public records in Maryland, traffic crimes such as misdemeanors and felonies handled in the state district courts are available to the public.

How To Look Up Traffic Tickets in Maryland?

You may look up your traffic citation and its status on the Maryland judiciary's online case search system. To use the search system:

  • Visit the case search system
  • In the "Search Criteria" field, enter your last, first, and middle name as indicated on your driver's license. Alternatively, in the "search by case number" field, enter your citation number in the case number field
  • Select "traffic" under case type and then "district court only" under the court system menu
  • Select search. The result page will show your traffic ticket information.

Also, since Maryland considers most traffic records as public, interested persons may find traffic ticket records on reliable third-party websites such as publicrecords.us.

Where Do I Pay Traffic Violations?

You may pay your traffic fines in Maryland in the following ways:

Alternatively, per Section 7-504.1 of the Maryland Courts Article, you may request to enter into a payment plan if you have a minimum of $150 in total outstanding fines and are otherwise qualified to enter into a payment plan.

How Much Does It Cost To Request Your Driving Records Online?

You may obtain a Maryland driving record online via your myMVA account on the Maryland Department of Administration MVA portal. You will need an AMEX, Discover Card, Mobile Wallet Pay, MasterCard, or VISA card to pay the application fee online. Alternatively, you may complete an MVA Request for Record form at an MVA branch office. This option will require your valid ID before you may complete the request.

Note that if you have an out of state ID or license and require your Maryland driving record, you must use the MVA Request for Record form and mail it with a check or money order of the appropriate fee to the MVA (Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, Driver Services Division, 6601 Ritchie Highway, NE, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21062).

Depending on your request, you may apply for a 3-year driving record or a complete driving history. A complete driving history provides information on your driving history in Maryland back to when you obtained your driver's license. The MVA charges $15 for a certified copy of a driving record and $12 for a non-certified copy of a driving record. Maryland driving records typically include information such as moving violations, traffic tickets, accidents, license suspensions, and revocations.

What Are Moving and Non-Moving Violations in Maryland?

Traffic violations in Maryland may be described as moving violation or non-moving violation. A moving violation is an offense committed while the vehicle is in motion. Examples include:

  • Speeding
  • Running a red light or stop sign
  • Driving under the influence
  • Reckless driving
  • Improper lane changes
  • Failure to yield or signal

Non-moving Violations generally involve offenses when the vehicle is not in motion, such as:

  • Improper parking
  • Expired registration
  • Broken or improper vehicle equipment
  • Seatbelt tickets

Typical penalties for moving violations include fines ranging from $80 to $1,000, points added to the driving record, and increased insurance premiums. On the other hand, non-moving violations usually result in lower fines and do not typically add points to the driving record. However, non-moving violations may lead to additional penalties if issues are not resolved, such as in a registration suspension.

How Long Does DUI Stay on Your Record in Maryland?

Although the demerit points added for a DUI conviction may remain on your driving record for three years, a DUI conviction stays on your Maryland criminal record permanently.

In Maryland, there are two categories of drinking and driving offenses: DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI (Driving While Impaired). A DUI is the more serious charge and applies when a driver's BAC is 0.08 or higher, classified as "under the influence per se". A DWI applies when the BAC is 0.07, indicating the driver is impaired by alcohol.

Both DUI and DWI offenses are considered serious in Maryland due to the penalties stipulated for them. In Maryland, DUI and DWI penalties vary by offense number and circumstances:

  • First DUI offense: Up to 1 year in jail, $1,000 fine, and 6-month license suspension. If a minor passenger is present, penalties double.
  • First DWI offense: Up to 2 months in jail, $500 fine, and 6-month suspension. With a minor, penalties increase to 1 year and $1,000.
  • Second DUI offense (within 5 years): 5 days to 2 years in jail, up to $2,000 fine, and 12-month license suspension. With a minor, fines increase by $1,000 and jail by 1 year. Mandatory drug/alcohol evaluation and treatment may reduce jail time.
  • Second DWI offense: Up to 1 year in jail, $500 fine, and 9-month suspension. If a minor is involved, 2 years in jail and a $2,000 fine. Treatment credits may apply.
  • Third DUI offense: Up to 5 years in jail, $5,000 fine, and 18-month license suspension, with harsher penalties if a prior occurred within five years or if minors were present.
  • Third-time DWI Offense: Offenders face up to five years of incarceration, fines up to $5,000, and a 12-month license suspension.

The MVA also adds 8 demerit points to driving records for offenders convicted of DWI, while a driver conviction of DUI will have 12 points added on their record. Maryland's DUI arrests and fatality rates are lower than several other states in the nation at 223 DUI arrests and 4.7 DUI road fatalities per 100,000 drivers.

What Are the Penalties for Breaking the Speed Limit in Maryland?

Speed limits in Maryland and penalties for going over the stated limits are governed by the statutes in Title 21, Subtitle 8 of the Maryland Transportation Code. Under this section, the maximum speed limits in Maryland are:

  • Alleys in Baltimore County: 15 miles per hour.
  • Highways in Business Districts and Undivided Highways in Residential Areas: 30 miles per hour.
  • Divided Highways in Residential Areas: 35 miles per hour.
  • Other Undivided Highways: 50 miles per hour.
  • Other Divided Highways: 55 miles per hour.
  • Interstate Highways and Expressways: 70 miles per hour.

Note that local authorities are permitted to adjust these limits under specific conditions per Section 21-803 of the Maryland Transportation Code.

The penalties for exceeding speed limits in Maryland vary based on the severity of the violation:

  • 1 to 9 mph over the limit: $80 fine and 1 point assessed
  • 10 to 19 mph over the limit: $90 fine and 2 points assessed
  • 20 to 29 mph over the limit: $160 fine and 2 points assessed
  • 30 to 39 mph over the limit: $290 fine and 5 points assessed
  • 40 mph or more over the limit: $530 fine and 5 points assessed

Note that depending on the points accumulated, MVA does the following:

  • 3 to 4 points:​ Driver receives a warning letter.
  • 5 to 7 points:​ The Driver must enroll in a Driver Improvement Program.
  • 8 to 11 points:​ The Driver's license may be suspended.
  • 12 or more points:​ Driver's license may be revoked

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Record in Maryland?

Points from a speeding ticket remain on your driving record for two years from the date of the violation. However, these points are considered public information for three years from the violation date and are accessible by insurance companies. After the two years, the points are no longer deemed "current" but will stay on your record until officially expunged by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).

How To Appeal A Traffic Ticket?

If you have been issued a traffic ticket in Maryland, you can contest it in the following ways

  • Request a Court Trial: To appeal the ticket, you must select the option that says "Request a Trial", which indicates your intention to plead not guilty. This form must be completed and mailed to the Maryland District Court Traffic Processing Center within 30 days of receiving the ticket.
  • Challenge the Officer's Observations: At the court, you may challenge the officer's account of the incident. You may argue that the officer's observations were mistaken, visibility was poor, or that traffic conditions at the time were unusual.
  • Dispute Technical Errors: You may also identify and present technical errors on the citation itself. These could include incorrect information like the wrong date, location, vehicle description, or driver's name. In some cases, such errors could lead to the dismissal of the ticket.
  • Present Evidence: To strengthen your defense, you may present evidence such as photos, dashcam footage, witness statements, or GPS records. These can help establish that you did not commit the alleged offense or provide a reasonable explanation for your actions.
  • Present a Justifiable Reason for the Violation: Acknowledge that the traffic offense occurred, but explain that it was necessary due to an emergency or to prevent greater harm. For example, you may have been speeding to avoid a dangerous driver or had to stop suddenly because of a health crisis.

Although these are defenses you may use when representing yourself in court, if the violation is serious, such as reckless driving, DUI, or you already have multiple traffic convictions, it may be wise to hire a traffic attorney. An experienced lawyer may help you navigate the court process, potentially negotiate a lesser penalty, and ensure your driving privileges are not significantly impacted.

How To Resolve an Out-of-State Traffic Ticket?

If you get a traffic ticket in another state, your home state may be notified. Maryland participates in the Driver's License Compact (DLC) and the Nonresident Violator Compact (NVC), which means out-of-state tickets can affect your Maryland driving record. Also, failing to respond or pay the required fines may lead to the addition of demerit points on your driving record, driver license suspension, or higher insurance rates. In addition, your license may be suspended until the ticket is resolved.

You may contest an out-of-state ticket in the following ways:

  • Requesting a Trial by Affidavit: Some states allow drivers to submit a written statement and evidence by mail without having to appear in court in person.
  • Hiring a Local Traffic Attorney: An attorney in the state where the ticket was issued may represent you in court and may help reduce the charge or have it dismissed.
  • Arguing a Legal or Factual Error: This may involve challenging the officer's observation, the radar calibration, or the speed limit signage at the location.
  • Demonstrating a Justifiable Emergency: You may provide proof that your actions were necessary due to an emergency.
  • Negotiating a Plea Deal: In some cases, you may be able to plead to a lesser offense with reduced penalties.

How Do Maryland Traffic Laws Differ From Other States?

Despite the similarities between traffic laws in many jurisdictions in the United States, each state has a set of laws unique to it. The following unique traffic laws apply in Maryland:

  • Special Left Lane Restriction on I-95 and Route 295: On certain highways like I-95 and MD Route 295, large trucks are prohibited from using the far-left lane unless turning or passing.
  • School Bus Stop Law Includes Median Rule: If a school bus stops on a road without a physical median, drivers in both directions must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus when its red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended. However, if there is a median or barrier, only drivers behind the bus are required to stop.
  • DUI Threshold for Commercial Drivers is Lower: Commercial drivers in Maryland can be charged with a DUI for a BAC of 0.04%, half the standard 0.08% for regular drivers.
  • Slower Traffic Keep Right: Any vehicle going 10 MPH or more below the applicable maximum speed limit must drive in the right lane.

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