Maryland License Laws

What does it mean if you drive when your license privileges were canceled, suspended, refused, or revoked? It’s important to understand what is and isn’t allowed, as well as the consequences for defying Maryland license laws.

Section § 16-303 of Maryland license law states that “a person may not drive a motor vehicle on any highway or on any property specified in [the] article while the person's license or privilege is suspended in this State.” This means that if your license was suspended, the Maryland Vehicle Administration revoked your ability to drive for a set amount of time. Two suspended driving charges that may apply to your Maryland license are 16-303(c) and 16-303(h). Both are very serious charges, and it’s imperative to get help from a Maryland license law attorney if you face them.

Several differences exist between these charges. With 16-303(c), the maximum penalty is one year in jail and / or a $1,000 fine for a conviction. In addition, you can get 12 points on your license, which revokes your ability to drive. The second conviction of 16-303(c) may bring the maximum penalty of two years’ incarceration and / or $1,000 fine. A conviction for 16-303(h) means a maximum penalty of sixty days in jail and / or a $500 fine. You can also get 3 points on your license under Maryland license law.

There are two different statutes of Maryland license law because of the different reasons driving privileges are suspended. The charge that you face is determined by the reason your license was suspended. For instance, you’d face a 16-303(c) charge if your license was suspended because you received a DUI, failed to pay child support, failed to complete a driver improvement program, had too many points on your license, or failed to pay a civil judgment. A 16-303(h) charge might apply if your license was suspended because you didn’t pay a traffic ticket or fine, failed to appear in court for a ticket, and / or didn’t maintain your insurance.

When you are charged with driving on a suspended license, technically, you are being arrested. Many people don’t realize this because police can “discretionarily release” them back onto the road once the ticket is received. So, even though you are never put in handcuffs and taken to a police station, you’re still charged with a serious crime under Maryland license laws. You’re only released upon your promise to appear in court when notified to do so.

Lawyer Colleen Kirby can provide you with a strong defense against such charges – contact her today.

If you or a loved on have been accused of Driving on a Suspended License in Virginia visit our Virginia Driving While Suspended Page