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Serious Traffic Violations

Serious Traffic Violations

Facing a Serious Maryland Traffic Citation?

Have you, or someone you know, recently received a traffic ticket or traffic citation in Maryland? Do you know how serious the offense is and what the possible consequences are if the traffic violation is not handled properly?

New Maryland laws have recently been passed and they can be difficult to understand. You need to make sure you are prepared and protected the day you walk into court. Contact us to see how serious your traffic violation is and schedule a free consultation with one of our top traffic violation lawyers.

Traffic Ticket Fines

Traffic ticket fines are the same throughout MD and they do not vary by county, city, or district. The exact fine amount will be posted on your citation.

Another cost from your traffic citation may come in the form of an increase in your car insurance rates. Unique to Maryland, the district court system alerts the MVA of all traffic ticket convictions, resulting in added points on your driving record. Extra points can cause your car insurance premiums to increase, your license to be suspended and even possible jail time.

Traffic Citation Penalties

Penalties are not the same as fines. Fines refer to exact fees while penalties refer to points and loss of driving privileges. Penalties differ depending on which type of driver’s license you have (learner’s permit, provisional license, CDL, etc.), severity of the traffic violation and status of your driving record.

Maryland Point System

Maryland assigns points for moving traffic violations. These points stay on your driving record for two years, starting from the date of the initial citation.

Some of the more common violations come with the following points:

  • Driving on a suspended license―12 points
  • DUI―12 points
  • Failing to stop at a red light―2 points
  • Failing to stop for flashing school bus―3 points
  • Improper passing―1 point
  • Failure to yield right-of-way―1 point
  • Improper U-turn―1 point

Building up points on your driving record will prompt the MVA to take the following actions:

  • Three to four points within a two-year span―The MVA will send you a warning letter
  • Five to seven points within a two-year span―You will be required to enroll in a Driver Improvement Program (DIP)
  • Eight to Eleven points within a two-year span―Your driver’s license will be suspended
  • Twelve or more points―Your license will be revoked

For more detailed information on Maryland’s point system, you can visit the MVA page covering Maryland’s point system here.

Driver’s License Suspension, Revocation and Cancellation

The loss of driving privileges comes with major consequences, including time-consuming reinstatement requirements, costly fees, and a significant increases in your car insurance rates. Given the severity of these penalties, it is best to know what can happen if your driver’s license is suspended, revoked or canceled:

Suspended License– The temporary withdrawal of your driver’s license. Depending on your situation the MVA may allow you to drive on a restricted license (this limits you to driving to and from work and/or school).

Revoked License– The withdrawal of your driving privileges until the MVA decides you are fit to drive again. Unlike a suspended license, a revoked license comes with an extended waiting period before you can drive again, and even then there is no guarantee that the MVA will allow you to apply for a reinstated driver’s license.

Canceled License– Your driving privileges have been terminated.

Your license can be suspended, revoked or canceled for several reasons including too many points on your driving record or for some of the following traffic violations:

Contact Houlon Berman

Maryland Traffic Violations can significantly impact your future, family, and career. They should be taken seriously and handled by a professional. Having the right attorney can save you thousands of dollars in fees and fines as well as save you potential jail time.

Let the experienced traffic lawyers at Houlon Berman help you through this process and gain the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are represented by some of the best attorneys in Maryland and DC. Schedule your free consultation today.

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