The Point System

In Maryland, each moving violation offense is assessed a number (or point value) from one to 12. You must be convicted of the offense for the points to go into effect on your driving record. The higher the number, the more weight the offense has against your record (and ultimately your bank account).

These amassed points for infractions remain on your driving record indefinitely. But the real measure of how well you're doing is simply what you've accrued for the past two years at any time.

Three to four points over the course of a two-year period will result in the MVA issuing a written caution. The warning is just a friendly heads-up that accruing another infraction will result in more stern measures.

Amass five to seven points in a two-year period and the MVA will insist you sign up for a Points System Conference (PSC) and/or attend a Driver Improvement Program (DIP). The programs are offered by various third-party providers across the state and the fees vary with each.

When you tally eight to 11 points in a two-year time frame, you might start questioning whether you are becoming a detriment to the road. You will have plenty of time to ponder because, at this point, the MVA will suspend your license.

Hitting the high-water mark, or accruing at least 12 points in a two-year period, will result in the MVA sending out a "notice of revocation." You will be asked to relinquish your license to an MVA office and once the revocation period expires you'll have to apply for a new license.

What you may deem as rather strict punishment, the state sees as concern for the greater good. So when you tip the total at as little as three points gathered in a two-year period, you most likely will see a form of action taken, albeit not a harsh one. Exceed that by much more and watch out―you just might end up enrolled in driving reform school.

Points per Offense

Most moving infractions that do not cause an accident are assessed one point. Maryland has a comprehensive list of offenses and the points attached to them, but here is a quick overview of the most frequent:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs - 12

• Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs - 12

• Unlawful use of your driver's license - 12

• Loaning or borrowing a driver's license - 12

• Speeding (9 miles per hour (mph) or less) - 1

• Speeding (10 mph and over) - 2

• Speeding (20 mph or greater over the 65 mph speed limit) - 5

• Speeding (30 mph and over) - 5

• Driving without a license - 5

• Speed contests - 5

• Driving alone with a permit - 5

• Driving without proof of insurance - 5

• Reckless driving - 6

• Driving with a suspended license - 3

• Failure to stop at a red light - 2

• Failure to stop for a school bus - 2

• Improper turn - 1

• Clicking off your lights to evade identification - 8

• Failure to yield - 1

See related information at Traffic Schools, Defensive Driving, and Suspended License on this site.

Checking the Status of Your License

Whenever you need or want to check the status of your driver’s license, you can order a driving record report.

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