Traffic Ticket FAQ in Maryland

What do I do if I get a traffic ticket in MD?

After getting a citation, decide on how to respond. In Maryland you have three options: challenge your traffic ticket, pay the fine, or plead guilty with an explanation and appear for a waiver hearing, request a trial date and appear for trial. Remember to alert the court of your decision within 30 days of receiving the ticket. Otherwise your driver's license will be suspended.

What happens if I miss my trial date?

If you fail to appear, the court will notify the MVA and your driver's license will be suspended. Driving with a suspended license could result in jail and heavy fines.

How can I request a different trial date?

You must submit in writing a request to the court where your trial or hearing will be heard. There is no guarantee that the judge will honor your request.

How long will points remain on my driving record?

Points will remain on your driving record for two years, starting from the date of the citation.

Why is it a good idea to order a driving record?

It's always smart to occasionally review your driving record for errors. You especially want to check after receiving a traffic citation. Any unwarranted points could adversely affect the legal status of your driver's license. Also added points can cause an increase in your auto insurance rates.

How many points will I get on my driver's license if ticketed?

The number of points depends on the infraction. Some of the more of the common infractions with points are as follows:

• DUI―12
• Speeding (9 mph or 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 proof of car insurance―5
• Reckless driving―6
• Failure to stop for a red light―2
• Failure to stop for a school bus―2
• Failure to yield―1

For more information, including a complete points list, visit our Points page.

How many points am I allowed before my license gets suspended?

Accumulating eight to 11 points in a two-year span will result in a driver's license suspension.

Can I get points dismissed if I attend a Driver Improvement Program?

Maryland does not offer the option to have points removed or reduced from a driving record. You will be required, however, to complete a Driver Improvement Program if you accumulate five to seven points on your driving record.

What do I do if I lost my Maryland traffic ticket?

Obtain your ticket information (citation number, fine amount) from the Judiciary's Online Case Search. Use this information to complete a Lost or Missing Citation Option form and mail to the court within 30 days of receiving the citation. For more on this, check out our page on lost traffic tickets.