Reasons a Maryland Driver’s License Can Be Suspended

What Are the Common Reasons for a License Suspension?

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration can suspend a driver’s license for several reasons. Accumulation of points is a common ground. Under Transportation Article § 16-404, the MVA may suspend a license when a driver accumulates 8 points within a two-year period. Failure to appear in court or failure to pay a fine on a traffic citation can also result in a suspension. Lapse of required insurance can lead to a suspension of the vehicle registration and related consequences. Child support arrearages can trigger a suspension under § 16-203. Failure to attend a driver improvement program can also result in a suspension. These administrative suspensions are distinct from a suspension imposed by a court as part of a criminal sentence.

What Does Transportation Article § 16-303(h) Cover?

Transportation Article § 16-303 prohibits driving while a license is canceled, suspended, refused, or revoked. Subsection (h) addresses a narrower category of suspensions. It applies when the license or privilege to drive is suspended under § 16-203 (child support), § 16-206(a)(2) for failure to attend a driver improvement program, § 17-106 (insurance), § 26-204 or § 26-206 (failure to appear or pay), or § 27-103 (failure to satisfy a judgment). A violation of subsection (h) is a must-appear offense. The maximum penalty is a fine not exceeding $500, and the violation carries 3 points. There is no jail exposure under subsection (h).

Where Are Driving While Suspended Cases Heard in Baltimore County?

Driving while suspended is a must-appear traffic offense. Cases are heard in District Court in Towson, Essex, or Catonsville, depending on the location of the stop. Cases charged solely under subsection (h) carry a maximum fine of $500 and do not expose the driver to jail, so the jury-trial analysis differs. The charging document will identify the specific subsection.

What Happens After a Suspension?

A suspended license remains suspended until the underlying issue is resolved and the MVA lifts the suspension. The driver must typically pay any outstanding fines, provide proof of insurance, complete a required program, or resolve the child support arrearage. Driving while the suspension is in effect can result in a new charge under § 16-303 and additional points. The MVA may also assess a reinstatement fee. Addressing the underlying reason for the suspension is necessary before the license can be restored.

What to Do If Your License Is Suspended

If your Maryland driver’s license has been suspended and you have been charged with driving while suspended in Baltimore County, contact Shepard Law promptly. Shepard Law represents clients in driving while suspended cases in Towson, Essex, Catonsville, and the Circuit Court in Towson. Call (410) 648-4008 to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Criminal defense attorney Stephen P. Shepard can review the facts and explain which subsection of § 16-303 applies.

What are common reasons for a Maryland license suspension?

Common reasons include accumulation of points, failure to appear or pay a fine, insurance lapse, child support arrearages, and failure to attend a driver improvement program.

What does § 16-303(h) cover?

Subsection (h) covers certain administrative suspensions, including those for child support, failure to attend a driver improvement program, insurance issues, failure to appear or pay, and failure to satisfy a judgment.

What is the maximum penalty for a violation of § 16-303(h)?

The maximum penalty is a fine not exceeding $500, and the violation carries 3 points. There is no jail exposure under subsection (h).

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