How Are Points Assessed?
Maryland assesses points against a driver’s record under Transportation Article § 16-402. Points are assessed after a conviction for a violation of the vehicle laws or certain other statutes. The points are assessed as of the date of the violation, not the date of conviction. The number of points depends on the specific offense. Most moving violations that are not listed separately and that did not contribute to an accident carry 1 point. Speeding 10 miles per hour or more over the posted limit, following too closely, and failing to stop for a steady red signal generally carry 2 points. Failing to stop for a school vehicle with activated flashing red lights, and certain driving while suspended violations under § 16-303(h) or (i), carry 3 points. Speeding 30 miles per hour or more over the posted limit, driving while not licensed, and aggressive driving generally carry 5 points. Reckless driving carries 6 points.
How Are Multiple Charges from the Same Incident Treated?
When a driver is convicted of multiple charges based on offenses alleged to have been committed at the same time or arising out of circumstances simultaneous in time and place, the MVA assesses points only on the charge that has the highest point assessment. The driver does not receive points for every charge arising from the same incident. This rule can affect the total number of points added to the record after a single stop or accident.
What Happens When Points Accumulate?
The MVA tracks points over a two-year period. Under § 16-404, accumulation of 8 points within two years can result in a notice of suspension. Accumulation of 12 points within two years can result in a notice of revocation. The MVA sends a notice that gives the driver a deadline to act. Paying a fine is an admission of guilt and results in the assessment of the associated points. A driver who receives a notice may have options to address the underlying issues or to request a hearing in certain circumstances. Points remain on the driving record and can affect insurance rates even after a suspension is lifted.
Where Are Related Cases Heard in Baltimore County?
Many traffic offenses that carry points are must-appear citations. Cases begin in District Court in Towson, Essex, or Catonsville, depending on the location of the stop. Because the maximum penalties for some offenses exceed 90 days, the defendant may pray a jury trial and move the case to the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, which sits only in Towson. The outcome of the traffic case determines whether points are assessed. A not-guilty finding or a disposition that does not result in a conviction generally does not result in the assessment of points.
What to Do If You Are Facing Points or a Suspension Notice
If you have been charged with a traffic offense that carries points and is a must-appear citation or you have received a notice of suspension or revocation from the MVA, contact Shepard Law promptly. Shepard Law represents clients in traffic and must-appear citation 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 how the point system applies.
Points are assessed under Transportation Article § 16-402 after a conviction. They are assessed as of the date of the violation, not the date of conviction.
Speeding 10 miles per hour or more over the posted limit generally carries 2 points. Speeding 30 miles per hour or more generally carries 5 points.
The MVA assesses points only on the charge that has the highest point assessment. Points are not stacked for every charge arising from the same incident.
Accumulation of 8 points within two years can result in a notice of suspension from the MVA under § 16-404.
Accumulation of 12 points within two years can result in a notice of revocation.
Yes. Paying a fine is an admission of guilt and results in the assessment of the associated points.
