Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer
Please enter a legal issue and/or a location
Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select

Maryland DUI Laws

Maryland law takes drinking and driving very seriously and even allows for charges against drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.07 percent in certain instances. But that one-point discrepancy in BAC makes a huge difference in penalties and sentencing. For example, first-time DWI offenders face a $500 fine, 60-day driver's license suspension, eight points on their license, and up to two months in jail. First-time DUI offenders, meanwhile, can be fined $1,000, a six-month license suspension, 12 points on their license, and up to one year in jail. Also, a law enacted on Oct. 1, 2016 mandates the use of an ignition interlock device after a conviction for a DUI (or for certain DWI offenses).

Learn more about Maryland's DUI/DWI laws below.

Maryland DUI Laws: Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits and Implied Consent

"Per Se" BAC Limit 0.08 Percent (presumption of intoxication)
Zero Tolerance (Underage) BAC Limit 0.02 Percent
Enhanced Penalty (Aggravated) BAC Limit n/a
Driving While Impaired by Alcohol (lesser charge than DUI) 0.07 Percent (contributing factor, but more evidence needed for a conviction)
Implied Consent to Submit to BAC Test? Yes
 

Maryland DUI Laws: Select Penalties

Minimum License Suspension or Revocation (1st, 2nd, 3rd offense) 6 months / 120 days / not explicit
Mandatory Alcohol Education, Assessment and Treatment Both
Vehicle Confiscation Possible? Yes
Ignition Interlock Device Possible? Yes (mandatory after certain convictions)

Note: State laws are always changing through legislative, judicial, or other means. While FindLaw works hard to ensure the accuracy of its legal resources, it's a good idea to thoroughly research the law or check with an attorney to make sure you have the most recent information.

Maryland Impaired Driving Law: DUI vs. DWI

Maryland law allows prosecutors to file two different kinds of charges against impaired motorists: driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI). While DUI conforms with the 0.08 percent BAC limit followed by other states, a DWI may be charged if the motorist has a BAC of at least 0.07 percent. The key difference, other than penalties upon conviction, is that a DWI requires additional evidence of impairment. So while someone with a BAC of 0.08 percent is considered "per se" impaired, a motorist with a BAC of 0.07 percent must have been seen swerving or otherwise showing signs of impairment in order to be arrested.

Maryland DUI Resources

  • Maryland DUI Statute: Driving Under the Influence (navigate to Me. Rev. Stat. 29 2411).
  • Maryland Impaired Driving Laws - Summary of Maryland DUI law, including information about under age alcohol violations (Maryland Motor Vehical Administration).
  • Noah's Law - Information about changes in the law that require those convicted of DUI or DWI to install an IID (Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration).
  • DUI Repeat Offenders - Basics on license suspension and ignition interlock requirements for repeat DUI offenders (Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration).
  • Ignition Interlock - Basics on Maryland's ignition interlock program, along with relevant links (Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration).
  • 12 Hour Alcohol Education Program - Details on eligibility for alcohol education programs required following certain DUI offenses (Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration).
  • Reinstatement of a Revoked Driver's License - General information and instructions about how to reinstate your license after a period of revocation (Maryland Motor Vehical Administration).
  • What are the Maryland DUI Laws? - Additional information about Maryland's DUI laws, including more details about penalties and sentencing (FindLaw).
  • DUI Law - Comprehensive coverage of DUI laws, common defenses, information about breath alcohol monitors, and more (FindLaw).

Get Help With Your Case From a Maryland DUI Attorney

Since Maryland law allows for lesser charges for those with a 0.07 percent BAC, the chances of being arrested for impaired driving are amplified. A legal professional can help you understand the laws while working tirelessly to challenge the evidence and help you obtain the best possible outcome. Get started by contacting a Maryland DUI attorney today.

Was this helpful?

Response sent, thank you

You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help

Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.

Or contact an attorney near you:

Next Steps

Contact a qualified DUI attorney to make sure your rights are protected.

Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select

Help Me Find a Do-It-Yourself Solution

Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?

  • Complex DUI situations usually require a lawyer
  • DUI defense attorneys can challenge Breathalyzer/Intoxilyzer or blood test results
  • A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate DUI penalties
  • A lawyer can help get your license back

Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations.

 

 If you need an attorney, find one right now.

Copied to clipboard

Find a Lawyer

More Options