Maryland Drunk Driving Laws Strengthened

New legislation increases penalties for DUI in Maryland.

The state legislature has passed a series of bills that will increase the penalties for drunk driving in Maryland.

The Motor Vehicle Administration can now suspend a driver’s license for one year if a driver is convicted of driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated more than once in a five year period. A restricted license is available during the suspension period if the motorist installs an ignition interlock device. Even then the driving permit is only applicable for trips to and from work, school or to drug/alcohol treatment.

DWI is charged when a motorist has blood alcohol content between .05-.079%. DUI is charged when the BAC is .08% or higher. A first offense for DWI in Maryland can result in up to two months in jail, a $500 fine and loss of driver’s license for 60 days. A DUI is more severe and can lead to up to one year in jail, up to a $1000 fine and loss of license for a minimum of 45 though longer periods are usually prescribed. A second offense for DUI increases the penalties to a fine of $2000, one year suspension of driving privileges, restricted driving for an additional year and up to two years in jail.

The new legislation also allows the courts to look back ten years for any prior alcohol related traffic offenses before considering probation options and penalties. Anyone caught drinking and driving with an alcohol restriction on their license will be subject to a $500 fine and two months in jail.

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