Maryland DUI Laws

The state of Maryland is much different from other states when it comes to driving while under the influence. The state has two sets of laws, one for Driving While Impaired or “DWI” and another for “DUI,” “Driving Under the Influence.” The difference between the two comes down to blood alcohol content level (BAC). You will be charged with a DUI if your BAC is at or above the proscribed level for all 50 states. This amount is equal to 0.08%. You will be charged with a DWI if your BAC is 0.07%.

What is the blood alcohol content level (BAC) limit in the state of Maryland?

In the state of Maryland, it is a crime to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content level (BAC) between 0.07% and 0.08% for DWI and 0.08% or higher for DUI. Sentence enhancements exist for cases involving a BAC of 0.15% or higher.

In the state of Maryland what is the administrative license suspension period for a first offense?

In the state of Maryland, if you get arrested for DUI, the administrative license suspension time for a first offense is 45 days. Under administrative license suspension, the drivers’ license will be taken before conviction when he either fails or refuses to be tested for alcohol or drugs. During the 45-day revocation period, the driver may obtain a limited license. The courts determine the date drivers may apply for restoration of driving privileges on a case-by-case basis.

In the state of Maryland, what are the penalties for a first DUI offense? Second offense?

First DUI offenses in the state of Maryland, your license will be suspended for a minimum of 45 days and you may receive up to 1 year in jail. You could be fined a maximum of $1,000. For first DWI convictions, you may be sentenced to 60 days in jail, your driver’s license could be suspended for 60 days, and you will have to pay a $500 fine. If you get caught a second time for DUI, you could end up in jail for 24 months, your license will be suspended for a year, and you will have to pay up to $2,000 in fines. For second DWI convictions, you may be fined up to $500, your license will be suspended for a minimum of 2 months, and you face up to 12 months in jail.

For third DUI/DWI convictions in the state of Maryland, you face:

• Up to $3,000/$500 in fines
• Up to 36 monthd/12 months in jail
• 18 months/60-day license suspension