Maryland (MD) Teen Auto Insurance Laws, Rates & Requirements

In Maryland, 353 young drivers were involved in accidents between 1998-2007. Unfortunately, 230 passengers in these accidents were killed. In addition, when a Maryland driver is 16 years of age, the ratio of fatal accidents is 50/50 with equal numbers of drivers and passengers killed. Although a number of states have led the way in designing, implementing and promoting new and improved Graduated Driver Licensing systems, “graduated licensing laws” have been around for decades. Maryland has enforced certain parts of the newer Graduated Driver Licensing systems since 1979, but since then Maryland has been forced to update its graduated licensing laws in response to the problems with teen driving.

Continue reading to learn more about Maryland’s updated teen driving laws and the consequences for violating them.

Maryland Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and Driver License Requirements

Maryland Graduated Licensing (GDL) applies to teen’s ages 15-17. In order to operate a motor vehicle, 15 year olds must have a valid learner license and they must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, driver instructor or a person that is 21 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license. The person must occupy the seat next to the driver at all times.

16-17 year olds must have parental or legal guardian permission to receive a license and to drive without supervision. In addition, the teen, must have a verification form provided by the Department of Public Safety (DPS), signed by a parent, legal guardian, or certified driving instructor verifying that the applicant has completed a minimum of 30 hours of behind-the-wheel (BTW) practice or the teen must submit a completion form supplied by the Maryland State Department of Education (SDE), which verifies that the applicant has completed an SDE approved Driver Education course.

To obtain a learner license, you must be at least 15 years of age and provide the following documentation to the Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles:

•    Two forms of identification, including one picture ID (16-17 year olds)
•    Social Security card or proof of Social Security number
•    Proof of school enrollment or graduation
•    $5 testing fee (cash)
•    $23 to purchase the license (cash)

If you are 15 years of age, you will also be required to show your certified U.S. birth certificates. Copies will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Graduated Driving Laws do not apply to individuals:

•    18 years of age or older
•    17 years or older who have had a valid license for 6 months or longer
•    16 years of age or older who is married or head of household
•    that have been legally relieved of minority status (state or period of being below the legal age)

Maryland Teen Driving Laws and Enforcement

In the state of Maryland, drivers under the age of 18 cannot operate a motor vehicle between midnight and 6 a.m. unless he or she is accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or person 21 years of age or older who has the consent of the licensee’s parent or legal guardian. The teen can drive unaccompanied if he or she is driving:

•    To and from work
•    To or from a school sponsored event
•    Going to or from a religious sponsored event
•    For the purpose of a medical, fire, or law enforcement related emergency

Teens under 18 may not have more than 4 additional occupants in the car at a time. This includes, the driver, three friends, and the parent. If the driver violates any of the above restrictions, the restrictive period will be extended for six months or until the driver reaches 18 years of age.

If the driver violates the above restrictions a second time or if he is convicted of racing, driving on the wrong side of the road, failure to give information, illegal passing, reckless driving, or attempting to elude a law enforcement official, his license ill be suspended for 60 days or until the age of 18, whichever comes first.

Maryland Cell Phone Use/Texting While Driving Laws

In the state of Maryland, it is against the law for a teen to drive while talking on a cell phone or while texting.

Maryland Teen DUI Laws

In the state of Maryland, it is a crime for a teen to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) of 0.02% or higher. A BAC of 0.02% is as little as one beer, one glass of wine or one mixed drink for most people. It can be even less for some. Proof of a BAC of 0.02% is all that is needed to convict a Maryland teen of DUI. If you get caught driving with a BAC of 0.02% or higher, your license will be suspended or revoked on the spot.

Maryland Teen Auto Insurance Requirements

In the state of Maryland, auto insurance is the law for all. All Maryland driver’s minimum liability coverage of 20/40/15, that’s $20,000 per person for bodily injury, $40,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 per accident for property. Because the state of Maryland follows a Tort system, and because the risk of an auto collision is significantly higher the teen’s first year behind the wheel, Maryland auto insurance companies recommend purchasing higher amounts of coverage than the legal limits, Maryland auto insurance companies recommend that driver’s consider carrying higher coverages than the state minimums.

Under Maryland’s Tort system, if you are involved in an accident, someone must be found to be the cause or fault of the accident. The person deemed at fault is responsible for all damages. Damages are usually handled through the at-fault person's insurance company.

If you plan to add a teen driver to your policy, keep in mind that your annual rate will increase anywhere from $1,200 to $4,900 a year - or an average of $2,171 a year. Although auto insurance premiums will increase if you add a teen to your policy or purchasing teen auto insurance will always be pricier than other policies, there are ways to qualify for discounts on teen auto insurance. Auto insurance companies offer discounts ranging from 10-15% or more for:

•    Maintaining at least a B average
•    Successful completion of a state approved safe driver course

You can also lower your premiums on teen auto insurance if you avoid purchasing sports and luxury cars for your teen, if you opt for a higher deductible, or if you combine insurance policies into one (i.e. life, home, health, renter’s, etc.).