Maryland’s Department of Motor Vehicles keeps track of moving violations for all registered drivers through use of a statewide “point system.”
When a driver is convicted (not just charged) of any particular violation, a certain number of points are put on that driver’s official driving record. Points vary based on the type of violation. Some of the more common infractions include the following:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: 12 points
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license: 12 points
- Unlawfully using your driver’s license: 12 points
- Loaning or borrowing a driver’s license: 12 points
- Driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol: 8 points
- Reckless driving: 6 points
- Driving without a license: 5 points
- Driving without proof of insurance: 5 points
- Driving alone with a permit: 5 points
- Participating in a speed contest: 5 points
- Speeding at least 20 miles over a 65-mile-per-hour speed limit: 5 points
- Failing to yield: up to 5 points, depending on the situation
- Speeding at least 10 miles per hour over the speed limit: 2 points
- Failing to stop at a stop sign: 1 point
Anyone who accrues five to seven points in any two-year period is required to attend a special Driver Improvement course. A driver who amasses eight to 11 points in a two-year period will automatically have his or her license suspended, and 12 points earns the driver a revoked license.
If you’ve been the victim of a Maryland car accident, it’s easy to find out whether the at-fault driver has been convicted of driving infractions before. If so, this may affect the amount of compensation you can recoup. For a free consultation with an experienced Frederick accident attorney, call Nickelsporn and Lundin at 800-875-9700.