A single traffic conviction in Maryland can add points to your driving record that put your license in jeopardy. Here’s what you need to know about how the points system works and what’s at stake.
What Is the Maryland MVA Point System?
Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) uses a point system to track driving behavior across the state.
If you’re convicted of certain moving violations, the MVA adds points to your driving record. The more serious the violation, the more points you accumulate. If you get too many points within a two-year window, the MVA may suspend or revoke your license.
How Points Are Calculated After a Traffic Conviction in Maryland
The MVA assigns a fixed point value to each moving violation, and that point value reflects the severity of the offense.
If you’re convicted of multiple charges from the same incident, the MVA only assesses points for the charge with the highest value. It won’t “stack” points across all the charges.
Common Maryland Traffic Violations and Their Point Values
Maryland law assigns a specific point value to every moving violation, and those values vary widely depending on the severity of the offense. The more dangerous the behavior, the more points you could face upon conviction.
For example:
- Speeding 1–9 mph over the speed limit is worth 1 point.
- Speeding 10–29 mph over the limit is worth 2 points.
- Speeding 30+ mph over the speed limit is worth 6 points.
- Running a steady red light is worth 2 points.
- Any moving violation contributing to an accident is worth 3 points.
- Driving without a license is worth 5 points.
- Aggressive driving is worth 5 points.
- Reckless driving is worth 6 points.
- Driving while impaired by alcohol is worth 8 points.
- DUI is worth 12 points.
- Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer is worth 12 points.
- Failing to stop after an accident with injury or death is worth 12 points.
When Are Points Added After a Traffic Conviction in Maryland?
A traffic citation doesn’t automatically put points on your record. Points only get added after a court enters a conviction and reports it to the MVA.
That means the outcome of your traffic case matters. If you pay a ticket, that counts as an admission of guilt, and the MVA will record the conviction and add the corresponding points. If you fight the citation and win, no points go on your record.
Penalties for Accumulating Points in Maryland
The MVA tracks your traffic violation points over rolling two-year periods, and the consequences scale with your total.
At three or four points, you’ll get a warning letter. At five to seven, the MVA will require you to complete a Driver Improvement Program. Hit eight to eleven points, and you’re looking at a license suspension. At twelve points, the MVA will revoke your driver’s license entirely.
How Can a Maryland Traffic Defense Attorney Help?
If you’re facing a traffic charge, you don’t have to accept the Maryland traffic points that come with a conviction.
A traffic defense attorney at Greenberg Law Offices can help you understand your options and build a defense aimed at protecting your record and your license.
Contact our office today to get started with your free initial consultation.
