Skip to content
ImNotAnAttorney logo

Maryland DUI Laws

DUI Defense in Maryland

Statutes, Penalties, and Defense Strategies

What you are facing, the deadlines that bind you, and the questions an attorney needs to answer — under Maryland (MD) DUI law.

BAC Limit

0.08 (DUI) / 0.07 (DWI)

Enhanced BAC

0.15

Higher penalties above this

Lookback Period

5 years

Prior offenses count within

⚠

30 days-Day DMV Hearing Deadline

Maryland gives you 30 days days from the arrest to ask for a DMV hearing. This is the

administrative hearing

Plain language

A DMV review of the license suspension — separate from the criminal court case, with its own paperwork and deadline.

that decides the license suspension. Miss the deadline and the suspension starts on its own, even if the criminal case ends in dismissal later.

First Offense Penalties in Maryland

Jail TimeUp to 1 year (DUI) / up to 60 days (DWI)
FinesUp to $1,000 (DUI) / up to $500 (DWI)
License Suspension6 months
Ignition Interlock

Plain language

A breath-tester wired into the car ignition. The car will not start without a clean sample.

Required for all DUI convictions (participation in IID program)

Implied Consent and Test Refusal

Maryland has an

implied consent law

Plain language

By driving on the state's roads, you have already agreed to a chemical test if an officer has probable cause to think you are impaired.

like every state. The test can be breath, blood, or urine. Refusing carries its own penalty, listed below.

Refusal Penalty

270-day license suspension

Maryland-Specific Detail

Maryland has a two-tier system: DUI (0.08+) and DWI (0.07-0.079). DWI carries lighter penalties. The state participates in the Ignition Interlock System Program as an alternative to full suspension.

Is your Maryland DUI defense on track?

The Masked Researcher’s First Read checks 10 critical defense behaviors specific to DUI cases. Takes 2 minutes. Instant results.

Take the Free Defense Score

DUI Defense Playbook — $127

26 questions that change how your next attorney meeting goes, a case stage roadmap, red flag checklist, and a case progress scorecard. Instant PDF download — calibrated for Maryland DUI defendants.

Get the DUI Playbook — $127Read the Free DUI Guide

Other Maryland defense topics

Facing a different charge in Maryland? Penalty ranges, enhancements, and defense questions for related crimes:

Drug Possession in MarylandAssault in MarylandDomestic Violence in Maryland

Important: This page provides general legal information about Maryland DUI laws as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. For guidance specific to your case, speaking with a Maryland-licensed attorney is one option, or take the free Masked Researcher’s First Read to see where your case stands.