Driving on a suspended license in Maryland is a criminal offense that carries jail time, fines, and license extension

If your Maryland license is suspended and you drive anyway, you are committing a crime. The state treats this as a separate offense from whatever caused the suspension in the first place. A first offense can result in up to 60 days in jail, a fine up to $500, and an additional suspension period added to your existing one. A second offense within five years carries up to 90 days in jail and a fine up to $750. A third or subsequent offense can mean up to one year in jail and a fine up to $1,000.

The consequences compound because Maryland does not distinguish between driving with knowledge of the suspension and driving without knowing about it. If your license was suspended and you were not notified, or if you missed a court date or payment important date, you are still breaking the law by operating a vehicle. The only defense is proving you had no actual knowledge of the suspension — a difficult standard to meet in court.

Police can stop you for any traffic violation and will discover the suspension when they run your license. They can also discover it during a routine check at a sobriety checkpoint or traffic safety stop. Once arrested, you will be taken to a police station for processing, and the charge will appear on your criminal record even if you are later found not guilty.

Key Takeaways

  • Driving with a suspended license in Maryland is a separate criminal charge that can result in jail time, fines, and additional license suspension regardless of why your license was suspended in the first place.
  • A first offense carries up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine; a second offense within five years carries up to 90 days in jail and a $750 fine.
  • Maryland law does not require you to know your license is suspended — you are liable even if you were not notified of the suspension.
  • You can check your license status through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) website or by calling their customer service line before driving.
  • If your license is suspended, you may be able to request a work permit or limited license that allows you to drive to specific places like work or medical appointments.

How to check if your Maryland license is currently suspended

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) maintains a database of all suspended licenses. You can check your status online through the MVA website without paying a fee. Go to mva.maryland.gov, select "Check Your Driving Record," and follow the prompts to enter your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is active or suspended.

If you do not have internet access, you can call the MVA customer service line at 410-768-7000 (or 1-800-637-1446 from outside the Baltimore area). Have your license number and date of birth ready. A representative can tell you your status and the reason for any suspension. This is the fastest way to get a definitive answer before you drive anywhere.

If you discover your license is suspended and you were not aware of it, do not drive. Instead, contact the MVA or the court that issued the suspension to understand what you need to do to restore it. Suspensions typically result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, failure to pay child support, or accumulation of points from traffic violations. The path to reinstatement depends on the reason.

Why Maryland suspends licenses and what triggers a suspension

Maryland suspends licenses for several reasons, and the suspension does not always come from the MVA. The court system suspends licenses for failure to appear at a hearing or failure to pay a fine. The Department of Human Resources suspends licenses for unpaid child support. The Motor Vehicle Administration itself suspends licenses for accumulating 12 or more points within a two-year period, or for refusing a breath test during a DUI stop.

You may also receive an administrative suspension if you are arrested for driving under the influence. This suspension takes effect when ready — before any court hearing — and lasts 45 days for a first offense. During this time, you cannot drive at all, even with a work permit.

Some suspensions are temporary and lift automatically once a condition is met (such as paying a fine). Others require you to take action, such as completing a driver improvement program or paying a reinstatement fee to the MVA. The MVA website or a phone call to customer service will tell you which category your suspension falls into and what you must do.

Requesting a work permit or limited license while suspended

Maryland allows you to request a work permit (also called a "limited license") in certain situations. This permit lets you drive to and from work, to medical appointments, or to court-ordered programs like alcohol education classes. You cannot use it for any other purpose — no errands, no social trips, no driving family members to appointments.

To request a work permit, you must go to an MVA office in person with proof of employment (a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title and work schedule), proof of residence, and your identification. You will pay a fee (the amount varies depending on the type of suspension). The MVA will issue the permit on the spot if your suspension qualifies for one.

Not all suspensions allow a work permit. Administrative suspensions for DUI refusal do not may have access to. Suspensions for unpaid child support may not may have access to depending on your case. Call the MVA before going to an office to confirm whether your suspension type permits a work permit. If it does, the office can tell you which documents to bring and how much the fee will be.

What to do if you are stopped by police while suspended

If a police officer stops you and discovers your license is suspended, remain calm and polite. Do not attempt to drive away or resist. Provide your license, registration, and proof of insurance when asked. You will likely be arrested and taken to a police station for processing. At that point, you have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney before answering questions.

Do not admit to knowing your license was suspended, and do not make excuses. Anything you say can be used against you in court. straightforward state that you wish to speak with an attorney. If you cannot afford one, you can request a public defender at your first court appearance.

After arrest, you will be taken before a judge for an initial appearance, usually within 24 hours. At this hearing, the judge will inform you of the charges and set bail or release conditions. You may be released on your own recognizance (your promise to return), released on bail, or held without bail depending on the circumstances and your criminal history. This is not the time to plead guilty or not guilty — that happens at a later court date.

How to restore your suspended license in Maryland

The steps to restore your license depend on why it was suspended. If the suspension resulted from unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed plus a reinstatement fee to the MVA (currently $100 for most suspensions, though this can change). Once payment is received and processed, the MVA will mail you a new license or notify you that your suspension has been lifted.

If the suspension resulted from accumulating points, you must wait out the suspension period (which varies) and then pay the reinstatement fee. You may also be required to complete a driver improvement program before the MVA will lift the suspension. The MVA website lists which programs are approved in your area.

If the suspension resulted from failure to appear in court or failure to pay child support, you must resolve the underlying issue first. Contact the court or the child support enforcement office to find out what is required. Once that obligation is met, the suspension will be lifted, though you may still owe the MVA reinstatement fee.

After your suspension is lifted, the MVA will send you a new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally once you receive it. If you need to drive before the new license arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit at an MVA office.

The difference between suspension and revocation in Maryland

A suspension is temporary — your license will be restored once you meet certain conditions or a time period passes. A revocation is permanent — you must reapply for a license and pass the written and driving tests again. Maryland revokes licenses for serious offenses like multiple DUI convictions, habitual traffic offender status, or certain criminal convictions.

If your license has been revoked rather than suspended, you cannot request a work permit. You must wait the minimum revocation period (which varies by offense) before you can petition the MVA to consider reinstating your driving privileges. Even then, reinstatement is not may provide — the MVA will review your case and may deny the petition.

You can determine whether your license is suspended or revoked by checking your status through the MVA website or by calling customer service. The status page will clearly state which one applies to you and what steps are required next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a ticket for driving with a suspended license if I did not know it was suspended?

Yes. Maryland law does not require you to know your license is suspended. You are responsible for knowing your license status. The best defense is to check your status regularly through the MVA website or by phone, especially if you have received traffic citations or missed court dates in the past.

What happens if I get pulled over with a suspended license but I was not driving?

If you are a passenger in a vehicle, you cannot be charged with driving with a suspended license. However, if you are sitting in the driver's seat with the keys in the ignition or in your possession, police may charge you with "actual physical control" of the vehicle, which carries the same penalties as driving.

Will a suspended license charge show up on a background check for employment?

Yes. A conviction for driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense and will appear on your criminal record. Some employers conduct background checks that include criminal history. You should disclose the conviction if asked directly on a job process.

Can I drive to the MVA office to restore my license if my license is suspended?

No. Driving to the MVA office while suspended is itself a crime. Arrange a ride with someone else, use public transportation, or call a taxi or rideshare service. Some MVA offices offer online services for certain transactions — check the website to see if your issue can be resolved without visiting an office in person.

How long does it take to restore a suspended license after I pay the reinstatement fee?

The MVA typically processes reinstatement within 3 to 5 business days after receiving payment. Your new license will be mailed to you and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the new license arrives, you can request a temporary permit at an MVA office.