One of the most exciting milestones you may reach is getting your driver’s license. However, newly licensed drivers are more susceptible to devastating car accidents, with an average of eight teens suffering a fatality daily in the US. Because of this, Maryland’s graduating licensing system aims to reduce accidents due to inexperienced drivers. After successfully obtaining a learner’s permit, a provisional license is earned until you turn 18, with specific rules in place to ensure the safety of others and you.
It’s essential to understand the rules of driving with a provisional license in Maryland. If you get a ticket, it may impact your privilege to drive and earn your driver’s license. There are some offenses that may have severe penalties, such as jail time. With a skilled Maryland traffic violations lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub on your side, we handle your case meticulously and fight for you, striving for the best possible results.
Table of Contents
- Provisional License Requirements in Maryland
- Consequences of Traffic Violations While Driving With a Maryland Provisional License
- Speak With an Experienced Traffic Violations Lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub
Provisional License Requirements in Maryland
With a provisional license, there are a set of specific requirements you must meet in order to obtain your full driver’s license once you turn 18. If you hold a clean driving record for at least 18 months, you may be eligible for full licensing privileges in Maryland.
The following requirements must be met with a provisional license:
- If you are under 18, you must not drive with passengers under 18 years of age other than family for the first 151 days without a qualifying supervising driver.
- You cannot drive between the hours of midnight and five in the morning unless you are with a qualifying driver or you are driving to or from a job, school activity, or other official school-related activity.
- You may not use hands-free devices while driving or any wireless communication device.
- Seatbelts must be worn at all times, including passengers.
- Provisional drivers under the age of 21 cannot drive with any measurable alcohol in their system.
- No conviction ot probation (PBJ) for a moving violation.
If any of these rules are violated within the 18-month period, the 18-month provisional license period will restart. Obtaining traffic violations while holding a provisional license may result in significant consequences, as well as an increase in insurance rates. A provisional license will automatically convert to a full Maryland driver’s license upon a driver’s 18th birthday if all requirements are met.
Consequences of Traffic Violations While Driving With a Maryland Provisional License
The consequences of traffic violations while holding a provisional license in Maryland are substantial. In addition to points marked on your driving record and fines that may result from a specific moving violation, you may also be subject to the following penalties:
- For first-time offenders, you must attend a driver improvement program.
- A 30-day suspension for any second offense with an employment or education restriction for 90 days following the removal of the suspension.
- A 180-day suspension for any third offense and mandatory completion of a young driver improvement program with an employment or education restriction for 180 days following the removal of the suspension.
- For any fourth or subsequent offense, the revocation of the provisional license, as well as all testing requirements to be retaken in order for reinstatement.
- For five or more points accrued in a 12-month period, a six-month suspension will result from the first offense and a one-year suspension for a second offense or subsequent accumulation of five points.
- For high-risk driving offenses, such as speeding, racing, or reckless driving, your license may be suspended for up to six months for the first offense and one year for the second or subsequent offense.
Working with an experienced Maryland traffic violations lawyer may help you reduce or expunge any charges against you. At The Law Office of Hillel Traub, we have a track record of proven success, helping clients with even the most complex traffic violation cases.
Speak With an Experienced Traffic Violations Lawyer at The Law
Office of Hillel Traub
A provisional license comes with a lot of unique rules and requirements. If you have been charged with a traffic violation in Maryland, it may impact your driving privileges later down the road. Retain the help of an experienced traffic violations lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub. Attorney Hillel Traub, a former lawyer from MVA, has over 30 years of experience and is prepared to fight for you.
Schedule a no-cost consultation by calling (410) 352-7575 or filling out our contact form to speak with us about your unique situation.
