Maryland Driving Laws: A Complete Guide

Minimum Driving Age

• Learner’s Permit: Available at age 15 years and 9 months.
  
  
• Provisional License: Eligible at age 16 years and 6 months, after holding a learner’s permit for at least 9 months, completing 60 hours of supervised driving (including 10 at night), and passing a road test.
  
  
• Full License: Available at age 18, after maintaining a clean driving record for 18 months with a provisional license.

Learner’s Permit Rules

• Supervision: Must be accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older who has held a license for at least 3 years and is seated next to the driver.
  
  
• Driving Hours: A total of 60 supervised hours required, with 10 hours at night.
  
  
• Cell Phone Use: Prohibited for all permit holders, even hands-free.

License Types

• Class C: Standard license for personal vehicles (most common).
  
  
• Class M: Motorcycle license or endorsement.
  
  
• Commercial Licenses (Class A, B, C): For commercial and large vehicles.
  
  
• Provisional License: Intermediate license for new drivers under 18.

Required Documents for Driving

To obtain a Maryland driver’s license or permit, you must provide:

• Proof of Age and Identity: Birth certificate, passport, or immigration document.
  
  
• Social Security Number: SSN card or W-2 form.
  
  
• Proof of Maryland Residency: Utility bill, lease agreement, or similar.
  
  
• Parental Consent: Required if under 18.

Seatbelt and Car Seat Laws

• Seatbelts: Mandatory for all occupants, front and back.
  
  
• Child Restraints:
  
  
  • Under 2 years: Must ride in a rear-facing car seat.
    
    
  • 2–4 years: Forward-facing car seat with harness.
    
    
  • 4–8 years: Booster seat unless child is over 4’9″.
    
    
  • 8 and older: Seatbelt required if properly fitting.

Cell Phone and Distracted Driving Rules

• Texting While Driving: Banned for all drivers.
  
  
• Handheld Devices: Prohibited while driving. Only hands-free devices are allowed for drivers over 18.
  
  
• Under 18: No use of phones or electronic devices while driving, even hands-free.

DUI (Driving Under the Influence) Laws

• Legal BAC Limit: 0.08% for drivers 21 and older.
  
  
• Under 21: Zero tolerance—any measurable alcohol is a violation.
  
  
• First Offense:
  
  
  • License suspension: 6 months (or more depending on BAC).
    
    
  • Fine: Up to $1,000.
    
    
  • Imprisonment: Up to 1 year.
    
    
  • Possible alcohol education or treatment program.

Speed Limits

• Interstate Highways: Up to 70 mph in some areas.
  
  
• Divided Highways: Typically 55–65 mph.
  
  
• Residential Areas: 25–30 mph.
  
  
• School Zones: 15–25 mph, enforced during posted hours.

Road Rage and Reckless Driving Laws

• Reckless Driving: Operating a vehicle in a manner that endangers others.
  
  
• Penalties:
  
  
  • Fine up to $1,000.
    
    
  • Possible license suspension.
    
    
  • Points assessed to driving record.

Points System

Maryland uses a points-based system:

• 3–5 points: Minor violations (e.g., speeding).
  
  
• 8–11 points: May result in license suspension.
  
  
• 12 or more points: License revocation.

Insurance Requirements

Minimum liability insurance coverage required:

• Bodily Injury: $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident.
  
  
• Property Damage: $15,000 per accident.
  
  
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Also required.

Renewal Frequency and Testing

• License Renewal: Every 8 years.
  
  
• Vision Test: Required at renewal for drivers 40 and older.
  
  
• Reexamination: May be required based on medical or safety concerns.

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