How to Find Out Why a License Is Suspended in Maryland
by Mark Spowart
Driving is one of those activities that most of us need to do on a daily basis. Whether we are going to work, taking the kids to school, sports or ballet lessons, chances are that driving is part of your daily life. If you lose your license in Maryland, you can find out why your license was revoked. Maryland has two types of suspensions: a points suspension and a standard suspension. A points suspension happens when your license has accumulated the number of demerit points required to suspend it. A standard suspension is similar but relates to driving with drugs or alcohol in your system.
Step 1
Check your license status in Maryland by requesting a driving record report online. This report will tell you whether your license is presently valid or under suspension. The report will show the number of points that have accumulated against your license and the reason for them. To request the report on line, go to dmv.org to complete the "Driving Record Self Check" (see Resources) section by filling in required fields for your first and last name and license number. When you submit the information, a confirmation screen will appear, at which point you enter your credit card information to pay the $12 fee for the service.
Step 2
Visit your local Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration office to request a copy of your drivers license history. The request is made directly at the service counter with Maryland Motor Vehicle staff. You will need to bring in your drivers license as proof of identification. The cost for this service is the same as online, $12, but it can be paid by cash, credit card or by personal check.
Step 3
Ask to speak to an officer at the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration office to review the cause of your license suspension. Your license will be suspended if you receive 12 points in any two-year cycle. The MVA will send out notices when you reach certain point thresholds. At three to four points, the MVA will send out a "friendly head-up" written notice. At five to seven points, the MVA will send you a notification, insisting you register for a "Points System Conference" or they may require you to attend a "Driver Improvement Program." There are some offences that will automatically generate a license suspension. These are "Driving under the influence of Drugs or Alcohol," "Driving While impaired by Drugs or Alcohol," "Unlawful use of your Drivers License" and "Loaning or Borrowing a Drivers License."
References
Writer Bio
Since 2002 Mark Spowart has been working as a freelance writer and photographer in London, Canada. He has publication credits for writing and/or photography in Canada, The United States, Europe and Norway, with such titles as "The Globe & Mail," "The National Post," Canada News Wire, Sun Media and "Business Edge" magazine.
