Maryland Driving Records

Maryland driving records are official documents offering a detailed account of an individual's driving conduct within the state. These records encompass a range of details, including traffic violations, accidents, license standing, and accrued points from traffic infractions.

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) maintains and distributes the state’s driving records. The MVA actively upholds the accuracy and timeliness of these records to confirm they reflect any alterations in a driver's status or history.

Under the Maryland Public Information Act, driving records are classified as public records. Despite their accessibility to the public, restrictions exist on disclosing personal information to safeguard individuals' privacy.

Familiarity with Maryland driving records is vital for various purposes. The insights these records provide aid in making informed decisions regarding employment, insurance coverage, and other driving-related concerns.

Types of Driving Records Available in Maryland

Motorists in Maryland can access two main types of driving records in the state: 3-year and complete driving records. Each type has distinct content valuable for different contexts:

3-Year Driving Record

A 3-year driving record offers a concise overview of a driver's recent history. It encompasses the driver's license status, class, and specifics regarding accidents, traffic infractions, or driving-related legal issues within the past three years.

Individuals can request either a certified 3-year record, which carries the official MVA seal, or an uncertified one that provides identical information without the seal. Insurance firms, employers, and various organizations frequently utilize this document to evaluate a driver's reliability and safety on the road.

Complete Driving Record

Complete driving records encapsulate a thorough examination of an individual's driving history in Maryland. This detailed report encompasses the status of the driver's license, records of violations or convictions, history of accidents, and the accumulation of points on the driving record.

Unlike a 3-year driving record that looks back only three years, the complete driving record has no temporal constraints, thus offering a holistic view of the driver's license history. This type of driving record can be certified or uncertified, benefitting employers, insurance companies, and individuals seeking a comprehensive understanding of their driving past.

Note that the Maryland MVA offers the following types of driving records apart from the mentioned two primary types:

Vehicle Registration Record: It provides information about a registered vehicle.
Title File Record: This includes copies of the forms received by the MVA when the car was titled.
Driver's License Application Record: It contains copies of the forms submitted to the MVA during the driver's license application.

How To Request a Maryland Driving History Report?

Drivers in Maryland can utilize one of the following options when requesting a state driving history report:

Online

Individuals seeking their Maryland driving record online can easily do so through the MyMVA platform.

To initiate this process, applicants must log in to their MyMVA account or create one if they don’t have it yet. Once logged in, individuals must follow the steps and provide the necessary information as requested.

Completing the request requires $9 for uncertified copies or $12 for certified ones. Payment for online requests can be made using major credit/debit cards or electronic checks. For those opting for electronic check payment, having the routing number, checking account number, MD driver's license number, and birth date on hand is necessary.

After payment, the requested driving record will be mailed to the address on file at the MVA or made available for immediate download and printing through the online portal.

In Person

Interested parties must follow specific steps to acquire a Maryland driving record in person.
Applicants must visit any MVA branch office and fill out the MVA Request for Record (Form #DR-57). The completed form should then be submitted with a valid form of identification, such as a driver's license or state-issued ID card.

Furthermore, the necessary fee must be settled, which can be paid using cash, check, or credit card.

Following the payment, the MVA personnel will process the request and provide the individual with a copy of their driving record.

By Mail

Individuals holding an out-of-state license or ID who require a copy of their Maryland driving record can submit a request via mail.

Applicants must fill out Form #DR-057 for this procedure. Once the form is completed, it should be sent by mail along with the necessary payment in the form of a check or money order to the following address:

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration

Driver Services Division

6601 Ritchie Highway, NE Glen Burnie, Maryland 21062

Uses of Maryland Driving Records

Maryland driving records can be used for a variety of purposes including but not limited to:

Pre-employment Screening

Maryland employers can utilize driving records for pre-employment screening to evaluate candidates' driving backgrounds and identify potential risks.

Insurance Underwriting

Insurance underwriters use Maryland driving records to evaluate individuals' risk profiles and set insurance rates and coverage.

Authorized Third Party Access

Authorized entities, like law enforcement agencies, adhere to Maryland's regulations to access individuals' driving records to fulfill legal obligations. This access allows them to gain pertinent information required to carry out their duties effectively and lawfully.

Personal Purposes

Individuals can obtain their Maryland driving records for personal record-keeping, insurance needs, or to verify the correctness of the information contained in their driving history.

While Maryland driving records are available to different authorized entities beyond the owner, federal regulations like the Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) exist to protect personal information. Under this law, unauthorized access or sharing of personal data is strictly prohibited, with violators subject to significant penalties, including fines and civil liabilities.

Understanding Maryland Driving Laws

Maryland drivers must follow the state's driving regulations to avoid legal consequences and guarantee safety. There are numerous driving laws mandated in the state. However, below are the essential rules that every driver in Maryland must be aware of:

Maryland License Requirements

In compliance with Maryland Transportation Code Section 16-101, individuals must possess a valid driver's license from the MVA to operate a motor vehicle on state highways legally.

Failure to adhere to this regulation may result in consequences. For a first-time offense, the violator can face up to 60 days of jail time, a maximum fine of $500, or both. For second and subsequent offenses, offenders can face up to one year of jail time, a fine not exceeding $500, or both.

Maryland Auto Insurance Law

In this state, drivers must carry auto insurance as per Maryland Transportation Code Section 17-103. Maryland mandates minimum coverage limits, including $30,000 for bodily injury or death per person, $60,000 for bodily injury or death for two or more people, and $15,000 for property damage.

Failure to meet these requirements can result in penalties such as fines, license suspension, points on driving records, and even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the violation.

Maryland Speeding Law

Maryland has stringent speeding laws. Under the Basic Speed Rule, drivers must not operate a vehicle at a speed greater than reasonable and prudent for the conditions. Moreover, as per the Maximum Speed Limit Law, drivers must not exceed the default speed limit in the state, which includes the following:

55 miles per hour (mph) on divided highways
50 mph on undivided highways
35 mph on divided highways of the residential district
30 mph on highways of the business district and undivided highways of the residential district

Violating these speed limits can result in fines, points on driving records, and even possible imprisonment, depending on the extent of the violation.

Maryland Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Law

Maryland DUI laws are covered in Maryland Transportation Code Section 21-902. Under this code, individuals are prohibited from operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

Those caught violating the state's DUI law may face penalties such as up to one year of jail time, a fine of up to $1,200, or both for a first offense. Note that the severity of consequences escalates for repeat offenders and those caught transporting a minor while under the influence.

The Points System in Maryland

The Maryland MVA has a points system that tracks driving behaviors. This system adds points to an individual’s driving record if convicted of or pleads guilty to a moving violation in the state. The number of points added varies depending on the severity of the offense. Examples of the most common traffic violation and their associated points are the following:

Failure to obey traffic devices: 1 point
Speeding: 1 to 5 points depending on the extent to which the driver exceeded the speed limit
Reckless driving: 6 points
Failure to stop at the scene of an accident involving injury or death: 12 points

Drivers who accumulate enough points in two years can face the following warnings and penalties:

3 to 4 points - Warning letter from the MVA
5 to 7 points - Requirement to enroll in a Driver Improvement Program
8 to 11 points - License suspension
12 or more points - License revocation

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Maryland

Driving offenses in Maryland are classified as either criminal or civil. Motorists must understand the difference between them as they are committed differently and carry distinct penalties.

Criminal Driving Offenses

In Maryland, criminal driving offenses are categorized as either felony or misdemeanor.

The judiciary determines felonies to involve fatalities, serious bodily injury, or significant property damage. Individuals convicted of these offenses often face prison sentences exceeding one year, fines, and the loss of driving privileges.

On the other hand, misdemeanors are less severe and are assessed based on factors such as the extent of damage, victim status, circumstances of the crime, and the offender's prior record. Misdemeanor offenses typically result in incarceration for less than a year and fines.

Common examples of criminal driving offenses in Maryland include:

DUI or repeat DUI offenses
Reckless driving
Negligent driving causing a casualty
Hit and run
Vehicle manslaughter
Driving without a valid license
Driving without auto insurance

Civil Driving Offenses

Civil driving offenses in Maryland are considered minor infractions. Unlike criminal offenses such as felonies and misdemeanors, these violations do not result in jail or prison sentences but typically lead to fines and other non-criminal penalties.

The MVA also assigns demerit points to driving records to those who commit infractions. If enough points are accumulated, violators risk losing their driving privileges.

Some common civil driving offenses in Maryland include:

Driving without a safety belt
Improper use of child restraints
Failure to yield the right-of-way
Making an improper U-turn
Disregarding traffic signals
Speeding
Not wearing an approved helmet while operating a motorcycle

Maryland Driving Statistics and Goals

Maryland has experienced a troubling rise in traffic fatalities over the past few years. Between 2018 and 2022, the state witnessed the following traffic statistics:

Average total crashes per year: 109,413
Average accidents resulting in property damage per year: 79,215
Average crashes resulting in injuries per year: 29,680
Average injuries from crashes per year: 43,412
Average fatal crashes per year: 517
Average fatalities from crashes per year: 550

In 2023, Maryland saw a significant increase in fatal crashes, surpassing the 5-year average with 577 fatal crashes and 621 total fatalities.

The primary causes of fatal accidents in the state over the five years were identified as DUI, speeding, and aggressive driving. On average, drunk driving accounted for 160 fatalities and 2,683 injuries annually; aggressive driving caused 40 deaths and 1,966 injuries per year while speeding resulted in an average of 94 deaths and 3,633 injuries annually.

To combat these alarming statistics, the Maryland Highway Safety Office (MHSO) has implemented a Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) with the ambitious goal of zero roadway deaths. This data-driven plan focuses on reducing traffic fatalities and injuries by targeting key areas, such as impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, and pedestrian safety.

Additionally, the MHSO conducts public awareness campaigns, such as Click It or Ticket and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, to educate the public on safe driving practices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Driving Records

Drivers in Maryland may find the following frequently asked questions about driving records in the state informative:

How Long Do Points Stay in Maryland Driving Records?

Points on Maryland driving records will remain active for two years after the date of conviction. After this period, they will no longer be considered current, and the MVA cannot use them for license suspension purposes.

Can Traffic Violations Be Expunged in Maryland Driving Records?

The Maryland MVA will automatically expunge entries on an individual's driving record after a certain period and if they meet specific criteria. For details on eligibility for expungement, refer to the Driver Record Expungement by Request page.

Maryland drivers can have points added to their record for out-of-state vehicle violations under the Driver License Compact. The MVA follows the compact’s guidelines by recording convictions from other states and assessing points for specific severe offenses like DUI or hit-and-run causing injury or death.

Helpful Links and Resources

Maryland drivers can refer to the following resources for additional details on the state's driving records and related topics:

Visit this page to find all the MVA locations for requesting driving records in person: https://mva.maryland.gov/locations/Pages/default.aspx.
Refer to this fee listing for updated information about the costs of requesting driving records in Maryland and other related services: https://mva.maryland.gov/about-mva/Pages/fees.aspx.
Navigate this page to see the complete list of traffic violations in Maryland and their associated driving record points: https://www.courts.state.md.us/sites/default/files/court-forms/dccr090.pdf.
For the latest crash data in Maryland, check this link: https://zerodeathsmd.gov/resources/crashdata/.

Counties in Maryland

List of Content

Types of Driving Records Available in Maryland
1. 3-Year Driving Record
2. Complete Driving Record
How To Request a Maryland Driving History Report?
Uses of Maryland Driving Records
Understanding Maryland Driving Laws
The Points System in Maryland
Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Maryland
1. Criminal Driving Offenses
2. Civil Driving Offenses
Maryland Driving Statistics and Goals
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Driving Records
Helpful Links and Resources