Maryland DUI Implied consent – criminal penalty for refusal
- Driver convicted of an offense faces a fine of not more than $500 or jail sentence of up to two months, if court finds that the driver “knowingly” refused a chemical test. MD Code, Transportation, § 27- 101(x). Conviction – administrative / civil penalty (license suspension, use of IID) Driver’s license may be revoked for any person who is either: (1) convicted of driving while impaired by controlled substance; or (2) convicted of driving while impaired by any drug and who has two or more violations in the prior three years.
- Driver’s license may be suspended up to one year if a person is conviction of more than one offense (of any type) within a five year period.
- Restricted license may be issued during suspension period if IID allowed and used.
Maryland DUI Conviction – criminal penalties (jail sentence, fines, community service)
- First conviction (so far impaired by drug) jail sentence up to two months; fine up to $500.
- First conviction (impaired by controlled substance)à jail sentence up to one year; fine up to $1,000. Second conviction (so far impaired by drug) jail sentence up to one year; fine up to $500.
- Second conviction within five years (impaired by controlled substance) jail sentence of five days to two years; fine up to $2,000.
- Third or subsequent conviction (so far impaired by drug) jail sentence up to three years; fine up to $3,000.
- Third or subsequent conviction within five years (impaired by controlled substance) jail sentence of 10 days to three years; fine up to $3,000. Child endangerment Enhanced criminal penalties if driver commits a violation while a minor is a passenger in the vehicle. MD Code, Transportation § 27- 101(q).
Child endangerment
- Enhanced criminal penalties if driver commits a violation while a minor is a passenger in the vehicle. MD Code, Transportation § 27- 101(q).
DUI Arrest Statistics and Maryland Drunk Driving
| DUI Arrest Statistics | Data | |
| Average number of people arrested annually for drunk driving | 1,500,000 | |
| Maryland DUI’s | 23,714 | 5,828,289 |
* Sources: State Justice Department, Federal Highway Administration
