Sometimes, one of the most onerous penalties involved with getting a DUI is the loss of driving privileges. The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) can suspend a person’s driver’s license for 45 days for a first DUI offense. That increases to 90 days for a second offense. In some cases, a person’s license can be revoked completely.
If the MVA determines that you’re in violation of an alcohol restriction on your driver’s license, you could have your license revoked. That doesn’t mean that you’ll never be able to drive again. However, it does mean that you have to wait for a specified period before you can ask to have your license reinstated.
How long you have to wait depends on how many times your license has been revoked. If this is the first time, you need to wait six months. That waiting period increases by six months for each additional revocation, up to four or more, when the waiting period is 24 months.
There is a process for seeking to have your license reinstated by the MVA after you’ve waited the required period. Certainly, if you were caught driving while your license was revoked, that’s a problem. The MVA will also make sure that you don’t have any child support violations or insurance violations. If the MVA decides that a person isn’t eligible to seek reinstatement, they notify them.
If no issues are found that would disqualify you from reinstatement, you’ll be provided with an application for reinstatement. The MVA still needs to make a final ruling. Even if your license is reinstated, you may need to take a written and/or driving tests to get it back.
If the MVA denies your request for reinstatement, you have the right to appeal the decision. It may benefit you to consult with a Maryland DUI attorney with experience handling MVA hearings and penalties. This can help you navigate what can be a complex and frustrating system.
