The state of Maryland may require you to obtain SR-22 insurance certificate in order to reinstate your license. This certificate can be added to your existing auto insurance policy or added to a new policy. Once the SR-22 is added the insurance company will submit the form to the state and the state will notify you via mail they received it.
For most suspensions the SR-22 will be needed for three years but can be as long as 5 years depending on court decision.
Don't let the policy lapse prior to the end of your probation period because your license will be suspended again. You may also pay more in fees to the state and higher insurance costs due to the lapse of coverage.
Maryland Liability Insurance Requirements
The state of Maryland requires liability insurance to protect other drivers in the event of an accident. The minimum limits are:
- $20k Per Person Bodily Injury
- $40k Per Accident Bodily Injury
- $15k Property Damage
While these limits are minimum they are rarely recommended levels of coverage. Ask your insurance agent what they recommend based on your financial position.
Suspended License Information and Requirements
License suspension and revocation information is shared with all 50 states. You cannot issue a driver's license if you have an active suspension. There is no notification when the suspension has ended as that information is on the letter you receive when action is first taken. In order to reinstate your license know your eligibility date and specific reinstatement requirements. This information can be found on the letter or from the information at the court hearing. Some reinstatements can be done at local Driver's License offices such as:
- Unpaid Tickets
- Child Support
- Point Suspensions
If you are mailing in an application be sure to complete the Application for Reinstatement and include a check or money order for $95 plus any specific requirements like an SR22.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Maryland
Depending on your blood alcohol concentration at the time of testing you may be convicted of a DWI or DUI. The DWI or driving while impaired is received if your BAC is .07% while a DUI or driving under the influence is .08% or higher.
The DUI carries higher fines and longer suspension periods on average. For first time offenders you will face up to 1 year in jail time and up to a $1000 fine. Suspension period is at least 45 days.
Is a DWI cheaper for auto insurance?
Most auto insurance companies will treat a DWI and DUI the same as far a rates are concerned. With most companies they will consider the DUI or DWI for 3 to 5 years. This means your rates will be higher during this time period due to the violation. Even if you're no longer required to carry SR22 insurance you may still pay higher rates for that DUI 4 years down the road.
Required to get an Ignition Interlock Device?
If you are required to install an ignition interlock device you must get it installed by a certified vendor. Some Maryland Ignition Interlock Providers offer accommodations to assist customers who are hearing impaired. Vendors with *** denotes that they can accommodate a hearing-impaired customer. Here is a list of accepted vendors in Maryland:
- Draeger US Interlock *** - 1-800-332-6858
- LifeSafer *** - 1-800-374-5760
- Smart Start Interlock *** - 1-800-880-3394
- Sens-O-Lock *** - 410-995-9080
- Alcohol Detection Systems - 1-888-786-7384
- Guardian Interlock - 1-800-499-0994
- Intoxalock - 1-833-259-3046
- Low Cost Interlock *** - 1-844-276-0549
The cost to install and maintain the IID is your responsibility and you must install an IID in each vehicle you operate.
