Bill > HB388

This bill modifies Maryland's vehicle and transportation laws to impose stricter point assessments for repeat drunk and drugged driving offenses. Specifically, the bill adds two new point assessment categories: 12 points will be assessed against a driver's record for violations under two specific scenarios. The first scenario (§ 21-902(h)) applies to individuals who commit a drunk or drugged driving offense after having been previously convicted twice for similar offenses, which is now considered a misdemeanor punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine. The second scenario (§ 21-902(i)) covers drivers who have either been convicted three or more times of drunk or drugged driving offenses or have been convicted of certain specific criminal offenses related to driving under the influence, which is a more serious misdemeanor carrying potential penalties of up to 10 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. The bill recognizes prior convictions from other U.S. jurisdictions that would be considered equivalent offenses if committed in Maryland. The changes will take effect on June 1, 2025, and aim to discourage repeat drunk and drugged driving by implementing more significant consequences for multiple offenses.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0388?ys=2025RS