Maryland · DUI · Checked October 2026
DUI License Suspension in Maryland: Hearing Deadline and Hardship License
DUI License Suspension in Maryland: What Are the Rules?
You have 10 days to challenge a license suspension after a DUI arrest in Maryland.
- Deadline to challenge
- 10 days
- How it is counted
- The date the order of suspension is issued (usually the arrest date, when the officer serves it); a request within 10 days keeps your 45-day temporary license valid until the hearing, and a request made from day 11 through day 30 still gets a hearing but does not extend the temporary license
- Failed test
- 0.08 to under 0.15: 180 days (first or later offense); 0.15 or more: 180 days (first), 270 days (second or later)
- Refused test
- 270 days (first), 2 years (second or later)
- Hardship license
- Restricted license
How to Request a Hearing in Maryland
a written request to the Motor Vehicle Administration, with surrender of the license, at the time of the order or within 10 days (or within 30 days without a stay); instead of a hearing you may elect in writing to join the Ignition Interlock System Program
Suspension if You Fail a Test in Maryland
0.08 to under 0.15: 180 days (first or later offense); 0.15 or more: 180 days (first), 270 days (second or later)Md. Code, Transp. § 16-205.1(b)(1)(i), (b)(3)(iv)-(vi), (f)(1), (f)(5), (f)(6), (g)
Suspension if You Refuse a Test in Maryland
270 days (first), 2 years (second or later)Md. Code, Transp. § 16-205.1(b)(1)(i), (b)(3)(iv)-(vi), (f)(1), (f)(5), (f)(6), (g)
Getting a Restricted License in Maryland
for a 0.08 to under 0.15 test result without electing interlock, the MVA may modify the suspension or issue a restricted license if you must drive for work, have no other way to work, need to reach alcohol treatment, medical care for you or your immediate family, or school; after a refusal or a 0.15 or higher result, a restricted license requires 1 year in the Ignition Interlock System Program
More on DUI Law in Maryland
See the full overview of DUI laws in Maryland and read about hardship licenses in every state.
This page summarizes Maryland law from official sources, checked October 2026. It isn't legal advice; a lawyer licensed in Maryland can advise on your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do You Have to Request a Hearing in Maryland?
10 days. How it is counted: the date the order of suspension is issued (usually the arrest date, when the officer serves it); a request within 10 days keeps your 45-day temporary license valid until the hearing, and a request made from day 11 through day 30 still gets a hearing but does not extend the temporary license.
How Long Is the License Suspension for Failing a Test?
0.08 to under 0.15: 180 days (first or later offense); 0.15 or more: 180 days (first), 270 days (second or later)
Can You Get a Hardship License in Maryland?
for a 0.08 to under 0.15 test result without electing interlock, the MVA may modify the suspension or issue a restricted license if you must drive for work, have no other way to work, need to reach alcohol treatment, medical care for you or your immediate family, or school; after a refusal or a 0.15 or higher result, a restricted license requires 1 year in the Ignition Interlock System Program