Maryland Driving Records

From daily commutes to road trips, every mile driven in Maryland contributes to a personal driving history report. Maryland driving records offer insight into a driver's past and help paint a picture of their overall responsibility on the road.

Each state, including Maryland, manages its own motor vehicle records (MVRs)and sets unique rules for access. Whether you're a driver, an employer, or simply checking your own record, knowing how Maryland handles driving reports can make a big difference in staying informed and prepared for what's ahead.

What Is a Maryland Driving Record?

A Maryland driving record is an official document that outlines an individual's driving history, including traffic violations, accidents, and any resulting penalties. While some states refer to these documents as motor vehicle records (MVRs), driver records, or DMV driving records, Maryland officially calls them "driving records" or "driving history".

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), a division of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), maintains these records. Generally, Maryland offers both a 3-year driving record and a complete driving history, compiled from various law enforcement agencies and state courts to provide an accurate account of a driver's public traffic record.

What Is The Difference Between Official Driving Records and Public Driving Records

Official driving records are state-issued documents obtained directly from agencies like the Maryland MVA. They are considered the most authoritative and are typically used for legal or official purposes, such as court proceedings or employment verification.

On the other hand, public driving records, like those provided by RecordsFinder, generally offer a more accessible option. While not an official substitute, RecordsFinder compiles data from various third-party sources. The platform strives to give users a snapshot of a person's driving history. Public driving records may help individuals or businesses who need timely information without waiting on government processes.

Why Would You Need a Driving Record?

Below are common reasons why someone might need a driving record:

• Employment purposes: Employers, especially in transportation or delivery services, may check driver records during the hiring process.
• Insurance rate evaluation: Insurance companies use driving reports to assess risk and determine premium rates.
• Court or legal requirements: A court may require a copy of your driving record for legal proceedings or traffic-related cases.
• Driver's license renewal or reinstatement: Driving records help verify eligibility for renewing or reinstating a suspended or revoked license.
• Personal review: Individuals may request their own records to check for errors or stay informed about their driving history.
• Background checks: Some organizations include driving history reports in broader background checks for security or compliance purposes.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) applications: A clean driving record is often required when applying for or renewing a CDL.
• Adoption or volunteer screening: Agencies may review driving history as part of a comprehensive personal background check.

What Information Is Included in a Driver Report?

While the content may vary slightly by the source, most Maryland driver reports may include the following:

• Driver's personal information (name, address, driver's license number, date of birth)
• License status (valid, expired, suspended, or revoked)
• Driver's license class and endorsements
• Traffic violations (speeding, reckless driving, etc.)
• Accidents involving the driver
• Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenses
• Points assessed against the license
• Driver's license issuance and expiration dates
• Suspensions, revocations, or disqualifications
• Court convictions related to driving offenses
• Compliance with court-ordered requirements (e.g., defensive driving courses)

Types of Driver Records Available in Maryland

Maryland drivers may request two main types of driver records depending on their needs: a 3-year driving record and a complete driving record. Both may be obtained as certified (with an official seal from the MVA) or uncertified versions.

• 3-Year Driving Record: This type provides a brief summary of a driver's activity over the past three years. Employers, insurance companies, and other organizations commonly use it to evaluate a driver's recent performance and reliability on the road.
• Complete Driving Record: A complete driving record delivers an in-depth look at an individual's entire driving history in Maryland. It includes all recorded violations, accidents, convictions, point accumulations, and changes in license status, without a time limit. This comprehensive report is useful for those who need a full view of a driver's background for employment, legal, or personal purposes.

Certified versions of both records bear the official MVA stamp and are generally accepted as official documents in legal and formal settings.

Traffic Violations and Tickets in Maryland

Maryland enforces its traffic laws through a comprehensive code found in the Maryland Transportation Article. This legal framework defines traffic violations, outlines penalties, and governs how law enforcement and courts handle road-related offenses.

Generally, motorists in the state are expected to follow these laws at all times, whether operating a vehicle or parking one. From minor infractions to felony-level offenses, each violation type is usually managed under strict procedures meant to uphold public safety and accountability.

Below, you'll find a breakdown of common traffic violations in Maryland and what to do if you receive a ticket.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

Maryland classifies traffic offenses as either moving or non-moving violations. Moving violations, like speeding or ignoring a red light, happen while driving and often carry stricter penalties. Non-moving violations, such as expired registration or illegal parking, occur when the vehicle isn't in motion. Violations are further classified by severity:

• Felonies: Serious offenses like hit-and-run with severe penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines.
• Misdemeanors: Less severe but punishable by fines and possible jail time, such as DUI.
• Infractions: Minor violations like speeding, resulting in fines and demerit points.

Some of the most common traffic violations include:

• Driving off-road while passing a vehicle: $110 to $150 fine
• Failing to obey traffic control signals: $90 to $130 fine
• Displaying expired registration plates: $70 fine
• Not using a seat belt for children under eight years: $83 fine
• Failing to reduce speed on a curve: $90 fine

For misdemeanors, like driving with a revoked license, fines may reach up to $1,000. Felony violations, such as hit-and-run accidents, carry fines up to $5,000, with the possibility of higher fines if there are serious injuries or fatalities.

In addition to fines, penalties for traffic violations in Maryland may include points on your record, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, increased insurance rates, or jail time for serious offenses like hit-and-run.

What to Do When You Get a Traffic Ticket

When you receive a traffic ticket in Maryland, it's important to understand the next steps to resolve it. You may either pay the ticket or contest it, depending on the type of violation.

• Determine Ticket Type: There are two types of traffic tickets:
  • Payable Offense: Most minor infractions, where you may pay the fine without appearing in court.
  • Must Appear Offense: Typically issued for misdemeanors and felonies. You must appear before a judge to resolve the ticket.
• Pay the Ticket (If Applicable): If your ticket is a payable offense, you may resolve it in several ways:
  • In-person: Visit a local district court office and pay by check or cash.
  • Payment Kiosks: These MVA Kiosks are available at various locations and accept credit card payments.
  • Online: Pay via the LexisNexis Payment Solutions system by entering your citation number and required information.

  • By Mail: Send a check or money order for the fine to:

    Maryland District Court Traffic Processing System

    P.O. Box 6676

    Annapolis, MD 21401

  • By Phone: Call (800) 492-2656 to pay by credit card.
• Plead Not Guilty (If You Want to Contest): If you wish to contest the ticket, request a trial within 30 days of receiving it.

  • Mark the "Request a trial" box on your ticket, sign it, and mail it to:

    District Court Traffic Processing Center

    P.O. Box 6676

    Annapolis, MD 21401

Once the court gets your request, they'll send your trial details. You may represent yourself or hire a lawyer. If you win, the ticket is dismissed. If not, you must pay the fine and may face additional penalties.

How Does the Maryland Point System Work?

The Maryland MVA uses a point system to monitor driving behavior. Points are added to a driver's record after a conviction or guilty plea for a moving violation. The number of points depends on the severity of the offense.

For example, failure to obey traffic devices adds 1 point, speeding adds 1 to 5 points, reckless driving adds 6 points, and hit-and-run accidents involving injury or death add 12 points.

Accumulating points within two years can lead to escalating penalties: 3–4 points trigger a warning letter, 5–7 points require enrollment in a Driver Improvement Program, 8–11 points may result in license suspension, and 12 or more points can lead to license revocation.

How Long Do Violations Stay on Your Driving History?

In Maryland, the length of time a traffic violation stays on your driving record depends on the severity of the offense. Minor violations typically remain for 3 years, while more serious offenses, like DUIs or hit-and-runs, may stay for 5 or 10 years.

During these periods, employment, insurance, and other aspects of life may be affected. Fortunately, some records may be eligible for expungement after 31 days, but only under specific conditions.

Can You Remove Violations from Your Record?

Depending on the offense and your driving history, traffic violations may be removed from your Maryland driving record through automatic expungement.

The Maryland MVA automatically expunges eligible records after 31 days, 3 years, 5 years, or 10 years from the last conviction, based on factors like suspension or revocation history. No application or fee is required. If your record is not cleared after the retention period, contact the MVA Expungement Unit at MVAAADDRATSDOCS@MDOT.STATE.MD.US or call (410) 768-7000.

For criminal traffic violations, such as DUI, apply through the court. Expungement is only possible if charges were dismissed or resulted in a not guilty verdict. Shielding, which hides certain convictions from public view, is also available after 3 years, if eligible.

Learn more through the Maryland Judiciary Expungement Guide and Shielding Criminal Records.

How To Check Your Vehicle History

You may check your official Maryland motor vehicle driving history through:

• Online: Log in or create an account on the MyMVA portal. Once signed in, follow the prompts and enter the required information to request your driving record. You may choose to download a copy or have it mailed to the address on file.
• In Person: Go to any MVA branch office and complete the Request for Record (Form #DR-57). Bring valid identification, such as your Maryland driver's license. Submit the form and pay the required fee to receive your driving history report.

• By Mail: Complete Form #DR-057 and mail it with payment to:

  Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration

  Driver Services Division

  6601 Ritchie Highway NE

  Glen Burnie, MD 21062

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Driving Record in Maryland?

In Maryland, a non-certified driving record costs $12, while a certified copy costs $15.

For online requests, payment can be made by credit/debit card, mobile wallet, or electronic check. In-person requests can be paid with cash, card, or check, and mail-in requests require a check or money order payable to the MVA.

Records from online requests can be downloaded immediately or mailed. In-person requests are processed during the visit, and mailed requests are handled upon receipt.

How To Check Your Driving History for Free

Official driving history reports from the MVA are not free. However, you may check traffic case records for free in Maryland through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search. This website provides public access to case records, including summaries of official case files, at no cost.

Alternatively, you may visit the court clerk's office where the case was originally heard. Court clerks are required by law to make records available for inspection upon request. Some courthouses also have kiosks where individuals can view public traffic case records for free.

What Happens If You Have a Bad Driving Record?

A "bad driving record" typically refers to a history of traffic violations, accidents, and points accumulation on your driving history. Moving violations (e.g., speeding, reckless driving) usually add points to your record, while non-moving violations (e.g., parking tickets) do not directly affect your points.

However, accumulating too many points from moving violations may lead to significant consequences, such as license suspension or revocation, increased insurance premiums, and potential job restrictions, especially for those who drive as part of their work.

Meanwhile, warnings for minor violations do not go on your driving record, do not carry fines, or affect insurance. It's an informal correction for minor violations and isn't typically accessible to the public or insurance companies.

How Does a Bad Driving Record Affect Insurance and Employment?

A bad driving record may significantly affect both insurance rates and employment opportunities.

Insurers may raise premiums if your driving history includes violations or accidents within the last three years, as you're seen as a higher risk. For example, a Maryland speeding ticket could increase insurance by $217 annually.

Employment can also be impacted, especially with a DUI. Employers who have strict policies may view a DUI as a major issue, particularly for jobs involving driving or security clearances. For first-time offenses, the effect depends on the job, but a DUI conviction may require explanation to both current and prospective employers.

Who Can Access Your Maryland Driving History?

Access to your Maryland driving history is regulated by state and federal laws to protect your privacy. Generally, your driving record may be accessed by:

• Law Enforcement: For official purposes like traffic enforcement and investigations
• Insurance Companies: To assess risk and determine insurance rates
• Employers: If required for employment purposes, especially for jobs involving driving
• Government Agencies: For legal and regulatory purposes
• You: You may access your own driving history for personal use

Access is restricted and regulated under the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and the Maryland Public Information Act. Unauthorized access or misuse can result in legal consequences.

FAQs About Maryland Driving Records

Below are the answers to common questions about Maryland driving records.

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