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6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E. Glen Burnie, Maryland 21062 Motor Vehicle Administration Together We Can Save Lives. Buckle Up – It’s Our Law and We Care! All You Need to Know About Your Driver’s LICENSE All You Need to Know About Your Driver’s LICENSE All You Need to Know About Your Driver’s LICENSE DL-2A_09-06.qxd:MVAGuide1.qxd 10/20/09 12:08 PM Page c1

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Page 1: All You Need to Know About Your Driver

6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E.Glen Burnie, Maryland 21062

Motor Vehicle Administration

Together We Can Save Lives.

Buckle Up – It’s Our Lawand We Care!

All You Need toKnow About Your

Driver’sLICENSE

All You Need toKnow About Your

Driver’sLICENSE

All You Need toKnow About Your

Driver’sLICENSE

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Consumer ServicesThe Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) licenses and regulatesvehicles, dealers, driving schools, title services, auto dismantlers,scrap processors and manufacturers of passenger cars, station wag-ons, trucks and motor homes. For complaints or questions aboutthe operation of these businesses, please contact the MVA’s BusinessLicensing.

Notice to Applicant:Implied ConsentIn Maryland, any person who drives or attempts to drive a motorvehicle on a highway or on any private property used by the publicin general, consents to take a test to determine alcohol concentra-tion or a test to determine the concentration of a drug or controlleddangerous substance. Testing is free of charge to the driver andshall be a breath test to determine alcohol concentration, unless thedriver or other persons require medical treatment for serious or lifethreatening injury, or the test equipment is unavailable. In thatevent, the test shall be a blood test. A test to determine drug orcontrolled dangerous substance content shall also be a blood test.

The MVA will suspend the license of any driver who refuses to take atest. A first time test refusal will result in a 120-day license suspen-sion and a second time test refusal will result in a one-year licensesuspension.

Maryland’s MVA—Committed to Safety,Service and You!As employees and agents of the MVA, we are committed to providingexcellent customer service, promoting a safe driving environmentand protecting consumer interests.

Driving PrivilegeDriving a motor vehicle in Maryland is a privilege and not a “right.”Your driver’s license grants you the privilege to operate a motorvehicle on the roadways of Maryland safely and responsibly.

Obtaining False or ForgedIdentification Card, Driver’s License or PermitThe law states that if you attempt to secure a false or fraudulentidentification card, driver’s license or permit, or knowingly possess afalse or fraudulent identification card, driver’s license or permit, youmay be subject to:

Federal Law A fine or imprisonment for not more than 15 yearsor both.

State Law Imprisonment for not less than two or more than10 years.

© Copyright 2003 The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration

eed toout Your

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All You Need toKnow About Your

Driver’sLICENSE

All You Need toKnow About Your

Driver’sLICENSE

All You Need toKnow About Your

Driver’sLICENSE

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3MARYLAND DRIVER’S HANDBOOK

Who Must Have a Driver’s License...........................................................................................5Persons Exempt From Licensing ..............................................................................................5Persons Who Cannot Be Licensed............................................................................................6Armed Forces Personnel and Their Dependents........................................................................7How to Obtain a Driver’s License .............................................................................................7Social Security Number ...........................................................................................................8Application for Learner’s Permit, Driver’s License, and ID Card ..................................................8Co-Signer of Minor’s Application for a License..........................................................................9Suspension of Minor’s License on Request of Co-Signer ...........................................................9Organ Donor.........................................................................................................................10Driver Education ...................................................................................................................10Three-Hour Alcohol and Drug Education Program ...................................................................11Medical Advisory Board .........................................................................................................11Physician’s Report.................................................................................................................12Rookie Driver: Graduated Licensing System............................................................................12Learner’s Permit ...................................................................................................................13Provisional License ...............................................................................................................14Basic Requirements for Provisional Licenses Issued from a Maryland Learner’s Permit.............15Basic Requirements for Provisional Licenses Issued to Persons Who Previously

Held a Driver’s License from Another State, Country, or the Armed Forces..........................16Restrictions ..........................................................................................................................16Sanctions .............................................................................................................................17Eligibility for FULL License Status...........................................................................................18Licensed Elsewhere ..............................................................................................................18National Driver Register.........................................................................................................19Driver License Compact ........................................................................................................20Renewing a Maryland Driver’s License ...................................................................................20Applying for Driver’s License – Valid Without Photo.................................................................22Duplicate Driver’s License .....................................................................................................22Restrictions on Driver’s License .............................................................................................23Alcohol Restriction ................................................................................................................23Point System ........................................................................................................................23Point Values Assigned for Traffic Violations Occurring in Maryland ...........................................23Privacy Options.....................................................................................................................26Removal of Privacy................................................................................................................26Suspension of a Driver’s License ...........................................................................................26Revocation of a Driver’s License ............................................................................................27Cancellation of a Driver’s License ..........................................................................................28Driving While Privilege is Suspended, Revoked, Refused or Cancelled ......................................28Administrative Actions ...........................................................................................................29Suspension for Failure to Pay Fine or Stand Trial ....................................................................29

2 MARYLAND DRIVER’S HANDBOOK

For 24 Hour Recorded MVAInformation, Call:410-768-7000

TTY for the Hearing Impaired:1-800-492-4575

Closed on Official State Holidays. The MotorVehicle Administration has other locations forDriver Licensing Services only. Call 1-800-950-1MVA for additional branch hour information.

GARRETT

Oakland

ALLEGANYCumberland/LaVale WASHINGTON

FREDERICK

CARROLL

BALTIMORE

HOWARD

MONTGOMERY

WASHINGTON,D.C.

HARFORDCECIL

KENT

QUEENANNEʼS

CAROLINE

TALBOT

WICOMICO

WORCESTERSOMERSET

DORCHESTERST.

MARYʼS

CHARLES

CALVERT

PRINCEGEORGEʼS

ANNEARUNDEL

Hagerstown

Frederick

Gaithersburg

Bel Air

Elkton

Easton

Salisbury

Waldorf

LargoAnnapolis

Glen Burnie

Baltimore City

Westminster

Essex

Prince Frederick

Loveville

Columbia

Wheaton/Glenmont

Gaithersburg/Walnut Hill

Beltsville

White Oak

Loch Raven/Parkville

Full Service OfficesAnnapolis Branch Office160 Harry S Truman Parkway(off Riva Road)Annapolis, MD 21401

Baltimore CityBranch Office

2500 Gwynns Falls ParkwayBaltimore, MD 21216

Bel Air Branch Office501 W. MacPhail Road(1 mile south of Rt. 1)Bel Air, MD 21014

Beltsville Branch Office11760 Baltimore AvenueBeltsville, MD 20705

Cumberland Branch Office13300 Winchester Rd., SWCumberland, MD 21502

Easton Branch Office9148 Centreville Rd.Easton, MD 21601

Elkton Branch Office105-Chesapeake Blvd.,Suite AUpper ChesapeakeCorporate CenterElkton, MD 21921

Essex Branch Office1338 A Eastern AvenueBaltimore, MD 21221

Frederick Branch Office1601 Bowman’s Farm RoadExit 56 I-70Frederick, MD 21701

Gaithersburg Branch Office15 Metropolitan Grove Rd.(off Clopper Road)Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Glen Burnie Office6601 Ritchie Hwy., N.E.Glen Burnie, MD 21062

Hagerstown Branch Office18306 Col. Henry K.Douglas Drive

Hagerstown, MD 21740

Largo Branch Office10251 Central Avenue(Near Routes 202 & 214)Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Loveville Branch Office27351 Point Lookout RoadLeonardtown, MD 20650

Salisbury Branch Office251 Tilghman RoadSalisbury, MD 21801

Waldorf Branch Office11 Industrial Park DriveSt. Charles Business ParkWaldorf, MD 20602

Westminster Branch Office1106 Baltimore Blvd.Westminster, MD 21157

White Oak Branch Office2131 Industrial ParkwayWhite Oak, MD 20904

Express OfficesColumbia Express Office6490 Dobbin RoadColumbia, MD 21045

Glenmont Express Office12335 Unit C & D GeorgiaAvenue

(at Randolph Road)Silver Spring, MD 20906

Loch Raven/ParkvilleExpress Office

8966 Waltham Woods Road(North Plaza Shopping Center)Parkville, MD 21234

Oakland OfficeRt. 135 and Weber Road(at Brownings Food Land)Oakland, MD 21550

Prince Frederick Office200 Duke Street LL100Prince Frederick, MD 20678

Walnut Hill Express16516 South Westland DriveGaithersburg, MD 20877

General Information:www.MVA.Maryland.gov1-800-950-1MVA or 1-800-950-1682

Maryland Driver’s Handbook Maryland Driver’s Handbook

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5MARYLAND DRIVER’S HANDBOOK

Who Must Have a Driver’s License?If you drive a motor vehicle in Maryland, you must have a validdriver’s license. A new resident, if currently licensed in anotherjurisdiction, must obtain a Maryland driver’s license within 60days of becoming a resident.A Resident Is Any Person:� Who lives in the state;� Who owns, leases, or rents a primary place of residence in thisstate; AND

� Who, regardless of the person’s domicile, resides in the statefor more than a year;

� Who maintains a main or branch office or warehouse facilityin this state and who bases and operates motor vehicles inthis state; or

� Who has filed as a Maryland resident for income tax purposes.

You may be required to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License(CDL). Information is contained in the Commercial Driver’sLicense Manual.

Persons Exempt from LicensingThe Following Persons Do Not Need a Maryland Driver’sLicense:� An officer or employee of the United States, while driving onofficial business, a motor vehicle other than a commercialmotor vehicle owned and operated by the United States.

� Any member of the United States Congress not selected fromthis state, but who makes this state his/her residence duringhis/her term of office.

� An individual, temporarily driving any road machines, farmtractors, or farm equipment on a highway in this state.

� Active duty military personnel and their dependents, as longas their out-of-state license meets the qualifications of thesame vehicle and age regulations as in Maryland.

Traffic Citations.....................................................................................................................30Surrender of Driver’s License.................................................................................................30Identification Card.................................................................................................................30Driving Records May Be Expunged.........................................................................................31Name Change.......................................................................................................................32Address Change ...................................................................................................................34Method of Payment...............................................................................................................35Bad Check Fees....................................................................................................................35Driver Improvement Program.................................................................................................35Alcohol Education Program....................................................................................................36Alcohol, Drugs, and Driving....................................................................................................36Drinking and Blood Alcohol Concentration ..............................................................................37Preliminary Breath Test .........................................................................................................38Implied Consent....................................................................................................................38Blood Test ............................................................................................................................39Drug Abuse ..........................................................................................................................42Summary .............................................................................................................................47

4 MARYLAND DRIVER’S HANDBOOK

Maryland Driver’s Handbook

The Motor Vehicle Administration produces and distributes the following instructionalhandbooks in its continuing efforts to license competent, safe and well-informed drivers.These publications may be obtained at any Motor Vehicle Administration office.

The Maryland Driver’s Handbook: This handbook provides instruction and generalinformation that is particularly useful to the beginning driver and to those drivers who arenewcomers to Maryland.

The Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual: This manual offers informationand instructions to drivers who are preparing to operate commercial motor vehicles and isa valuable source of information to experienced commercial vehicle operators.

Maryland’s Guide for Drivers Over 55: This manual helps the older drivers continuetheir good driving habits.

The Motorcycle Operator Manual: This manual exposes the new and experiencedmotorcycle rider to information designed to promote motorcycle safety. Please telephone1-800-638-1722 for more information about Maryland’s Motorcycle Safety Program.

The State Highway Administration distributes Trucking in Maryland, a compendium ofuseful information and telephone numbers for truck drivers and owners.

Table of Contents

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7MARYLAND DRIVER’S HANDBOOK6 MARYLAND DRIVER’S HANDBOOK

Maryland Driver’s Handbook Maryland Driver’s Handbook

� Any person who is required by law to take an examination andhas not successfully passed the examination.

Armed Forces Personnel and TheirDependentsMembers of the Armed Forces of the United States orof the Armed Forces, U.S. Public Health Service whoare serving on active duty, and their dependents, arenot required to obtain a Maryland driver’s license if:� The driver has a license issued by the state inwhich the driver lives; and

� The license authorizes the driver to drive, in the state in whichthe driver lives, vehicles of the class the licensee is driving inMaryland.

Persons in possession of an Armed Forces or out-of-country licensemust successfully complete a vision screening test, knowledge test,driving test, and an MVA-approved three-hour alcohol and drugcourse in order to convert their license to a Maryland license.

Armed forces personnel and their dependent(s) will remain in effectas long as the person is a member on active duty and the licensee’sprivilege is not suspended, revoked, refused or cancelled for causesaccording to law. However, you must renew your expired license,which must be in your possession, upon your return to Maryland orwithin 30 days following your separation from active service.Armed forces personnel and their dependents may also renew theirnon-commercial licenses through the mail or by contacting theValid Without Photo Section, Quality Control, Driver ServicesDivision at (410) 787-7908.

How to Obtain a Driver’s LicenseAll applicants must apply in person at one of theMotor Vehicle Administration offices, furnish therequired proof of age, identity, and residency, andtake the vision screening, knowledge, and drivingtests. All Maryland learner’s permits and driver’slicenses contain a photo of the applicant.

� Any nonresident of this state provided that the nonresident is inpossession of a valid license to drive issued by the state or coun-try where the nonresident lives. You may drive the same types orclasses of vehicles in this state that you may drive in your homestate or country, provided you meet Maryland’s age requirements.

� Any full-time student enrolled in an accredited Maryland oradjoining state school, college or university or serving an intern-ship, provided the state in which you are a resident permits thesame for residents of this state.

Persons Who Cannot Be LicensedThe MVA May Not Issue a License to:� Any person who does not meet the requirements;� Any person during any period for which that person’s license todrive is revoked, suspended, refused or cancelled;

� Any person who is a habitual drunkard, habitual user of narcoticdrugs, or a habitual user of any other drug to a degree that ren-ders the person incapable of safely driving a motor vehicle;

� Any person who previously has been determined to be afflictedwith or suffering from any mental disability or disease and who,at the time of application, has not been determined competent;

� Any person if the MVA has good cause to believe that the opera-tion of a motor vehicle on the highway by that person would beharmful to public safety or welfare;

� Any person who is unable to understand street and highwaywarning or direction signs written in the English language;

� Any person who is 70 years or older, unless that person presentsto the MVA proof of having previously operated a motor vehiclesatisfactorily or a written certification acceptable to the MVAfrom a licensed physician attesting to the person’s general physi-cal and mental qualifications;

� Any person who is unable to sign his or her name for identifica-tion purposes;

� Any person who is unable to exercise reasonable control over amotor vehicle due to disease or a physical disability, includingthe loss of an arm or leg or both. If the person passes therequired examination, the MVA may issue that person a restrictedlicense requiring a workable artificial limb or other similar bodyattachment; or

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Your signature certifies that all statements made on the applicationand all questions answered are true and correct. It is a violation ofthe Motor Vehicle Laws to falsify any information on your applica-tion or to submit fraudulent or misrepresentative documents for alearner’s permit, driver’s license, or ID card.

Co-Signer of Minor’s Applicationfor a LicenseThe application of a minor for a learner’s permit and license mustbe co-signed by the minor’s parent. If the applicant has no parent,then a legal guardian may co-sign the application. Documents prov-ing legal guardianship must be presented. If the minor is married,the spouse, if an adult, may co-sign the minor’s application. If theapplicant has no parent, guardian or spouse, then an adult employerof the applicant or any other responsible adult may co-sign theminor’s application.

The individual co-signing the application of a minor shall certifythat the statements made in the application are true and correct tothe best of the co-signer’s knowledge, information and belief. Theindividual co-signer for a minor must notify the MVA within 30 daysof any change in the mailing address of the minor applicant whilethe applicant or licensee is a minor.

The individual who co-signs the application form also must sign thecertification page of the 60-hour Practice and Skills Log.

Suspension of Minor’s License on Requestof Co-SignerA minor’s license may be suspended when a written request to sus-pend the license is submitted by the minor’s co-signer and isreceived by the Motor Vehicle Administration. The suspensionremains in effect until the minor becomes an adult or another co-signer, who meets the above qualifications, co-signs and certifies forthe minor.

9MARYLAND DRIVER’S HANDBOOK

Full licensing under the Rookie Driver: Graduated Licensing Systemrequires the individual to be a minimum of 17 years and 9 monthsof age. The licensee must hold a provisional license for 18 monthsand be conviction-free during that period.

Social Security NumberA social security number shall be required and verified forapplicants for an original, renewed, duplicate, or correcteddriver’s license, learner’s permit, or identification card. Applicantsnot eligible for a social security number will be required to self-certify by signature.

Application for Learner’s Permit,Driver’s License, and ID CardYour application will be processed electronically at theMVA when you apply. To apply for a learner’s permit, driver’slicense, or ID card you will be required to provide the followinginformation to complete the process. Your full legal name (true orlegal name assigned at birth by parents, or which has been changedby marriage, court order, or the name by which the applicant isknown and transacts business), social security number, physicaldescription, signature, employment information, and residentaddress. A post office box number is not acceptable as your residentaddress. A post office box number may be used only along with yourcomplete residence address as long as it is in the same zip code area.The physical location of your residence such as name of road orroute number, etc., is required. Please present your original govern-ment-issued birth certificate or certified true copy (U.S. or State) andother supporting documents such as:� Actual Social Security card.� Valid U.S. passport.� Valid U.S military ID card or original discharge record (DD214).� Valid state-issued identification card or Driver’s License.

All applicants are required by law to furnish proof of age and identitysatisfactory to the MVA. Visit the MVA’s website, www.MVA.Maryland.govor see the MVA’s “How To Apply” brochure (DL-162), for a complete listof acceptable primary and secondary proof of identity and proof ofMaryland residence.

8 MARYLAND DRIVER’S HANDBOOK

Maryland Driver’s Handbook Maryland Driver’s Handbook

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Three-Hour Alcohol and Drug EducationProgramIndividuals who hold an out-of-country license, andmembers of the armed forces who possess a militarylicense, are required to successfully complete an approvedthree-hour alcohol and drug education program. Thesepersons are NOT required to attend a Maryland driver’seducation program. The course is given by providers approved bythe MVA. Up-to-date listings of providers may be reviewed at theMVA’s driver licensing offices or by calling 1-800-950-1MVA.

The course completion certificate, which is valid for one year, mustbe submitted to the MVA prior to the driving test.

Medical Advisory BoardWhen applying for or renewing a driver’s license, anyperson who has been treated by a physician for any ofthe following physical or mental disorders must reportthe disorder for evaluation by the Medical Advisory Board. This doesnot necessarily mean that you will not receive a license. If you havebeen treated for any of the listed disorders, please indicate on yourapplication and obtain from your physician a certificate indicatingonset, diagnosis, prognosis and present medication, if any.� Alcoholism or alcohol abuse� Cerebral Palsy� Congenital Eye Disease� Dementia� Diabetes� Drug or narcotic abuse or addiction� Epilepsy/Seizures� Heart condition� Loss of consciousness� Loss of limb/loss of use of limb� Manic depressive disorders (major affective disorders)� Multiple Sclerosis� Muscular Dystrophy� Parkinson’s Disease� Schizophrenic disorders� Severe anxiety disorders

11MARYLAND DRIVER’S HANDBOOK

Organ DonorMaryland residents can give the gift of life and health to someoneelse by donating organs or other tissues after death. Anyone 18years of age or older may be an organ donor. Minorswho are at least 16 years old may add a donor desig-nation if a parent or guardian consents in writing.Look for the statement on your license application orrenewal notice that states “Please check, if upon yourdeath, you desire to help others by becoming anorgan donor.” If you want to be a donor, check the “Yes” box.Additional information on the organ donor program may be foundin The Organ Donor Program pamphlet (DL-87).

Driver EducationAll applicants, regardless of age, who have NEVER been licensed byMaryland or any other jurisdiction, must have satisfactorily com-pleted an approved driver education course of not less than 30 hoursof classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel drivertraining. An original certificate from a Maryland or an approvedout-of-state driving school must be presented when appearing forthe driver’s examination. Home taught andcorrespondence driver’s education courses arenot acceptable.

Driver education may be obtained through some public schools,parochial or private high schools, and driving schools licensed bythe MVA. Additionally, applicants under 18 years of age, who wish tooperate motorcycles, must satisfactorily complete the MarylandMotorcycle Safety Program’s Beginning Rider Course. Please tele-phone 1-800-638-1722 for information regarding the MotorcycleSafety Program.

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Maryland Driver’s Handbook Maryland Driver’s Handbook

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13MARYLAND DRIVER’S HANDBOOK

� Stroke� Traumatic Brain Injury� Any illness causing a lapse of consciousness, blackout, or seizureIf you are applying for an initial Maryland driver’s license andhave one of the conditions listed above, you should contact theMedical Advisory Board at (410) 768-7513 for approval prior toapplying for your learner’s permit or license.

Physician’s ReportAll physicians and other persons authorized to diagnoseor treat disorders and disabilities which have beendefined by the Maryland Department of Health andMental Hygiene, as affecting the safe operation of a vehicle, mayreport to the MVA’s Medical Advisory Board any individual who hasany such disorder. The subject of the report must be in writing andinclude the full name, date of birth, and address of the individual.Unless authorized by the individual in writing, a report may not bemade from information derived from the diagnosis or treatment ofany individual on whom law confers a confidential or privilegedrelationship.

Rookie Driver: Graduated Licensing SystemOn July 1, 1999, Maryland implemented laws commonly referred toas “The Rookie Driver: Graduated Licensing System.” These lawsapply to all non-commercial driver’s license applicants, regardless ofage, who have never held a license in Maryland or any other state orcountry OR who have held their out-of-state/out-of-country licensefor less than 18 months. The program requires novice drivers togain more driving experience with a supervising driver and gradual-ly move up through the licensing process until full license status isachieved.

Under the graduated licensing system, non-commercial licenseapplicants, who have never held a driver’s license, must progressthrough three licensing levels:� Level 1 = Learner’s permit� Level 2 = Provisional license� Level 3 = Full license

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Maryland Driver’s Handbook Maryland Driver’s Handbook

Non-commercial license applicants who have held out-of-state, out-of-country or U.S. Armed Forces licenses for less than 18 monthswill progress through two levels:� Level 1 = Provisional license� Level 2 = Full license

Learner’s PermitYou must go to an MVA full service office to obtain your learner’spermit.

Maryland Now Issues Two Types of Learner’s Permits:� Type 1 learner’s permit is issued to persons who areapplying for their first driver’s license;

� Type 2 learner’s permit is issued to persons who cur-rently hold or have previously held a driver’s license and are nowapplying for a subsequent license, a license of a different class ora license which requires additional driving capabilities (such as acommercial license, endorsements to operate vehicles whichtransport passengers or to remove an air brake restriction).

Type 1 Learner’s Permit� Applicants must be at least 15 years and 9 months of age� Applicants under age 18 require the consent (co-signature) of aparent or legal guardian

� Applicants must pass a vision screening and a knowledge test� Type 1 learner’s permits are valid for one year� Type 1 learner’s permits must be held for at least a six-monthconviction-free* period before the applicant is eligible to test fora provisional license

*Conviction-free means without receiving a moving violation forwhich you are convicted or found legally guilty. If convicted, thesix-month period will re-start.

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15MARYLAND DRIVER’S HANDBOOK

Type 2 Learner’s Permit� Applicants must be at least 16 years and 3 months of age� Applicants under age 18 require the consent (co-signature) of aparent or guardian

� Applicants must pass a vision screening and a knowledge test� Type 2 learner’s permits are valid for six months� Type 2 learner’s permits must be held at least 14 days before theapplicant is eligible to test for a license

� Applicants applying for a commercial driver’s license must meetthe age requirements.

*All learner’s permit holders, under 18 are prohibited from usinga wireless communication device (including a cell phone) whileoperating a motor vehicle, with the exception of a 911 emergencycall. Violations may result in a suspension of your driving privilege.

Accompanying DriverMaryland learner’s permit holders may drive only those vehicles or com-bination of vehicles authorized by the driver’s license class applied for asspecified on the learner’s permit, and then only while accompanied by,and under the immediate supervision of a person who:� Is at least 21 years old;� Has been licensed for at least three years in Maryland or anotherstate to drive vehicles of the class then being driven by the holderof the permit; and

� Unless the vehicle is a motorcycle, is seated beside the learner’spermit holder.

Persons who hold a Maryland motorcycle learner’s permit may drive amotorcycle with the supervising driver on it provided the supervisingdriver is at least 21 years old and has held a motorcycle license inMaryland or another state for at least three years.

Provisional LicenseThe Maryland provisional license is a probationary-type license. Itrequires conviction-free driving prior to obtaining a full driver’slicense. It is issued to drivers after they gain experience driving witha learner’s permit and to previously licensed drivers with less than18 months of driving experience.

14 MARYLAND DRIVER’S HANDBOOK

Maryland Driver’s Handbook Maryland Driver’s Handbook

Once a provisional license is issued, the licensee must hold the validprovisional license for an assigned 6, 12, 18 month period withoutreceiving a moving violation conviction (points or no pointsassessed) before becoming eligible for full license status. The lengthof the required “conviction-free” period (6, 12, or 18 months) isdetermined by the length of the licensee’s previous driving experi-ence/licensure, if any.

Basic Requirements for Provisional LicensesIssued from a Maryland Learner’s Permit:� Minimum age is 16 years and 3 months.� First time licensees must successfully complete a driver’s educa-tion program (30 hours of classroom and 6 hours behind-the-wheel instruction) and present the MVA with the driver’seducation certificate.

� First time licensees must submit a completed and signed Practiceand Skills Log to document a minimum of 60 hours additionaldriving practice with a qualified supervising driver separate fromdriver’s education. At least 10 of the practice hours must occurduring the period beginning 30 minutes before sunset and end-ing 30 minutes after sunrise. The Practice and Skills Log signa-ture for applicants under age 18 must be a parent/guardian;applicants 18/older require a mentor’s signature.

� First time licensees must have held a valid Maryland non-com-mercial learner’s permit at least six months conviction-free*prior to in-vehicle testing.

� Your driver’s skills test for the provisional license must be sched-uled in advance by calling 1-888-212-4709 for an appointment.

� Once a driver has met and completed all of the GraduatedLicensing System requirements, the provisional license is auto-matically converted to a full license. A supplemental card show-ing the conversion to a full license is mailed to the driver. Carrythis card along with the provisional license to demonstrate thechange in licensing status. It expires when the provisional licenseexpires. Thereafter, the driver may renew his or her license, paythe appropriate fee, and obtain a new license.

*Conviction-free means without receiving a moving violation forwhich you are convicted or found legally guilty.

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Basic Requirements for Provisional LicensesIssued to Persons Who Previously Held aDriver’s License from Another State, Country,or the Armed Forces:1. Issued to persons who previously held a driver’s license fromanother state, country or the armed forces who have less than 18months of driving experience, regardless of their age.

2. If under age 18, it prohibits driving between 12 midnight to 5 amunless supervised or certain conditions are met.

3. Must be held the minimum time periods specified below withdriver free of moving violation convictions:�Previously licensed 0 to less than 6 months.Driver must hold Maryland provisional license for 18 monthsminimum and be conviction-free.

�Previously licensed 6 to less than 12 months.Driver must hold Maryland provisional license for 12 monthsminimum and be conviction-free.

�Previously licensed 12 to less than 18 months.Driver must hold Maryland provisional license for 6 monthsminimum and be conviction-free.

4. If convicted of a moving violation, the driver must restart an 18month waiting period with no additional moving violations. Onlythen can a driver become eligible to convert to a full driver’s license.

RestrictionsALL Maryland driver’s licenses issued to persons UNDER 21 years ofage (provisional or not):� Carry an “UNDER 21 alcohol restriction” which prohibits thelicensee from driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle witha blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02% or above;

� Expires 60 days after the individual’s 21st birthday.(At age 21, licensees are eligible to have the “UNDER 21 alcoholrestriction” removed.)

The Following Restrictions Apply Only toProvisional Licensees Under 18 Years of AgeUnsupervised driving is allowed ONLY from 5:00 AM to 12:00Midnight, UNLESS the licensee is:

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� Accompanied/supervised by a qualified licensed driver 21 years ofage/older;

� Driving to, from or during the licensee’s employment;� Driving to or from a school class or an official school activity;� Driving to or from an organized volunteer program; or� Driving to or from an opportunity to participate in an athleticevent or related training session.

� Provisional license holders under the age of 18, during the first 5months (151 days) of the provisional period, are not allowed tohave passengers under the age of 18, unless accompanied by aqualified supervising driver or the passengers are direct familymembers. Direct family members can be a spouse, daughter, son,stepdaughter, stepson, sister, brother, stepsister, or stepbrother ofthe provisional license holder or a relative of the license holderwho lives at the same address.

� All provisional license holders under 18 are prohibited from usinga wireless communication device (including a cell phone) whileoperating a motor vehicle, with the exception of a 911 emergencycall. Violations may result in a suspension of your driving privilege.

SanctionsThe provisional licensees must hold a valid provisional license for anassigned 6, 12 or 18-month period without receiving a moving viola-tion conviction (points or no points assessed) before becoming eligi-ble for full license status. Convictions or “Probation BeforeJudgement” (PBJ) for moving violations while holding a provisionallicense will require the completion of a driver improvement pro-gram and/or suspension/revocation of your driver’s license.Convictions also restart the 18-month minimum waiting period.

If the licensee receives a moving violation with the provisionallicense, then becomes convicted of the violation, the following sanc-tions apply:� The FIRST offense of receiving a moving violation/convictionrequires the licensee to complete a driver improvement program;

� A SECOND offense of receiving a moving violation/conviction canresult in a 30-day suspension of the driver’s license/privilege;

� A THIRD or SUBSEQUENT offense of receiving a moving viola-tion/conviction can result in up to a 180-day suspension orrevocation of the driver’s license/privilege.

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The time frames for holding a provisional license, prior to full licen-sure, are as follows:� Previous license held less than 6 months – 18-monthprovisional period.

� Previous license held at least 6 months, but less than 12 months– 12-month provisional period.

� Previous license held at least 12 months, but less than 18 months– 6-month provisional period.

Persons holding provisional licenses with 6- or 12-month periodsare eligible to convert to full license within the initial 6- or 12-month period only if they have not been convicted of a moving vio-lation during that time. If convicted of a moving violation duringthe original provisional period, the person will be required to com-plete an 18-month conviction-free period.

National Driver RegisterWhenever an individual applies for a Maryland driver’s license, anelectronic message is automatically sent to the National DriverRegister (NDR), an agency of the U.S. government. The NDR thennotifies the MVA if the applicant’s driver’s license ordriving privilege is suspended, revoked, refused or can-celled in any jurisdiction. Maryland cannot issue a dri-ver’s license to anyone who is identified by the NDR ashaving a problem in another state.

It is the individual’s responsibility to contact the juris-diction where the problem exists and resolve the problem to thatjurisdiction’s satisfaction. Once the problem has been resolved, theindividual may be issued a Maryland driver’s license.

Applicants for a Maryland driver’s license are required to answer thequestion “Is your driver’s license or privilege to operate a motorvehicle suspended, revoked, refused or cancelled in this or any otherstate, Washington D.C. or Canada?” If the applicant makes a falsestatement when answering the question, attendance at an adminis-trative hearing may be required. At the hearing, all facts pertinentto the out-of-state driving status will be reviewed. If it is deter-mined that a false statement was made on the application for a dri-ver’s license, the administrative law judge may cancel or suspend

The above sanctions will be imposed IN ADDITION to any of thesanctions that apply as a result of the conviction(s). Also, each/anyconviction for a moving violation (offense) will automatically causethe licensee to begin a new 18-month conviction-free periodrequirement, regardless of the length of the originally assignedconviction-free period.

Eligibility for FULL License Status� Minimum age is 17 years and 9 months.� Can be achieved ONLY by completing the required 6, 12 or 18month conviction-free period, regardless of the licensee’s age.

If Licensed ElsewhereIf you have in your possession a driver’s license issued to you byanother state, the District of Columbia or a U.S. possession oragency, or by any of the armed forces, you are required to apply inperson and will not need a scheduled appointment.

You must present your license and original U.S. or state govern-ment-issued birth certificate and two proofs of Maryland residenceto the examining officer who will furnish the necessary application,handbook and instructions. You must take the required tests and,finally, surrender all out-of-state driver licenses before obtaining aMaryland driver’s license. The examiner will determine the class oflicense for which you are qualified. Applicants are advised to recordthe number of their out-of-state licenses for future reference. If youcannot present a previously issued driver’s license, you must do oneof the following:� Obtain and submit a letter from the jurisdiction in which you arecurrently, or were previously licensed, indicating name, date of birth,license number, issue and expiration dates, license class and status.

� Or apply for and obtain a Maryland learner’s permit under theRookie Driver: Graduated Licensing System.

Applicants, regardless of age, who hold an out-of-state, out of thecountry or an armed forces license for less than 18 months, will beissued a provisional license.

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The renewal notice is mailed at least 60 days before a license expires.Failure to receive a renewal notice does not relieve you of theresponsibility of renewing your license. You may renew your licensewithout a renewal notice. You should verify the information on therenewal application. Is your name, address and description correct?Answer the questions about your driving privilege being suspendedor revoked, and attest to your general physical condition. You mustcertify, under penalties provided by law, that all the informationgiven by you is true and correct.

A social security number shall be required and verified for applicantsfor an original, renewed, duplicate, corrected driver’s license or for alearner’s permit. Applicants not eligible for a social security numberwill be required to self-certify by signature.

If applying in person for the renewal of a driver’s license, you will berequired to pass a vision test. The vision test will be conducted by anMVA Customer Service Agent. The MVA will accept an MVA “VisionCertification” form (DL-043) completed by a licensed physician,optometrist or ophthalmologist if the test was conducted within 12months prior to the date the applicant appears for the license renew-al. No other form of vision certification will be accepted. Please beadvised that if you have monovision, you will be unableto successfully pass the vision screening at the MVA. It is highlyrecommended that you visit your ophthalmologist/optometrist tocomplete the MVA’s “Vision Certification” form (DL-043). Bring thecompleted form with you to the MVA. This form is also available onthe MVA’s website, www.MVA.Maryland.gov.

Effective July 1, 2004, Maryland Vehicle law now allows individualsbetween the ages of 26-40 to renew their Maryland driver's licenseevery other renewal cycle without vision testing, for mail-in renewalonly. If you are under 26 or over 40 and renewing by mail, MarylandVehicle law requires you to obtain vision certification every time yourenew your Maryland driver's license.

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the individual’s Maryland driver’s license. The driving privilege willremain suspended or cancelled until the individual complies withthe requirements set forth by the Office of Administrative Hearings.

Driver License CompactMaryland is a member state of the Driver License Compact (DLC).The Driver License Compact contains four major provisions, whichmember states are committed to uphold.They are:� One driver license;� One driver record;� The exchange of information between states; and� Uniform and predictable treatment of offenders.

Convictions reported from member states are treated in the samemanner as if the offenses occurred in Maryland. Drivers who areconvicted of traffic law violations when driving in another jurisdic-tion do not escape corrective action taken by this state. Convictionsfor moving violations received from other jurisdictions are recordedon the Maryland driving record.

Renewing a Maryland Driver’s LicenseA Maryland driver’s license is renewable every five years and may berenewed up to 6 months prior to the expiration date, if the individ-ual is over 21 years of age. An individual may renew a dri-ver’s license within a 12-month grace period following thelicense expiration date without being required to take aknowledge or driving test.

A person scheduled to renew a driver’s license may renew in personor if eligible, by mail. If you meet MVA’s renewal by mail require-ments your renewal notice will offer you the opportunity to renewyour driver’s license by mail once every ten years (or every otherrenewal term). If you are not eligible, or chose not to renew by mail,you must visit one of the MVA locations to renew your driver'slicense. When going to an MVA location you need to present theexpiring license, renewal notice and fee. For more information onrenewing by mail please visit the MVA’s website atwww.MVA.Maryland.gov.

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ing their address must show either their current Maryland driver'slicense or identification card.

Applications for persons under 18 years of age require the consent(co-signature) of a parent or legal guardian.

Restrictions on Driver’s LicenseThe MVA is authorized to impose certain restrictions on a driver’slicense to ensure the safe driving of a motor vehicle by the licensee.Operating a motor vehicle in violation of restriction(s) is a seriousoffense and could result in the withdrawal of the driving privilege.Driver license restrictions are printed on the front and back of thelicense.

Alcohol RestrictionAll licensees under 21 are prohibited from driving or attempting todrive a motor vehicle with 0.02%, or more by weight, of alcohol inthe blood. All licenses issued to persons under 21 years of age willhave an “UNDER 21 Alcohol Restriction” noted on their driver’slicense. The restriction expires on the licensee’s 21st birthday.

Point SystemWhen a person is convicted of or forfeits a penalty depositfor a traffic violation, the court sends a record of the con-viction to the MVA. All convictions are recorded on thedriver’s individual driving record. Certified copies of driving recordsare available for official use. Non-certified driving records are avail-able at less cost for personal and informational use. Records areissued free to the courts and law enforcement agencies.

Point Values Assigned for Traffic ViolationsOccurring in Maryland:� Any moving violation not listed below and notcontributing to an accident 1 point

� Following another vehicle too closely 2 points� Speeding in excess of the posted speed limit by10 miles an hour or more 2 points

� Driving with an improper class of license 2 points

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Licenses issued to applicants under 21 years of age will expire 60days after their 21st birthday and cannot be renewed prior to their21st birthday. Commercial driver’s license holders are required topresent a valid U.S. Department of Transportation card along withtheir current license.

Any changes in the applicant’s name require that the applicant pro-duce certified original supporting documents, such as: marriagelicense, divorce certificate, court-ordered name change, etc.

Applying for a Driver’s License –Valid Without PhotoBoth federal and state laws require that an individual belicensed only in his or her actual state of residence. If anapplicant possesses a Maryland non-commercial driver’slicense and is outside Maryland for the entire renewal period, he/shemay apply for a valid without photo (VWOP) driver’s license. A fee ischarged for a VWOP renewal. A VWOP packet may be requested bycalling 1-800-950-1MVA (1-800-950-1682) from MD, DC or VA; orfrom other areas outside Maryland, call 1-301-729-4550. The VWOPrenewal packet contains instructions, application forms, and a visioncertificate that must be completed by a vision specialist.

Within 15 days of returning to Maryland, an individual who holds aVWOP must visit the MVA to obtain a regular photo driver’s license.If you do not have your expired driver’s license in your possessionwhen you return to the Maryland MVA, an original or certified truecopy of your government-issued birth certificate and your SocialSecurity card is needed for proof of identity.

Duplicate Driver’s LicenseIn the event that your driver’s license becomes lost, stolen, mutilat-ed, or otherwise destroyed, you must appear in person at any MVAoffice and apply for a duplicate license. You also will be required toprovide your social security number. Applicants are required to paythe appropriate fee and furnish their government-issued birth cer-tificate or certified copy, and other forms of identification verifyingage and identity that are satisfactory to the MVA. Applicants chang-

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� Homicide, life threatening injury or assaultcommitted by means of a vehicle 12 points

� Driving while under the influence of alcohol orwhile impaired by any controlled dangeroussubstance 12 points

� Any felony involving use of a vehicle 12 points� Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer 12 points� The making of a false affidavit or statement underoath, or falsely certifying to the truth of any factor information to the Administration 12 points

� Any violation involving an unlawful taking orunauthorized use of a motor vehicle 12 points

Whenever a conviction occurs on multiple charges, committed atthe same time, points are assessed only on the violation that has thehighest point assessment. However, all convictions are recorded onyour driving record.

Point system action is initiated when a report of the conviction isreceived from the court and entered on a driver’s record.

When three points are accumulated, a warning letter is mailed. Theletter warns the recipient that unless he/she resolves to drive morecarefully and to obey the traffic laws in the future, the Point Systemrequires the suspension or revocation of the driver’s license.

Upon reaching five points, the licensee is required to attend a con-ference where the record is discussed in an attempt to improve driv-ing habits. A person referred to a point system conference mustattend a program approved by the Motor Vehicle Administration. Alist of approved programs throughout the state is made available atthe time of referral.

At 8 points, a notice of suspension is mailed and at 12 points, anotice of revocation is mailed. The recipient has 10 days to requesta hearing. The request must be in writing and requires a filing fee.The suspension or revocation becomes effective if one fails torequest a hearing within 10 days.

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� Passing an emergency or police vehicle under theprovisions of 21-405 of the Motor Vehicle Law 2 points

� Failure to stop a vehicle for a steady red trafficsignal in violation of the Motor Vehicle Law 2 points

� Failing to stop for a school vehicle with alternatelyflashing lights 3 points

� Any moving violation contributing to an accident 3 points� Driving after suspension of license or under thetraffic laws or regulations of another state 3 points

� Any violation, except violations committed on theJohn F. Kennedy Memorial Highway 3 points

� Speeding in excess of the posted speed limit by30 miles an hour or more 5 points

� Driving while not licensed 5 points� Failure to report an accident 5 points� Driving unaccompanied on a learner’s permit 5 points� Participating in a race or speed contest ona highway 5 points

� Aggressive Driving 5 points� Speeding in excess of a posted speed limit of65 miles an hour by 20 miles an hour or more 5 points

� Reckless driving 6 points� Driving while impaired by alcohol or impaired bya drug or a combination of drugs and alcohol 8 points

� Turning off lights of a vehicle to avoididentification 8 points

� Failing to stop after an accident resulting indamage to attended vehicle or property 8 points

� Failing to stop after an accident resulting indamage to unattended vehicle or property 8 points

� Failing to stop after an accident resulting inbodily injury or death 12 points

� Driving after refusal, suspension, cancellation,or revocation of license or under the traffic lawsor regulations of another state 12 points

� Driving after refusal, suspension, cancellation,revocation, or disqualification of license ordriving privilege 12 points

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license. The restricted license grants the individual the privilege tooperate a motor vehicle only for a specific purpose, i.e., employmentand educational purposes.

Revocation of a Driver’s LicenseWhen a Maryland driver’s license is revoked, the driving privilege isterminated. If it is the first revocation, the individual may file areinstatement application any time after the day the revoked licenseis received by the MVA. Or, in the case of an individual who does nothave a Maryland driver’s license, after the effective date of the revo-cation. On receipt of the reinstatement application, the MVA mayreinstate the license or privilege, but not before 6 months after therevoked license is received. In the case of an individual who doesnot have a license, the MVA may reinstate the license, but not before6 months after the effective date of the revocation.

If it is the second revocation, the individual may file a reinstatementapplication at any time after one year from the day on which therevoked license is received by the MVA. In the case of an individualwho does not have a Maryland driver’s license, the individual mayfile a reinstatement application at any time after one year from theeffective date of the revocation.

If it is the third revocation, the individual may file a reinstatementapplication at any time after 18 months from the day the revokedlicense is received by the MVA. In the case of an individual whodoes not have a Maryland driver’s license, the individual may file areinstatement application at any time after 18 months from theeffective date of the revocation.

If it is fourth or more revocation, the individual may file a reinstate-ment application at any time after 24 months from the day therevoked license is received by the MVA. In the case of an individualwho does not have a Maryland driver’s license, the individual mayfile a reinstatement application at any time after 24 months fromthe effective date of the revocation.

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Points assessed are retained for two years; however, the violationitself remains on the driving record.

The point system provides for the MVA to take action at certain pointlevels. However, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Law provides for alicense to be suspended or revoked whenever the operator is deemedan unfit or unsafe driver. Convictions occurring within a relativelyshort period of time could result in a suspension or revocation.

The point system’s effects are not limited to the “problem driver” or“habitual violator.” It tends to make every motor vehicle operatoraware of his/her driving record and of the importance of keeping therecord free of violations.

Privacy OptionsEffective July 1, 2000, all MVA records were markedprivate.

Removal of PrivacyTo remove the privacy indicator from an MVA record, an individualshould submit a request in writing, or complete Maryland RecordRestriction Notice, (form DL-26). The request must contain the fol-lowing:� Driver’s License ID Number� Name� Address� Date of Birth� Signature� Photocopy of the last Maryland driver’s license or ID card onrecord

The request to remove the privacy indicator from an individual’srecord must be directed to the Driver Records Unit of the DriverServices Division, located at the MVA in Glen Burnie.

Suspension of a Driver’s LicenseThe suspension of a Maryland driver’s license is the temporary with-drawal of the privilege to operate a motor vehicle. In some cases,the MVA may determine to grant the individual a restricted driver’s

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The MVA may reinstate the privilege to drive only if, after an investi-gation of the habits and driving ability of the individual, the MVA issatisfied that it will be safe to grant the individual the privilege ofdriving a motor vehicle. This investigation may include a review bythe Medical Advisory Board, if the individual has a possible physical,mental, alcohol or drug problem which could affect his or her abili-ty to drive safely.

There is a fee charged when the reinstatement application is filed.Besides the investigation, the reinstatement process includes atten-dance at a driver improvement program, or an alcohol educationprogram, at the applicant’s expense. If the request for reinstatementis approved by the MVA, the individual must pay an additional fee ifthis is a second or more revocation. The individual then is requiredto successfully complete the vision screening, knowledge and driv-ing tests and pay the appropriate licensing fee when the new driver’slicense is issued.

Cancellation of a Driver’s LicenseA cancelled driver’s license is terminated. The MVA may cancel adriver’s license if it is determined that the licensee was not entitledto be issued the license, failed to give required or correct informa-tion on his license application, or committed fraud in making appli-cation or obtaining the license.

Driving While Privilege isSuspended, Revoked, Refused orCancelledNo one may drive a motor vehicle on any highway inthis state while the privilege to drive is suspended, revoked, refusedor cancelled in this state or any other jurisdiction. If the privilegeto drive is suspended, revoked, refused or cancelled in Maryland, aperson may not drive a motor vehicle on any highway in this stateeven with a valid driver’s license issued by another jurisdiction.

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Administrative ActionsAfter a hearing, the MVA may suspend, revoke, refuse or cancel alicense for the following reasons:� Refusing to submit to a test to determine alcohol concentrationor a test to determine drug or controlled dangerous substancepresence in the body.

� Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or a combi-nation of both.

� Driving while intoxicated or while under the influence of anillegally used controlled dangerous substance.

� Illegal lights or signal devices.� Committing an offense in another state that, if committed in thisstate, would be grounds for suspension or revocation.

� Violating a license restriction.� Convictions for moving violations so often an intent to disregardthe traffic laws and the safety of other persons on the highways isindicated.

� Driving in a negligent, unfit, unsafe or habitually reckless manner.� Knowingly making a false certification in any application for acertificate of title or for the registration of a vehicle.

� Driving is suspended or revoked in another state.� Accumulation of points.

Note: An administrative hearing may be requested when mostadministrative sanctions are imposed.

Suspension for Failure to Pay Fine or Stand TrialThe MVA will suspend the privilege to drive, of any person who hasfailed to comply with the requirements of the Maryland DistrictCourt, Circuit Court, U.S. District Court or an out-of-state court.

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issued with a profile photo. Upon becoming age 21, the holder of aprofile photo identification card may apply for a duplicate frontalphoto identification card. The MVA may issue an identification cardto an applicant whose privilege to drive has been suspended, revoked,refused, cancelled or has been issued a temporary license as a resultof the Administrative Per Se Law.

Driving Records May Be ExpungedMaryland Motor Vehicle Law provides that certain Maryland drivingrecords, upon written request from the individual, may be expungedif, at the time of written request, the licensee qualifies with the fol-lowing guidelines:

1. (a) The licensee does not have charges pending for allegedlycommitting a moving violation or a criminal offense involvinga motor vehicle; and

(b) The licensee has not been convicted of a moving violation or acriminal offense in Maryland, or in another state, involving amotor vehicle for the preceding three years and the licensee’slicense has never been suspended or revoked.

2. (a) The licensee does not have charges pending for allegedly com-mitting a moving violation or a criminal offense involving amotor vehicle; and

(b) The licensee has not been convicted of a moving violation or acriminal offense in Maryland, or in another state, involving amotor vehicle for the preceding five years and the licensee’srecord shows not more than one suspension and no revocations.

3. (a) The licensee does not have charges pending for allegedly com-mitting a moving violation or a criminal offense involving amotor vehicle; and

(b) Within the preceding 10 years:(1) The licensee has not been convicted of nor been granted

probation before judgment for an alcohol-related viola-tion, or for a driving violation of failure to remain at thescene of an accident resulting in bodily injury or death; or

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Traffic CitationsLaw enforcement officers issue written traffic citationsto persons who are charged with violating the MarylandMotor Vehicle Law. A person charged must sign thecitation as a receipt of a copy of the citation and not asan admission of guilt, and certifying that the personwill comply with the requirements set forth in the citation. Failureto sign the citation may result in arrest. Failure to comply with therequirements of the court will result in suspension action againstthe driver’s license (or the privilege to drive) by the MVA.

Surrender of Driver’s LicenseThe MVA requires the surrender of any license whichis suspended, revoked, refused or cancelled. Creditfor the term of the suspension, revocation, or periodof restriction shall begin only after the license isreceived by the MVA.

Identification CardThe MVA is authorized to issue an identification card (ID) card to anyMaryland resident who does not possess a valid driver's license. Theapplicant must apply in person and submit proof of age, identity andMaryland residency satisfactory to the Motor Vehicle Administration.A social security number shall also be required and verified for appli-cants for an original, renewed, duplicate or corrected identificationcard. Applicants not eligible for a social security number will berequired to self-certify by signature.

The identification card will be mailed to the applicant’s address onrecord. The card is free for those who are 65 years of age or older, arelegally blind and for individuals with disabilities which affect a majorlife function. An identification card has the same validity as a driver'slicense when used for purposes of identification.

ID requirements are the same as for a driver’s license. The cardbecomes void and must be surrendered to the Motor VehicleAdministration when the holder becomes a licensed Maryland driver.A photo identification card issued to applicants under age 21 will be

!

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Names may be changed in several ways in order to comply with thevehicle laws. If a name is changed through marriage or divorce, acopy of the marriage certificate or divorce decree is required. An indi-vidual may reassume a name previously used, provided the name isused openly, consistently, and without fraudulent intent. To assumeyour birth name, or another former name, which cannot be verifiedfrom our records, you must submit a copy of your birth certificate ormarriage certificate and one other form of identification, such as asocial security card, a voter’s registration card or a bank statement.

A change of name by common law refers to a name that anindividual has assumed and uses openly, consistently and withoutfraudulent intent. To assume a name under the common law, youmust submit a copy of your birth certificate and any driver’s licenseissued in the name previously used, prior to assuming the commonlaw name.

You must also submit in your common law name, a copy of yoursocial security card, or social security records and at least two docu-ments from the following categories: tax records, selective servicecard or records, voter registration card or records, passport, govern-ment photo identification card, baptismal certificate, banking recordsor other proof of age and identity that is satisfactory to the MVA.

To Reassume the Birth Name, Another Former Name or to Changea Name:� Submit an “Application for a Change of Name/Address”(form #VR 154).

� Submit a certified copy of your birth certificate, marriage license,divorce decree, or court order and another form of identification(such as a social security card, voter registration card or bankstatement).

� Complete an affidavit provided by the MVA (if applicable).

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(2) The licensee’s driving record shows no convictions fromanother jurisdiction of a moving violation identical orsubstantially similar to an alcohol-related violation inMaryland; and

(3) The licensee has not been convicted of any other movingviolation; or

(4) Criminal offense involving a motor vehicle, regardless ofthe number of suspensions or revocations.

The MVA retains the driving records of individuals who have beenissued commercial driver’s licenses for at least the period of timerequired by the Commercial Driver’s License Information System(CDLIS) established by the Secretary, United States Department ofTransportation.

However, the MVA may refuse to expunge a driving record if it deter-mines that the individual has not driven a motor vehicle on thehighways during the particular conviction-free period on which therequest is based. To submit a request for expungement, visit anyMotor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office or submit a writtenrequest to Motor Vehicle Administration Record MaintenanceSection, 6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E., Glen Burnie Maryland 21062.The written request must include name, address, and a writtenstatement certifying that there are no traffic summons or criminalcharges involving a motor vehicle now pending or outstanding inMaryland or any other state. Upon receipt of the completed applica-tion, the record maintenance section will analyze your record todetermine eligibility for expungement and advise you of their deci-sion by mail.

Name ChangeIndividuals who change their names must notify theMVA within 30 days.

The Maryland motor vehicle laws require that documents obtainedfrom the MVA such as licenses, registration, titles, etc. be obtainedin the full legal name.� “Name” is defined as true or legal name; the name given at birthto an individual by his/her parents or as changed by marriage, orby court order.

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If you have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), you are required bylaw to pay the appropriate fee and obtain a corrected CDL in personat a full-service branch office.

Method of PaymentTransactions may be paid by cash, check, creditcards (Visa, MasterCard), and Maryland MVA credit vouchers. If youare paying by check, you must use an imprinted check and provideother information required by the MVA.

Bad Check FeesChecks returned by the bank to the MVA are subject to a servicecharge of $25 (at this printing) or not more than 10 percent of theamount of the check, whichever is greater.

Driver Improvement ProgramThe purpose of the driver improvement program is to increase theerrant driver’s awareness while operating a motor vehicle. This pro-gram stresses cooperation of the driver in an effort to reduce poordriving habits and poor attitudes toward safe driving. Personsassigned to the program include:� Applicants for reinstatement of revoked licenses;� Drivers referred by the courts;� Drivers referred by the Office of Administrative Hearings law judges;and

� New drivers convicted of a first moving violation while holding aprovisional license.

A person referred to a driver improvement program must attend aprogram approved by the MVA. A list of approved programs through-out the state is made available at the time of referral.

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You May Change Your Name in One of Two Ways:1. You may submit an “Application for a Change of Name/Address”(form #VR-154) and you will be issued a change of name card,which you must carry with your license whenever you operate amotor vehicle; or use it for identification. There is no fee for theservice.

2. You may go to any full-service MVA office to complete an elec-tronic application for a drivers’ license or an identification cardand obtain a corrected license or identification card and pay theappropriate fee.

Note: If you want to assume your spouse’s surname in conjunctionwith your own, the MVA will accept hyphenated surnames if theentire name, including spaces, does not exceed 30 characters.Applications for persons under the age of 18 require the consent(co-signature) of a parent or legal guardian.

If you have a commercial driver’s license and wish to change yourname or address, you are required by law to apply in person andobtain a corrected commercial driver’s license and pay theappropriate fee.

Address ChangeIndividuals who have changed their addressesmust notify the MVA within 30 days. If youhave a non-commercial driver’s license, youmay change your address in one of threeways:� You may submit a change of address application in person andyou will be issued a change of address card, which you must carrywith your license whenever you operate a motor vehicle or use itfor identification.

� You may go to an MVA branch office, pay the appropriate fee, andobtain a corrected license.

� You may visit the MVA’s website at www.MVA.Maryland.gov andchange your address on-line.

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Blood alcohol concentration levels of .05 up to .08 and higherimpair a driver’s ability to think clearly and increase the possibilityof becoming involved in a crash. A person who has been drinkingwith a blood alcohol concentration level of .05 and greater may:� Drive too fast or too slowly for prevailing conditions� Fail to dim lights for oncoming traffic� Pass improperly, leaving insufficient clearance, taking too long orswerving too much

� Make frequent lane changes� Fail to remain centered in the lane� Overshoot and/or disregard traffic signals� Lose alertness and adaptability in emergencies� Take too long to brake.

The Physiology of AlcoholAlcohol is a drug. It’s not a stimulant, even thoughits exhilarating effect makes people think it is.Actually, it’s a depressant that affects your centralnervous system. It acts much like an anesthetic to lower or depressthe activity of your brain. Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstreamand it is metabolized by the liver. From there it is distributed to thevarious critical parts of our body such as the brain. It is the concen-tration of alcohol in the blood that affects your judgment and yourphysical coordination.

Drinking and Blood Alcohol ConcentrationBlood alcohol concentration is simply a precise way of stating theamount of alcohol in a quantity of blood. It is expressed in percentand is measured by chemical analysis. For example, .05% (point-zero-five percent) stands for a specific percentage of alcohol in thebloodstream.

Immediately after an alcoholic beverage is swallowed, the alcoholstarts to move from the stomach into the bloodstream. The rate ofthis movement and how much alcohol gets into the blood dependsprimarily on how much alcohol is in the drink taken. The rate atwhich alcohol moves to the bloodstream is governed to a lesserextent by the amount of food in the stomach and the intestines.

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Alcohol Education ProgramAll persons referred to the alcohol educationprogram must have an alcohol assessment todetermine if they are alcohol abusers or depend-ent users. Depending on the blood alcohol con-centration (BAC), all types of users on some occasion may becomeimpaired drivers on the highway. Program attendees are required toattend a minimum of 12 hours of alcohol education with a providerapproved by the Alcohol and Drug Administration. Attendees mustattend the entire course and successfully complete the program’srequirements in order to attain credit for completion.

If a person fails to attend or complete the alcoholeducation program, the MVA will notify the referralsource. In addition, a suspension will be imposed onthe person’s driving privilege.

Alcohol, Drugs, and DrivingIn recent years, more than 45,000 persons have died annually inauto crashes. Whether drivers are social drinkers or alcoholdependent, all can be problem drivers once they are on the highway.

The ProblemFor the past several years, about half of all fatal motor vehicle crash-es have been caused by alcohol. Alcohol is responsible for moredeaths on the highway than any other cause. Driving after drinkingis one of the most irresponsible offenses one can commit. A vehiclein the hands of a person under the influence of alcohol is a deadlyweapon.

The Effects of AlcoholAlcohol is a mood altering drug as well as an anesthetic. Thedepressive effect on the brain’s function results in a decreased reac-tion time, poor coordination, poor judgement and your ability todrive safely. Impairment caused by alcohol and other drugs give afalse sense of well being and confidence.

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The MVA will suspend the license of any driver who refuses to take atest. A first time test refusal will result in a 120-day license suspen-sion and a second time test refusal will result in a one-year licensesuspension.

Blood TestA police officer who has reasonable grounds to believe that an indi-vidual is driving while impaired by drugs or a controlled substancemay have a drug recognition expert request that person to submit toa blood test.

A person may not be compelled to take a test. However, if uponreceipt of a certified statement from a police officer that a test wasrefused, the Motor Vehicle Administration may suspend the driver’slicense or driving privilege in Maryland as follows:

A Refusal:� 120 days for a first offense and one year for a second or subse-quent offense. In addition, if the person was operating a commer-cial motor vehicle, the commercial driver’s license will be dis-qualified for one year for a first offense, three years for a firstoffense while transporting hazardous materials which must beplacarded, and disqualified for life for a second or subsequentoffense while operating any commercial vehicle.

Test Results of 0.08% Alcohol Concentration or More:� 45 days for a first offense and 90 days for a subsequent offense.

Test Results of 0.04% Alcohol Concentration or More WhenDriving a Commercial Motor Vehicle:� Disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle for oneyear (three years if the vehicle was required to be placarded forHAZMAT) for the first offense.

� Disqualified for life for a subsequent offense. The licensee has 30days in which to request a hearing to show cause why the driver’slicense should not be suspended. If the hearing is requested with-in 10 days from the issuance of the police officer’s order of sus-pension, the suspension will be stayed pending the hearing.Representation by an attorney is permitted at the hearing.

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Blood alcohol concentration is determined by the amount of alcoholconsumed, the time required by the body to destroy alcohol, and theperson’s weight. The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate thatcannot be changed. People react differently to the effects of alcohol.Even your individual temperament and the mood you’re in canaffect the results of drinking to some degree.

The .05% to .08% range is critical. Somewhere in that range, you’vehad too much to perform any activity that requires any degree ofcoordination or judgment. You are too intoxicated to drive.

If you drive or attempt to drive at a blood alcohol concentrationlevel of under .05%, there is legal presumption that you are notunder the influence of alcohol. In Maryland, a BAC level of .08% ormore is evidence of under the influence.

Consumption of alcohol by any person under the age of 21 is illegalin Maryland, and all licensees under the age of 21 years are restrict-ed from driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle with anyalcohol in their blood.

Preliminary Breath TestA police officer who has reasonable grounds to believe that an indi-vidual is driving while under the influence may request the personto submit to a preliminary breath test.

Notice to Applicant: Implied ConsentIn Maryland, any person who drives or attempts to drive a motorvehicle on a highway or on any private property used by the publicin general, consents to take a test to determine alcohol concentra-tion or a test to determine the concentration of a drug or controlleddangerous substance. Testing is free of charge to the driver and shallbe a breath test to determine alcohol concentration, unless the driv-er or other persons require medical treatment for serious or lifethreatening injury, or the test equipment is unavailable. In thatevent, the test shall be a blood test. A test to determine drug or con-trolled dangerous substance content shall also be a blood test.

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Individuals Driving a Commercial Motor VehicleHe/she refused to take a test or for a conviction of driving whileintoxicated or driving while under the influence, He/she will be:� Disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle for oneyear (three years if the vehicle was required to be placarded forHAZMAT) for the first offense.

� Disqualified for life for a second or subsequent conviction.

Under 21 – Alcohol RestrictionYou don’t have to be drunk to lose your license! If you are not yet21 years old, you are not supposed to be drinking at all. If you havebeen drinking and you are pulled over and your blood alcohol con-centration is .02% or more, your license will be suspended orrevoked. In addition, you could be fined up to $500 for violating thealcohol restriction on your license.

False ID and Misrepresentation of AgeIt is a violation of the law to misrepresent your age to purchase, pos-sess or acquire alcoholic beverages. The use of a false ID for thispurpose is a violation of the law. If you are caught and are under 18,your driver’s license can be suspended for up to 90 days and you willbe referred to the Department of Juvenile Justice with your parentsor guardians. You could be assigned to an alcohol treatment pro-gram or your parents could have your driver’s license suspended.If you are between 18 and 21, your license will be suspended for 6months for the first offense. For the second offense, the suspension willlast until you are 21 years old or for one full year, whichever is longer.

Criminal and Administrative PenaltiesAny person who drives a motor vehicle in this state is deemed to haveconsented to take a test if the person is detained:� While under the influence of alcohol;� While impaired by alcohol;� While impaired by a controlled dangerous substance;� While impaired by any drug, any combination of drugs, or a com-bination of one or more drugs and alcohol;

� In violation of an alcohol restriction; or� While driving a commercial motor vehicle after consumingalcohol.

Driving While Under the Influence:� First conviction: Up to one-year imprisonment and/or not morethan $1,000 fine. While transporting a minor, up to two yearsimprisonment and/or not more than $2,000 fine.

� Second conviction: Up to two years imprisonment and/or notmore than $2,000 fine. While transporting a minor, up to threeyears imprisonment and/or not more than $3,000 fine. A convic-tion for driving while intoxicated within three years after a priorconviction is also subject to a mandatory minimum penalty ofimprisonment for not less than 48 consecutive hours, or commu-nity service for not less than 80 hours.

� Third or subsequent conviction: Up to three years imprisonmentand/or not more than $3,000 fine. While transporting a minor,up to four years imprisonment and/or not more than $4,000 fine.

Driving Privilege May Be Revoked for Not Less than Six Months.In cases of a second revocation, the driving privilege may be revokedfor not less than one year. In cases of a third revocation, the drivingprivilege may be revoked for not less than 18 months. In cases of afourth or subsequent revocation, the driving privilege may berevoked for not less than 2 years.

Driving While Impaired:� First conviction: Up to two months imprisonment and/or notmore than $500 fine. While transporting a minor, up to 6 monthsimprisonment and/or not more than $1,000 fine.

� Second or subsequent conviction: Up to one-year imprisonmentand/or not more than $500 fine. While transporting a minor, upto one-year imprisonment and/or not more than $2,000 fine. Foralcohol and/or drugs, a suspension for not more than 6 monthsfor the first offense, for a second conviction within 5 years or athird conviction, a suspension for not more than 9 months. Fora fourth or subsequent conviction, a suspension for not morethan 24 months. For controlled dangerous substance, a revoca-tion for not less than 6 months.

Any individual who qualifies to participate in the MVA’s ignitioninterlock program may have their suspension or revocation actionreduced.

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Special Note: The penalty for refusing an alcohol test may result inan automatic suspension of your license for 120 days. A secondrefusal will result in an automatic one-year suspension of yourlicense.

Consuming Alcohol While DrivingA person may not consume an alcoholic beverage while driving amotor vehicle on a highway of this state. A conviction on thischarge is subject to a fine and an assessment of one point. An out-of-state alcohol conviction, including collateral forfeiture, mayresult in administrative action in Maryland against your drivingprivilege; this is notwithstanding personal assurances to the con-trary of a police officer in another jurisdiction. Additional penaltiesexist for persons convicted of offenses committed while operatingcommercial motor vehicles. Please consult the MarylandCommercial Driver’s Manual for further information.

Drinking and Driving Will Result inthe Loss of a Driver’s License

Drug AbuseDrugs cause a physiological change. If usedillicitly, a drug poses a serious health risk.Prescribed drugs, if used inappropriately, canhave equally disastrous effects.

The effects of drug abuse range from impaired memory andperception to convulsions and coma; from sleeplessness and anxietyto psychological and physical dependence; from loss of appetite andnausea to emotional breakdown and possibly death.

DepressantsBarbiturates or depressants are drugs that “depress” thecentral nervous system. In general, the drugs slow downbody functions. In low doses, the drugs are prescribed inthe treatment of tension and anxiety and tend to induce relaxation,a sense of well being and drowsiness. Barbiturates are prescribed toinduce sleep and can reduce the individual’s ability to react quicklyand to perform skilled tasks. Often the individual may bounce backand forth between feelings of euphoria, hostility and aggressiveness.

At higher doses, the symptoms may be similar to drunkenness. Theperson may go into a stupor. If the dose is high enough, the respi-ratory function may be impaired, resulting in the person beingunable to breathe. The result can be death. A person may becomephysically and psychologically dependent on barbiturates.

Barbiturates are often mixed with other drugs. People who drinkalcohol and use barbiturates run the risk of accidental overdoses.

TranquilizersTranquilizers are used primarily to reduce anxiety and tension.With the normal therapeutic dose, an individual feels relaxed, has asense of well being and may lose some of his or her inhibitions. Asthe dosage is increased many individuals experience some depres-sion of nervous and muscular activity, mental confusion andphysical unsteadiness. High doses may produce drowsiness, loss ofmuscle coordination, lethargy, disorientation, impairment, ragereactions, personality alterations and symptoms resemblingdrunkenness. The ability to drive a car or operate machinerybecomes seriously impaired.

Patent MedicinesAntihistamines are a common ingredient in medicines usedto relieve allergies, hay fever, colds and coughs. Many ofthese induce drowsiness and none of them should be usedwhen driving.

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Physically, crack’s effects are very similar to those produced bycocaine. With continued use, tolerance develops and the drugcauses depression, paranoia, lung damage, heart attack, stroke,respiratory problems, and weight loss. An equally intense “crash”or period of depression follows the intensity of the high producedby crack.

NarcoticsNarcotics (except heroin) are used as painkillers and also for reliefduring the later stages of terminal illness. The immediate physio-logical responses usually include reduced breathing and heartactivity, a constriction of the pupils and reduction of visual acuity,itching, skin rash, warming of the skin, increased perspiration, con-stipation, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. As doses get higher, theeffects become more severe, with insensibility and unconsciousnesssometimes occurring. With very high doses, the user may experi-ence coma, shock, respiratory arrest, and even death. Drowsiness,dizziness, inability to concentrate, mental clouding, apathy andlethargy also are commonly noted. In combining barbituratesand/or narcotics with alcohol, intense drowsiness may occur afterthe high subsides. This potent combination, even in relative lowdosage levels, can lead to death from overdose.

HallucinogensHallucinogens can alter time and space perception, change feelingsof self-awareness and emotion, change one’s sense of body image,and induce hallucinations and feelings of a religious experience.

All hallucinogens cause unpredictable and dangerous results,including: hallucinations, blurred vision, loss of coordination,aggression, confusion, and psychosis. Additionally, hallucinationscan recur (“flashback”) at any time without warning. Because of theunpredictable nature of these drugs, the addition of alcohol makesthe combination particularly dangerous.

MarijuanaThe effects of marijuana depend on the potency of theparticular sample. Acute effects from higher doses maycause an increased heart rate, impairment of coordina-tion and driving skills, reduction in reaction time, andimpairment of short-term memory and one’s sense of time. Anxietyand panic reactions are more likely at higher doses and some peoplelose their ability to respond to emergency situations.

StimulantsWhile the following stimulants may initially boost alertness, theyalso will result in edginess and less coordination. Higher dosage lev-els promote the delusion of overconfidence, followed by drowsinessand blurred vision, after the high. Tracking abilities in emergencysituations are diminished. When mixed with alcohol,stimulants give the driver a false sense of alertness and competence,and, when the high passes, the tendency for drowsiness is intensified.

� Amphetamines – A therapeutic dose of amphetamines canincrease blood pressure, enlarge pupils, increase respiration rate,depress appetite, relieve sleepiness and decrease fatigue and thesense of boredom. In some individuals, even a moderate dose ofan amphetamine can have adverse effects, such as agitation, aninability to concentrate, anxiety, confusion and blurred vision,tremors, heart palpitations, and mild depression or mood swingsafter the stimulant effect wears off. With higher doses ofamphetamines, the adverse effect can be delirium, panic, aggres-sion, hallucinations, and psychoses.

� Cocaine – Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant. Formany, after the euphoria, the individual can experience nausea,tremors, convulsions, depression, nervousness, irritability, loss oftemperature sensations, muscle spasms and changes in heartrate, blood pressure, and respiration. Extreme abuse also canproduce paranoid behavior. Cocaine can cause devastating psy-chological and physical effects, occasionally resulting in death.

� Crack – Crack (sometimes called “Rock”) is the street name for amore purified (free-based) form of cocaine that is smoked.

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SummaryRemember that alcohol is a drug too. It is a central nervous systemdepressant — not a stimulant. It reduces alertness and slows nor-mal reflexes.

Abuse of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, barbi-turates, tranquilizers, PCP, and other mind-altering legal or illegaldrugs can have serious effects on your body and can be extremelydangerous and, in many cases, deadly. Getting behind the wheel ofa motor vehicle after drinking or using other drugs is much likeplaying Russian roulette, but instead of a revolver, you are usingabout two tons of steel as your weapon. You risk your life, and thelives of other innocent drivers and pedestrians.

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PCP (Phencyclidine)This drug cannot be classified as a hallucinogen, a stimulant or adepressant. Until 1978, PCP was used in veterinary medicine toimmobilize large animals. It produces a state of euphoria. Itseffects seem to be totally unpredictable. There are no safe levels ofuse.

The most common reactions from moderate or low doses are audi-tory, visual, time and other sensory disturbances, the most consis-tent of which is a deadening of extremities (since the drug has anes-thetic properties) and lack of control of the muscles. With higherdoses of this drug, accidents are common, since it produces a loss offeeling. Cuts, bruises and torn muscles and ligaments frequentlyare reported. The disassociated effects of PCP may make usersbelieve these injuries are happening to someone else. Drowningsalso are reported, which happen because users are so anesthetizedthat they “forget” to breathe.

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NotesNotes

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Guide One:All You Need to Know

About Your Driver’s License

Together We Can Save Lives.

Buckle Up – It’s Our Lawand We Care!

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