Maryland Law Blog

Motorists convicted on a first-time drunk driving offense in Maryland may face the potential of having to install ignition interlock devices in their vehicles. According to a recent report from The State Column, the Maryland state Senate voted for the bill in a 44 to 0 vote on March 26, 2010. However, based on amendments to the bill, those who are given probation before judgment are excused from the required use of ignition interlock devices. Before this bill, only repeat DUI offenders in Maryland were required to use ignition interlock devices, which operate to detect alcohol consumption on an individual’s breath before he or she is able to start their vehicle.

Based on the report, an analogous bill is also being considered by a House committee in which convicted DUI offenders may be required to use “ignition interlock systems” for a certain amount of time. The senate approved bill now moves to the House of Delegates, where, if it is passed, Governor Martin O’Malley is expected to approve and sign it. As these new efforts to increase the consequences of drunk driving in Maryland receive support from government officials, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal is behind five bills to make drunk driving laws more strict in Louisiana.

A first-time Maryland DUI conviction may entail:

• A license suspension or revocation.


• Fines amounting up to $1,000 for DUI and up to $500 for DWI.


• A jail sentence of up to one year for DUI and up to 60 days for DWI.


• Twelve points added to your license for DUI and eight points for DWI.