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Today, I want to talk about administrative penalties against your driver's license when
you're confronted with a breath test in Maryland.
There are three sets of possible penalties against a driver's license when confronted with a breath test.
One, a low blow between .08 and .14. Two, a high blow between .15 or higher. Or three,
a refusal to submit to a chemical test.
Let's talk about those one at a time. In a case of a low blow between .08 and .14, the
penalty against your driver's license is a 45 day suspension.
That suspension is modifiable for a work permit, meaning you can get a special restricted license
that allows you to drive for work, for school, for alcohol classes, and for medical appointments for you and your family.
If you blow a .15 or higher, the penalty is a 90 day hard suspension.
That means absolutely no driving, no modification, no work permit. The only type of modification
that you can receive in a high blow scenario is modification with participation in the
MVA Ignition Interlock Program.
What that mean is you would need to put a breathalyzer machine in your car and only
operate that vehicle for a period of one year.
Finally, the penalties for a refusal to submit to a breath test are 120 days with no driving
or participation in the MVA Ignition Interlock Program for one year.
To summarize, a low blow .08 to .14, 45 day work permit. A high blow or a refusal, hard
suspension with no driving or one year with the Ignition Interlock Program.
It's important to know and understand the law prior to making the decision whether or
not to submit to a breath test.
Speaking to a qualified, skilled Maryland DUI attorney can help you make that decision.