Hardship License and Restricted Driving in Maryland

1. What is a Hardship License and how can I obtain one in Maryland?


A Hardship License is a special driving privilege granted by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to individuals who have had their license suspended due to certain circumstances, usually due to unpaid child support, an administrative suspension, or an unpaid judgment. To obtain a Hardship License in Maryland, individuals must submit an application to the MVA and provide proof of financial hardship and good cause for why they need the license. The application must be accompanied by various documents such as proof of insurance, a court order, and a completed Financial Responsibility Certification. The MVA may require additional documents depending on the individual’s situation. If approved, the Hardship License will be valid for up to two years and will allow the individual to drive only for certain purposes such as work, school, medical treatment or court-ordered treatment.

2. What are the eligibility requirements for a Hardship License in Maryland?


In order to be eligible for a Hardship License in Maryland, the following criteria must be met:

1. The applicant must be at least 16 years of age.

2. The applicant must have a valid Maryland driver’s license that has been suspended or revoked due to an alcohol-related offense.

3. The applicant must have completed an approved alcohol education program or ignition interlock device (IID) program, if required.

4. The applicant must demonstrate to the Motor Vehicle Administration that they need a license to travel to and from work, school or medical appointments.

5. The applicant must have no additional alcohol offenses on their driving record, and no other pending criminal or motor vehicle cases.

3. What are the restrictions on a Hardship License in Maryland?


In Maryland, a Hardship License, also known as a “Probationary License,” is available to drivers who have had their license suspended or revoked due to excessive points or a violation of the Driver’s License Law. To be eligible for a Hardship License, the applicant must meet all of the following conditions:

1) The applicant must have a good driving record prior to the violation for which they received points or the violation of the Driver’s License Law.

2) The applicant must not have had more than one moving violation in the past three years.

3) The applicant must not have been convicted of a criminal offense within the past three years.

4) The applicant must not have been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or while impaired (DWI).

5) The applicant must take and pass a written driver’s test and have their photograph taken at a Department of Motor Vehicles office.

6) The applicant must provide proof of financial responsibility (such as liability insurance).

7) The applicant must complete an approved alcohol education program, if required.

8) The applicant must be at least 16 years old.

4. How much does a Hardship License cost in Maryland?


The cost of a Hardship License in Maryland varies depending on the type of hardship license requested. For instance, the fee for a Hardship License for an ignition interlock device is $100, plus a $20 application fee. The fee for a Hardship License for a court-ordered alcohol restriction is $100. The fee for a Hardship License for an alcohol or drug counseling program is also $100.

5. What documents do I need to apply for a Hardship License in Maryland?


In order to apply for a Hardship License in Maryland, you will need to provide the following documents:

– Proof of identity (e.g., a valid driver’s license, state-issued identification card, or passport)
– Proof of address (e.g., a utility bill, lease agreement, or other document that shows where you live)
– A copy of your valid Maryland driver’s license
– A copy of your court order suspending or revoking your license
– A completed Hardship License Application Form (available online)
– A copy of your driving record (available online or at the Motor Vehicle Administration).
– A letter of recommendation from your employer, school, or other organization
– Proof of completion of any court-ordered alcohol and/or drug classes (if applicable)
– Proof of current automobile insurance
– Payment for the appropriate fees.

6. How long does it take to get a Hardship License in Maryland?


In Maryland, the process of obtaining a hardship license can take several weeks to complete. It typically requires submission of multiple forms and documents, scheduling a hearing, and ultimately approval from the Motor Vehicle Administration. Additionally, depending on the circumstances surrounding your request for a hardship license, the process could take longer.

7. Can I use a Hardship License to drive to work in Maryland?


No, Maryland does not offer hardship licenses.

8. Can I use a Hardship License to attend medical appointments in Maryland?


Yes, you may use a Hardship License to attend medical appointments in Maryland. You must obtain special permission from the Motor Vehicle Administration in order to use a Hardship License to drive for medical reasons.

9. What are the laws for Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Maryland?


The restricted driving privilege (RDP) laws in Maryland enable individuals whose licenses have been suspended or revoked to obtain temporary driving privileges in certain circumstances. To obtain an RDP, individuals must demonstrate that they require the ability to drive for employment, medical, educational, or family-related purposes. They must also meet certain eligibility requirements and provide proof of financial responsibility (insurance). Additionally, they must not have had any alcohol or drug convictions within the past 5 years and must submit a substance abuse evaluation and/or an alcohol and drug safety action program (ADSAP) plan if they have a history of DUI or DWI convictions. Lastly, they must pay a fee and submit an application to the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).

10. Can I apply for a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Maryland?


Yes, you may apply for a Restricted Driving Privilege in Maryland. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) can grant an RDP to eligible drivers who have had their driver’s license suspended or revoked for certain violations. An RDP allows the holder to drive under certain limited circumstances, such as to and from work or school or to medical appointments. The MVA will determine your eligibility for an RDP and the restrictions that will apply.

11. How much does a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) cost in Maryland?


In Maryland, the fee for a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) varies based on the length of time of the RDP and other factors. Generally, the fees range between $45 and $180.

12. What documents do I need to apply for a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Maryland?


In order to apply for an RDP in Maryland, you will need to submit the following documents:
1. A completed and signed application form.
2. A copy of your current valid driver’s license.
3. Proof of insurance for any vehicle you will be operating with the RDP.
4. An official copy of your driving record from the Motor Vehicle Administration.
5. A completed and signed form detailing your alcohol/drug treatment history or court orders that require an alcohol/drug evaluation or treatment program.
6. Any additional documents as requested by the court, such as proof of enrollment in a school or work program, proof of financial responsibility, or other documents that meet the court’s requirements.

13. What are the restrictions for a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Maryland?


In Maryland, a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) is only available to those whose driver’s license is currently suspended or revoked. The RDP, which is granted by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), allows individuals to travel to and from work, school, medical appointments and alcohol treatment programs. In order to be eligible for an RDP, the individual must have been convicted of at least one alcohol-related offense. Other restrictions apply and must be followed in order for the RDP to remain in good standing. These restrictions include having an ignition interlock device installed on the vehicle, abstaining from drinking alcohol, attending and completing all court-ordered programs and maintaining auto insurance coverage at all times. Additionally, there may be additional restrictions or conditions imposed by the MVA or a court.

14. How long does it take to get a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Maryland?


The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) typically takes between 2 and 4 weeks to process and issue a Restricted Driving Privilege.

15. Can I use a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) to drive to work in Maryland?


Yes, you can use an RDP to drive to and from work in Maryland. However, you must have the appropriate documentation that is required by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration in order to obtain an RDP.

16. Can I use a Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) for medical appointments in Maryland?


Yes, you may use an RDP for medical appointments in Maryland. However, there may be certain conditions that must be met in order to qualify for an RDP, such as having a valid medical reason and proof of insurance. You should contact the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration for more information.

17. Are there any other restrictions on my driving privileges in Maryland?


Yes, young drivers may be subject to nighttime curfew restrictions, passenger restrictions, and other restrictions. As of July 1, 2017, Maryland’s graduated driver’s license (GDL) law requires drivers under the age of 18 to adhere to certain restrictions. Maryland also imposes restrictions on drivers over the age of 18 who are convicted of certain traffic violations. For more information on these restrictions, please contact your local motor vehicle department.

18. Who is eligible for a Hardship License or Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Maryland?


In Maryland, a Hardship License or Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) may be available if a person’s license is suspended due to a certain type of offense or infraction, including: DWI/DUI-related offenses; point suspensions; medical suspensions; out-of-state suspensions; or any other suspension which is not traffic-related. To be eligible, the individual must complete any court-ordered requirements and provide proof of valid insurance, and must also demonstrate a valid need to drive (e.g., for work or school).

19. How long is the validity of a Hardship License or Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Maryland?


In Maryland, the validity of a Hardship License or Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) is 12 months.

20. Are there any additional costs associated with obtaining a Hardship License or Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Maryland?


Yes, there are additional costs associated with obtaining a Hardship License or Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP) in Maryland. These costs include an application fee of $50, a reinstatement fee of $45, a license fee of $20, and proof of insurance. In addition, courts may require additional fees to be paid for things like alcohol awareness classes or community service.