Moving past a DUI can be a struggle for drivers anywhere, but Smart Start is ready to help. Maryland drivers can count on our 24/7 multilingual customer care, skilled installers who often provide same-day service, and affordable pricing on Ignition Interlock Devices to keep you on the road and in compliance with your DUI program.
Don’t wait any longer to get your transportation back. Talk to our Program Advisors today and find an affordable rate for Ignition Interlock services near you.
Maryland imposes strict penalties on drivers arrested for DUI or DWI, including a driver’s license suspension of six months or more.
The following is general information, not legal advice, about the conditions you might have to complete before applying for a reinstated license.
Consult Your Legal Counsel
License Hearing
Schedule Installation
Obtain SR-22 Certificate
Assessment and Education
Pay Fees and Complete Forms
Phase 4: Monitoring and Calibration
Removal
Please note that the information in the following sections is for general informational purposes only. The materials contained herein are not intended to and should not be relied upon or construed as a legal opinion or legal advice or to address all circumstances that might arise. Information may be dated and may not reflect the most current developments. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Smart Start expressly disclaims all liability regarding actions taken or not taken based on any or all content.
We know that navigating a DUI can be overwhelming. Understanding the requirements and process after an alcohol related driving offense in Maryland is an important step to getting back on the road. We’ve put together some general information to help you get started.
According to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), anyone who operates a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher is guilty of driving under the influence (DUI). Maryland also recognizes a lesser (but still serious) charge called driving while impaired (DWI), which applies when a driver has a lower BAC but still demonstrates evidence of impairment.
Under the Administrative Per Se law, a police officer will usually confiscate your driver’s license if you fail or refuse to submit to a chemical sobriety test. According to the MVA, the state will typically suspend your license for at least 180 days, depending on factors including whether you have previous DUI convictions and your tested BAC. This administrative suspension happens independently of any penalties a criminal court may impose.
Criminal penalties for a first-offense DUI can include:
For a first-offense DWI (BAC below .08), penalties may include:
Penalties increase significantly if it’s not your first DUI, or if other aggravating circumstances are present, such as driving with a minor in the vehicle.
If you’ve had your license suspended for a DUI or DWI in Maryland, you may be eligible to retain your driving privileges during your administrative suspension period by participating in the Ignition Interlock Device program. You can find information about how to opt into the program on the reverse side of the Order of Suspension that you received when your license was suspended, or you can look it up on the MVA website.
If you’ve been convicted of DUI or DWI in court, you also might be required to install an IID in your vehicle based on the conditions of your sentence. Under HB 105, a law passed by the Maryland legislature in 2024, you will be required to install an IID if any of the following apply to you:
In practice, this means that most drivers who get a DUI or DWI in Maryland will be required to install an IID.
The required length of the IID program can vary, so you’ll need to find out the specific requirements from your monitoring authority. In general, it’s a good idea to talk to your attorney or monitoring authority about the conditions of your IID program before you opt in, since you may waive some rights by participating, such as the right to contest your suspension in an administrative hearing.
When you’ve completed your program requirements, you can apply to the MVA for reinstatement of your full license, using the steps specified on the MVA website. The MVA will rule on your application and send you a letter if your license can be reinstated. You’ll need to take the letter to a full-service MVA branch and apply for a new license, which may include taking standard driver’s license tests, and usually requires paying a fee of $150 according to the MVA.
A DUI or DWI can have a major financial impact on your life. Smart Start strives to help drivers in Maryland afford an IID by providing:
Free, fast, and customized quotes from our friendly Program Advisors
No long-term contracts required
Affordable pricing Drivers experiencing financial hardship and who are on state assistance programs may qualify for a reduced price on their Interlock Device, according to the Maryland MVA. Talk to your attorney or your monitoring authority to learn whether you qualify for financial assistance.
Maryland also provides a form that allows drivers on assistance programs to waive the $47 Ignition Interlock Participation Fee, which you can download here.
Your DUI doesn’t have to define your life. With our knowledgeable Program Advisors who are ready to listen and address your needs, Smart Start is here to help you get on the road to a brighter future.
No need to buy equipment or sign long-term contracts
Convenient service centers, often with same-day installation options
24/7/365 multilingual customer support
Easy-to-use Interlock Device technology 
As part of your Ignition Interlock requirement and getting your license reinstated, you may be required to complete or reference specific forms. Get quick access to these forms below:
It’s important to thoroughly understand how IIDs work, and what you’ll need to do to stay in compliance with your program. Get fast answers to your most common questions about Interlocks in Maryland.
What Is An Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
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How Does It Work?
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How Do I Get An Appointment?
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How Can We Help?
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What is an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
How do I know if Smart Start’s devices are compliant with my program?
What happens after I get my DUI/DWI?
Do I need the device on all of my vehicles?
What if I have a requirement, but I don’t own a vehicle?
How do the consequences differ for a first and second DUI? Third? Fourth?
Where does installation fall based on my condition?
How often does my IID need to be serviced?
Where can I go for Ignition Interlock service?
Where do I send a record of my service appointments?
What happens if I violate?
What constitutes a violation in my state?
How do I know if I need a camera/GPS/etc.?
What if my vehicle needs to be serviced or repaired?
What if I have a respiratory disorder and cannot take the tests?
What do I need to bring to my installation appointment?
What should I bring back to my state authority after my device is installed?
How do I know who my state authority is?
What do I need for removal?
What do I need to install voluntarily?
Can I get one on my motorcycle?
What Is An Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
Viewing 5 Topics
What is an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
How do I know if Smart Start’s devices are compliant with my program?
What happens after I get my DUI/DWI?
Do I need the device on all of my vehicles?
What if I have a requirement, but I don’t own a vehicle?
How Does It Work?
Show 10 Topics
How do the consequences differ for a first and second DUI? Third? Fourth?
Where does installation fall based on my condition?
How often does my IID need to be serviced?
Where can I go for Ignition Interlock service?
Where do I send a record of my service appointments?
What happens if I violate?
What constitutes a violation in my state?
How do I know if I need a camera/GPS/etc.?
What if my vehicle needs to be serviced or repaired?
What if I have a respiratory disorder and cannot take the tests?
How Do I Get An Appointment?
Show 3 Topics
What do I need to bring to my installation appointment?
What should I bring back to my state authority after my device is installed?
How do I know who my state authority is?
How Can We Help?
Show 3 Topics
What do I need for removal?
What do I need to install voluntarily?
Can I get one on my motorcycle?
We’re ready to help!
