You’re standing on the side of the road, the flashing lights are fading, and reality is starting to set in. You’ve just been handed an Order of Suspension. Your physical plastic license is gone, confiscated by the officer. Your first thought isn't about the fine or even the court date, it’s about Monday morning: How am I supposed to get to work?
In Maryland, a driver’s license isn't a luxury; for most of us, it’s our lifeline. Without it, you can’t earn a living, you can’t pick up your kids, and you can’t move forward.
At Maronick Law, we know that the MVA system feels like a maze designed to make you fail. But here is the truth: A suspension notice is not the end of the road. There are specific, aggressive steps you can take right now to secure a restricted license and keep your life on track.
The 45-Day Countdown: Why You Must Act Within 10 Days
When the officer took your license, they gave you a paper document (the DR-15). This is your temporary license, and it is valid for exactly 45 days. On the 46th day, your driving privileges vanish completely, unless you intervene.
To protect your right to drive to work, you have two main windows of opportunity:
- The 10-Day Window (Critical): If you request an administrative hearing within 10 days of your stop, your temporary driving privileges are automatically extended until the date of your hearing. This is the gold standard for defense. It ensures there is no gap where you are unable to drive while waiting for your day in court.
- The 30-Day Window (Final Call): You have up to 30 days to request a hearing. However, if you wait past the 10th day, your license will still likely be suspended on the 46th day, even if your hearing hasn't happened yet.
At Maronick Law, we don’t wait for deadlines to approach. We move immediately to file these requests because we know that even a single day without a license can jeopardize your employment.
Who Qualifies for a Work-Restricted License in Baltimore, Maryland?
Not everyone is eligible for a simple work permit that allows you to drive to and from your job. Maryland’s rules are strict and depend heavily on what happened during your stop.
Similar Post: How Long Does a DUI Stay on My Maryland Driving Record and Criminal History?
Category A: The Work Permit (BAC 0.08 to 0.14)
If you took the breath test and your result was between 0.08 and 0.14, you may be eligible for a restricted license that allows you to drive for:
- Employment (to and from work and during work hours).
- Education (attending classes).
- Medical treatments for you or your immediate family.
- Alcohol education programs.
Category B: Mandatory Ignition Interlock (BAC 0.15+ or Refusal)
If your BAC was 0.15 or higher, or if you refused the breath test, Maryland law mandates participation in the Ignition Interlock Program (IIP). Under the 2024 expansion of Noah’s Law (HB 105), the state has eliminated work-only permits for these offenses.
The law now applies to all individuals convicted of, or granted Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for, DUI or DWI, regardless of whether it was a first-time offense or a high BAC. If you fall into this category, your only path to maintaining driving privileges is the installation of an interlock device.
Key requirements under the current law include:
- Mandatory Enrollment: A restricted work-only license is no longer an option for those facing these charges; the interlock device is the sole requirement to stay on the road.
- PBJ Inclusion: Even if you receive Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), you are now legally required to participate in the Ignition Interlock Program.
- Compliance Period: To successfully exit the program, you must complete a set period (determined by the MVA based on your specific offense) and must maintain a record of at least 180 days without a violation before the device can be removed.
Similar Post: What Steps Should You Take Immediately After a DUI Arrest in Ocean City?
How We Navigate the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) in Maryland
Getting a restricted license isn't as simple as checking a box on a form. You have to attend a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This isn't a criminal trial to determine guilt; it is a civil hearing to determine if the MVA should take your license.
This is where having a seasoned advocate makes the difference. We prepare a mitigation package for the judge that shows you are a responsible citizen who simply cannot survive without a license. This often includes:
- Employment Verification: A formal letter from your employer or recent pay stubs proving you are gainfully employed.
- Schedule Requirements: Proof of your work hours and the geographic area you need to cover.
- Alcohol Assessment: Showing the judge that you have already proactively enrolled in alcohol education classes.
We stand before the judge and argue that a total suspension would be an undue hardship. We know what these judges need to hear and what evidence they need to see to grant a modification of your suspension.
Similar Post: Could a Medical Condition or Diet Trigger a False BAC Reading During a DUI Stop?
Restricted License FAQ
Q: Can I drive anywhere in Maryland with a restricted license? A: No. A restricted license is very specific. If your license says Work Only, and you are caught driving to the grocery store or a movie theater, you are technically driving on a suspended license. This can lead to your arrest and the permanent revocation of your privileges.
Q: Does a restricted license work for CDL holders in Towson, Maryland? A: Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) rules are much harsher. If you were in a commercial vehicle or have a CDL, a DUI/DWI Administrative Per Se finding usually results in a one-year disqualification of your CDL, and restricted licenses are generally not available for commercial operation. You need immediate legal intervention to fight the underlying stop.
Q: Do I have to go to the MVA to get my restricted license? A: Once the judge grants the restriction at your hearing, you will receive a form. You must take that form to a full-service MVA branch to have a new physical license printed that shows your restrictions on the front.
Q: Is it expensive to get a restricted license? A: There is a $150 filing fee for the MVA hearing itself. If you are required to use an Ignition Interlock device, there are also installation and monthly monitoring fees. However, compared to the cost of losing your job, these are minor hurdles.
- ★★★★★
I recently had Mr. Maronick represent me for my first DUI case. I was very nervous about it because of the results of the DUI incident. The outcome that I was initially looking at was jail time, high fines and a license suspension. He got me out of jail time, I got probation, and the fines were thrown out. All I ended up having to pay were court costs. He really did his job, and I am very appreciative of that. I highly recommend him to be hired for your DUI case or any others you may have.
Myeshia - ★★★★★
Late last year I found myself in a position that I clearly had no ability to get out of on my end. Yes, you guessed it right I caught a DUI. Feeling ashamed and embarrassed I immediately put those feelings to the side and contacted the Maronick Law Firm. From the initial consultation, Tom made me feel at ease about my situation and instructed me on everything to do before my court date I ended up getting the DUI charge dropped to a PB - no points on my license or charges on my record, just a fine and 2yrs probation. To anyone going through a similar scenario, I highly recommend you reach out to the Maronick Law Firm.
Brandon See All Client Reviews
Maronick Law is Here to Protect Your Livelihood in Maryland
A DUI arrest makes you feel like the system is stacked against you. The police, the MVA, and the courts all seem to be moving in one direction. You need a team that moves in the other; one that pushes back, finds the flaws in the state's case, and fights to keep you behind the wheel.
At Maronick Law, we pride ourselves on being the advocates who don't sleep so you can. We are available 24/7 because we know that the panic of a license suspension doesn't happen during 9-to-5 business hours.
Your job is too important to leave to chance. Let us handle the MVA while you focus on your future.
Arrested for a DUI in Ocean City? Take the First Step Toward Saving Your License
Don't let the 10-day clock run out. Contact us today to start building your defense and secure your right to drive.
1. Call Us Directly (Available 24/7): Dial 443-551-2747right now. We have offices conveniently located in Baltimore, Ocean City, Glen Burnie, Towson, Westminster, Bel Air, Easton, and Rockville.
2. Contact Us Online for a Free Evaluation: Fill out our online contact form. Give us the details of your stop, and one of our dedicated Maryland criminal defense attorneys will contact you shortly to review your options.
- ★★★★★
I recently had Mr. Maronick represent me for my first DUI case. I was very nervous about it because of the results of the DUI incident. The outcome that I was initially looking at was jail time, high fines and a license suspension. He got me out of jail time, I got probation, and the fines were thrown out. All I ended up having to pay were court costs. He really did his job, and I am very appreciative of that. I highly recommend him to be hired for your DUI case or any others you may have.
Myeshia - ★★★★★
Late last year I found myself in a position that I clearly had no ability to get out of on my end. Yes, you guessed it right I caught a DUI. Feeling ashamed and embarrassed I immediately put those feelings to the side and contacted the Maronick Law Firm. From the initial consultation, Tom made me feel at ease about my situation and instructed me on everything to do before my court date I ended up getting the DUI charge dropped to a PB - no points on my license or charges on my record, just a fine and 2yrs probation. To anyone going through a similar scenario, I highly recommend you reach out to the Maronick Law Firm.
Brandon See All Client Reviews
Maronick Law: Aggressive Advocacy. Real Results. Your Bridge Through the Storm.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.