Maryland Restricted License

Three Types of Restricted Driving Privileges

Maryland offers three distinct restricted license types, each with its own eligibility criteria, permitted purposes, and physical credential code. They are not interchangeable, and qualifying for one does not mean you qualify for the others.

Standard Restricted License. Available for first-offense points-based suspensions and drivers with a BAC of 0.08 to 0.149. Limits driving to specific verified purposes — employment commuting, on-the-job driving, educational classes, necessary medical treatments, and mandated alcohol education. The permitted times, routes, and destinations are printed on the physical credential. Driving outside those parameters is a criminal violation.

To get one, you typically need to request an OAH hearing ($150 filing fee) within 15 days of your suspension notice. The administrative law judge can grant restricted privileges based on your employment necessity, rehabilitation evidence, and driving record. You'll need a certified employer letter on company letterhead, school enrollment documents, or verified medical provider notes.

Ignition Interlock License (Restriction Code J). Mandatory for DUI/DWI convictions, PBJ grants, test refusals, and BAC of 0.15 or higher. Unlike the standard restricted license, this allows unrestricted personal driving — the restriction is equipment-based rather than purpose-based. You can drive anywhere, anytime, as long as the vehicle has an MVA-approved camera-enabled ignition interlock device installed and calibrated.

This is the only option for drivers with a BAC of 0.15 or higher or who refused a chemical test. HB 105 (effective October 2024) eliminated work-only restricted licenses for this group entirely.

Child Support Restricted License (Restriction Code H). Issued when a driver's license is suspended for child support arrearages but the driver establishes a partial payment plan with the Child Support Administration. Driving is strictly limited to direct commuting to and from work, or driving during the active course of employment. No personal trips, no errands, no medical appointments.

To get one, you need a Work-Restricted Driver's License Authorization letter from the CSA, which you take to an MVA branch. The MVA charges a $30 license correction fee. The Code H route does not require an OAH filing fee; a separate hearing option may apply if you dispute the child-support obligation.

What You Cannot Do With a Restricted License

Each restricted license type specifies exactly what driving is permitted. Everything else is prohibited. Common mistakes:

• Driving a standard restricted license outside the printed hours or to an unverified destination
• Driving a Code H child support restriction for personal errands, medical visits, or dropping kids at school
• Operating a non-interlock vehicle on a Code J license
• Assuming a restricted license means "light suspension" — any violation of the restriction terms is treated as driving on a suspended license under § 16-303

The penalties for violating restriction terms are identical to driving on a fully suspended license. For substantive suspensions, that's up to 1 year in jail, a $1,000 fine, and 12 points.

Eligibility Gaps

Restricted licenses are not available for every type of suspension:

• Multiple active holds: If you have overlapping suspensions (say, a child support hold plus a points suspension), the MVA may not be able to issue any credential until at least one hold is fully cleared. A child support suspension blocks the MVA from printing an interlock license, for instance.
• Revocations: Standard restricted licenses are generally not available during a revocation period. The interlock option may still be available for alcohol-related revocations, depending on the specific circumstances.
• Out-of-state holds: If the National Driver Register shows an active suspension from another state, Maryland cannot issue any form of credential — restricted or otherwise — until the out-of-state issue is resolved.

Costs

The direct costs vary by type:

• Standard restricted: $150 OAH hearing filing fee + $30 MVA license correction fee
• Ignition interlock: $100–$180 device installation + $80–$100/month monitoring lease + $47 MVA enrollment fee
• Child support: $30 MVA license correction fee (no hearing fee)

The standard restricted option is the cheapest upfront, but requires a successful OAH hearing. The interlock option carries significant ongoing monthly costs but offers unrestricted driving purposes. The child support option is the cheapest overall but the most limited in what it permits.

Choosing the Right Path

If you're eligible for more than one type of restricted privilege, the decision comes down to your driving needs and financial situation. A driver who needs unrestricted personal driving may find the interlock program worth its monthly cost. A driver who only needs to commute to one workplace might prefer the standard restricted license and its lower ongoing expense.

The Maryland Driver's License Reinstatement Guide helps you identify which restricted options are available based on your specific suspension type and guides you through the application process for each one.

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