A driving restriction is a limitation of your driving privileges that may have been imposed for various reasons. The MVA may restrict your driving privileges as a result of a judge's decision in a court or administrative hearing case in which you are involved, because of an alcohol or drug related incident, or for medical or other reasons.

What kinds of driving restrictions may be imposed?

Depending upon your situation, one of the following types of restrictions may be placed on your driving record:

• Work or education restriction You may be limited to driving only to and from work or school and during the course of your employment. In some instances, your employer may be asked to verify your employment in writing.

• Medical restriction You may be required to use special equipment when driving, or your driving times and/or driving area may be limited. The types of medical restrictions that may be imposed include:
  • Corrective lenses required
  • Adaptive equipment required
    • Hand control
    • Spinner knob
    • Left foot accelerator
  • Outside mirrors required on both sides of the vehicle
  • Prosthetic aid required
  • Automatic transmission required
  • Daylight driving only permitted
  • Driving limited to a certain geographical area
  • No driving on expressways, beltways, or interstate highways
    
• Alcohol/drug restriction

You are prohibited from driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol, or any other mood altering substance, in any amount. Furthermore, if you receive two alcohol related convictions within a 2-year period you will be subject to a 3-year alcohol restriction. If you are under 21 years of age you are restricted from driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle while having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level between .02 grams/100ml and .08 grams/100 ml.​

• Ignition interlock device restriction

You are required to install and maintain an Alcohol Breath-Analyzed Ignition Interlock Device in your vehicle that is equipped with a camera. You must breathe into this device every time you start your vehicle so that it can test for the presence of alcohol in your system. See Ignition Interlock Program for more information about this process, or contact an ignition interlock service provider.

What happens when a decision is made to impose a driving restriction?

Once it is determined that your driving privilege must be restricted, you will receive a letter that explains the type of restriction and how you can obtain a new, restricted driver's license at any MVA branch office. The restriction will be marked on the front of your driver's license.

If you do not comply with the restriction rules, your driver's license will be suspended, or other actions may be taken to further limit your driving privileges.

Fees:

• There is a fee for a new driver's license. If the restriction is imposed because of your physical impairment, or if you are required to add adaptive equipment to your vehicle, the MVA will issue you a new, restricted license at no cost to you. However, if you are eligible to have your driver's license renewed when the restriction is applied (6 months or less prior to the expiration of your driver's license), you will be requested to pay the standard license renewal fee.
• There are fees associated with the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device.

Contact Information:

MVA
Driver Wellness and Safety Division
6601 Ritchie Highway
Glen Burnie, MD 21062

MVA
Administrative Adjudication Division
6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E.
Glen Burnie, MD 21062

For telephone questions:
MVA Customer Service Center:   1-410-768-7000
TTY/Hearing Impaired:                  1-301-729-4563

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