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Maryland bill would restore points for repeat DWI/DUI convictions
Summary
Delegate Roberson and prosecutors urged the House Judiciary Committee to reinstate motor vehicle point penalties for repeat DWI/DUI offenders by amending Maryland Transportation Article §21-902 so the Motor Vehicle Administration may assess up to 12 points for repeat impaired-driving convictions.
Delegate Roberson and a prosecutor representing the Maryland State's Attorneys Association told the House Judiciary Committee on Feb. 5 that a 2019 change to impaired-driving penalties left a gap: repeat DWI/DUI convictions currently can carry increased fines and jail time but, they argued, do not trigger motor vehicle points under Maryland law.
The bill sponsored by Delegate Roberson would amend the Maryland Transportation Article §21-902 to make repeat DUI/DWI offenders subject to points assessments, including the maximum 12 points in appropriate repeat-offender cases. David Daggett, testifying for the Maryland State's Attorneys Association, described the change as fixing “a loophole” that left third- and fourth-time impaired-driving convictions without associated points even though they can carry jail sentences.
Proponents said the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) told sponsors it believes it lacks explicit statutory authority to assign points for the repeat-offender language enacted in 2019. The measure would make that authority explicit so the MVA can assess points in addition to the criminal penalties already available.
No opponents spoke during the panel testimony; sponsors said the Maryland State's Attorneys Association has long supported the change and expected little opposition.
The committee hearing record shows the bill drew a brief presentation by the sponsor and supportive prosecutorial testimony; no formal vote was recorded during the hearing.
A next step for the legislation would be committee consideration and any drafting adjustments requested by counsel.
