New Law Increases Penalties for Drunk Driving in Maryland

Effective October 1, 2019, motorists who are caught drunk driving in the state of Maryland will face steeper fines and increased jail time thanks to House Bill 708, which was signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan. Repeat offenders will face increased fines and extended jail time, and penalties will automatically be doubled for motorists who are caught drunk driving with minors in the vehicle, regardless of whether the driver is a first-time or a repeat offender. The purpose of the law is to prevent serious injuries and fatalities related to drunk driving.

According to an MDOT MVA Administrator, the agency is taking a multifaceted approach to the impaired driving issue. This is not a simple problem to fix, but we are committed to doing what it takes to prevent future drunk driving accidents. This new law helps us do that, particularly when combined with other effective programs, such as Maryland’s Ignition Interlock Program, which makes it mandatory for interlock devices to be installed in vehicles of convicted drunk drivers, even if it was a first offense.

Governor Hogan recently expanded the Ignition Interlock Program to also install cameras in vehicles of individuals who are new participants in the program. The program is managed by MDOT MVA. While the cameras do not record sound or video, the images that they capture help program managers confirm that the correct person is using the device, and that it is working properly.

MDOT MVA’s Campaign to Prevent Human Trafficking

 In addition to stricter laws to prevent drunk driving, MDOT MVA has created a campaign targeting human trafficking, which a serious problem that impacts men, women, and children around the world. Victims of human trafficking are forced to work in unsafe and potentially dangerous circumstances and are often sexually abused. According to the new law, all commercial driver’s license (CDL) training schools in Maryland must provide human trafficking prevention training. Once they completed this training, CDL holders will be able to recognize, prevent, and report suspected human trafficking to authorities. MDOT MVA has also taken steps to educate the general public about human trafficking. Motorists can go to the MDOT MVA’s website to find valuable information about the National Human Trafficking Hotline. In addition, alerts will appear on information screens and self-service kiosks at every branch location. When customers use these services, their receipt will include a message about human trafficking prevention.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Justice for Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents

 If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a car accident involving another driver who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. Drunk driving accidents often cause serious, even fatal injuries, yet they are completely preventable. Our skilled legal team will determine who is responsible for your injuries and ensure that you receive the maximum financial compensation you deserve. We will not stop fighting for you until justice has been served. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, we represent clients throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.