Maryland Drivers Manual - Maryland Drivers Handbook
Maryland Drivers Manual - Maryland Drivers Handbook
Maryland Drivers Manual - Maryland Drivers Handbook
The MVA shall provide exemplary driver and vehicle services that promote
Marylands mobility and safety while enhancing process and product security.
General Information: www.mva.maryland.gov
410-768-7000
TTY for the Hearing Impaired:
1-800-492-4575
Drivers Manual
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
The MVA shall provide exemplary driver and vehicle services that promote
Marylands mobility and safety while enhancing process and product security.
General Information: www.mva.maryland.gov
410-768-7000
www.mva.maryland.gov
Table of Contents
Section
I. Driving Tests Requirements
A.
B.
C.
D.
Vision Screening...............................................4
Knowledge Test.................................................4
Driving Skills Test..............................................4
Reportable Medical Conditions................4
Section
II. Licensing Requirements/Process
A. Rookie Driver/Graduated
Licensing System..............................................5
B. Learners Instructional Permit.....................5
C. Provisional License..........................................6
D. Drivers License.................................................6
E. Co-signer of Minors Application
for a License.......................................................6
F. Cancellation of Minors License on
Request of Co-Signer....................................7
G. Out-of-Country Licenses.............................7
Section
III. Basic Driving
A. Drive Defensively.............................................8
1. Visual Search/Driver
Awareness....................................................8
2. Risk Management.....................................8
B. Right-of-Way......................................................8
C. Understanding Vehicle Speed...................9
1. Speeding.......................................................9
2. Appropriate Speed for
Conditions....................................................9
D. Following Distance..........................................9
E. Stopping Distance...........................................10
F. Lane Driving.......................................................10
G. Turning..................................................................10
H. U-turn....................................................................10
I. Passing..................................................................10
J. General Parking Rules...................................11
Section
IV. Signals, Signs and Pavement
Markings
A. Traffic Signals......................................................12
1. Steady Red Signal.....................................12
2. Steady Yellow Signal................................12
3. Steady Green Signal................................12
4. Steady Red Arrow Signal.......................12
5. Steady Yellow Arrow Signal.................12
6. Steady Green Arrow Signal.................12
7. Flashing Red Signal..................................12
8. Flashing Yellow Signal.............................13
9. Flashing Red Arrow Signal....................13
10. Lane Use Signals.......................................13
B. Traffic Signs.........................................................13
1. Sign Colors..................................................13
2. Sign Shapes.................................................13
3. Regulatory Signs.......................................14
4. Overhead Lane Use Signs....................15
5. Traffic Warning Signs...............................15
6. Route Marker Signs.................................16
7. Service Information and
Guide Signs.................................................16
8. Mile Marker Signs....................................16
C. Highway Pavement Markings.....................16
1. Types of Line Markings...........................16
2. Other Pavement Markings...................17
3. Pavement Markings for
Bicycles and Pedestrians........................18
Section
V. Driving Situations and Conditions
A. Driving in Reduced Visibility........................19
Headlight Use.............................................19
B. Driving at Night.................................................19
C. Driving in Fog.....................................................20
D. Driving in Inclement Weather . ..................20
Special Attention for Driving on
Snow/Ice.......................................................20
E. Skidding................................................................21
F. Hydroplaning.....................................................21
G. HighwayRailroad Crossings....................21
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H.
I.
J.
1.
K.
L.
Section
VI. Dangerous Driving Behaviors
A. Alcohol, Drugs and Driving.........................25
1. Under 21 Alcohol
Restriction....................................................25
2. Controlled Dangerous
Substances (CDS) Illegal
and Prescription Drugs...........................25
3. Open Alcohol Container......................25
4. Transporting Children.............................26
B. Aggressive Driving and
Road Rage...................................................................26
C. Distracted Driving............................................26
Cell Phones.................................................26
D. Drowsy Driving.................................................27
Section
VII. Sharing the Road
A. Pedestrian Right-of-Way
1. Blind or Deaf Pedestrians or
Mobility Impaired Individuals
Right-of-Way at Crossings....................28
2. Crossing at Crosswalks..........................28
B. Emergency Vehicles.......................................28
C. Large Trucks.......................................................28
No-Zones.....................................................29
D. School Vehicles.................................................29
E. Motorcycles........................................................30
F. Bicycles.................................................................30
G. Mopeds and Scooters....................................32
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Section
VIII. Crashes and Traffic Stops
A. Crashes................................................................33
B. Traffic Stops.........................................................34
Section
IX. Other Restrictions, Violations and
Penalties
A. Restrictions.........................................................35
B. Notice to Applicant
Implied Consent...............................................35
C. Obtaining a False or Forged
Identification Card, Drivers License
or Learners Instructional Permit................36
D. Administrative Actions...................................36
1. Suspension of Drivers License............36
2. Revocation of Drivers License............36
3. Cancellation of Drivers License.........36
E. Sanctions..............................................................36
F. Use of Disability Parking Spaces,
License Plates and Placards........................37
Section
X. Other Important Information
A. Reportable Medical
Conditions...........................................................38
B. Supervising Driver Requirements
and Responsibilities.........................................38
C. Organ Donor.....................................................38
D. Register to Vote................................................39
E. Insurance Requirements...............................39
F. Seat Belt Law.....................................................39
G. Child Safety Seats............................................39
H. Air Bags................................................................39
I. Braking with Anti-Lock Braking
System (ABS).....................................................39
J. Wearing of Headsets, Earphones
and Earplugs Prohibited................................40
K. Parallel Parking..................................................40
L. Reverse Two-Point Turn.................................40
M. Rules and Tips for Bicyclists.........................40
A. Vision Screening
All Maryland drivers license applicants must pass
a vision screening in order to receive a license. The
vision screening may be performed by the MVA, or
the applicants vision specialist.
To qualify for a drivers license, the applicant must
have:
binocular vision;
visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye;
and
a continuous field of vision of at least 140
degrees.
If corrective lenses are needed to meet the
above standards, a restriction will be included
on the license requiring that corrective lenses
be worn while driving.
Additional information is available on the MVA
website for individuals who do not meet the vision
standards.
B. Knowledge Test
The knowledge test is designed to check the
applicants knowledge of motor vehicle laws, safe
driving practices and signs. The information on
which the applicant will be tested is in this manual.
Typically, the test is offered in an automated format
with an allotted completion time.
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Section II Licensing
Requirements/Process
New applicants must apply in person at an MVA full
service office and furnish acceptable documentation
to prove age and identity, lawful status, Social Security
Number (SSN), or proof of ineligibility for a SSN, and
two (2) residency documents. At least one of the identity
documents presented must include the applicants full
name. Applicants must bring original documents or
copies certified by the issuing agency. Photocopies,
notarized copies and documents with alterations or
erasures will not be accepted. For a complete listing of
acceptable documents, please visit the MVA website.
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C. Provisional License
A provisional license is a restricted drivers license
issued to new drivers who have never held a drivers
license or who have held a license for less than 18
months.
Applicants who wish to graduate from a Learners
Instructional Permit to a Provisional License:
must be at least 16 years and 6 months of age;
must have successfully completed a Marylandapproved driver education program. (A listing
of approved providers may be found on the
MVA website.);
must submit a completed and signed Practice
and Skills Log to document a minimum of 60
practice hours with a supervising driver;
must have a valid, unexpired Maryland
Learners Instructional Permit;
must have held a Maryland Learners
Instructional Permit for at least 9 months;
must not have any moving violation
convictions or have been granted probation
before judgment for any moving violations
within the previous 9 months; and
must successfully pass the driving skills test.
D. Drivers License
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G. Out-of-Country Licenses
Individuals who hold an out-of-country license
are required to successfully complete a vision
screening, knowledge test, driving skills test, and
an MVA approved three-hour alcohol and drug
education program in order to convert their license
to a Maryland license. An up-to-date listing of MVAapproved providers may be found on the MVA
website. If the out-of-country license is not in English,
it must be accompanied by an International License,
or a translation into English by an MVA approved
translator.
A. Drive Defensively
A basic rule of driving is that, at all times, the driver
of a vehicle on a highway shall control the vehicle as
necessary to avoid a crash. Driving a motor vehicle
requires that you take the responsibility to operate
the vehicle in a safe manner. Doing so will reduce
the risks for yourself, your passengers and other
roadway users.
1. Visual Search/Driver Awareness
To better prepare for the constant decisions
necessary for safe, defensive driving, you must
know what is happening around your vehicle.
Constantly observing your surroundings, to the
front, side and rear of your vehicle, helps you
to see problems that may cause you to change
speed or roadway position.
By searching ahead and being ready to change
speed or change lanes, you can operate a
vehicle more safely and allow yourself time to
identify risks.
2. Risk Management
Operating a motor vehicle is a risky activity.
Consider the following steps to manage risk
and be a safe and responsible driver:
adjust your speed, position, and direction
to respond to roadway conditions, enhance
vehicle control, and increase response time;
let other drivers know your intentions by using
turn signals, etc.;
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B. Right-of-Way
Right-of-way rules provide drivers with guidance
for situations when other drivers or pedestrians are
present. These rules determine which driver should
yield the right-of-way and the sequence for entering
and driving through an intersection or other driving
scenarios.
Although the right-of-way rules provide a guide to
determine who should yield the right-of-way, no
one should assume they automatically have the
right-of-way. The situation and circumstances at the
intersection must always be considered.
You are responsible for controlling your
vehicle as necessary to avoid a crash.
You should yield the right-of-way to:
the driver who is at or arrives before you at
the intersection;
drivers in the opposing traffic lane, when you
are making a left turn;
the driver on your right, if both of you arrive at
the intersection at the same time;
drivers on a public highway, if you are entering
the highway from a driveway or a private road;
drivers already on a limited access or
interstate highway, if you are on the entrance
or acceleration ramp;
the driver on your right at a four way
intersection controlled by stop signs;
pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers who
are still in the intersection;
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D. Following Distance
Always maintain a safe distance between your
vehicle and the one ahead of you . Most rear-end
collisions are caused by following too closely. A
minimum following distance of 3 to 4 seconds is
recommended under ideal driving conditions. This
means it takes you 3 to 4 seconds to get to the
same reference point as the car ahead of you. To
determine if you are following at a safe distance,
choose a fixed object ahead, such as a bridge,
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E. Stopping Distance
The distance it takes to stop your vehicle is
important to help you choose a safe driving speed.
Your actual stopping distance will depend upon
many factors, including:
the length of time it takes a driver to see and
recognize that there is a dangerous situation;
the type and condition of the roadway;
the condition of the tire treads;
the condition of the brakes.
F. Lane Driving
Your vehicle should be driven in a single lane. Do
not switch lanes until you determine it is safe to do
so. You should avoid drifting across lane lines and
making lane changes within an intersection.
Generally, you should keep your vehicle to the right
of the center of the roadway, unless you are passing
another vehicle going in the same direction, there
is a traffic signal designating it is okay to do so, or
there is an obstruction that makes it necessary to
safely adjust your position.
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G. Turning
When turning, you should:
look for signs and signals that give direction
on when you can turn;
plan your turn before reaching the turning
point;
activate your turn signal in advance to alert
other drivers;
look behind and to both sides to ensure it is
safe to proceed before making a turn;
adjust your speed for the turn.
H. U-turn
U-turns can be extremely dangerous and are not
legal everywhere. If you must make a U-turn, first
check to see if U-turns are allowed, and then turn on
your left turn signal, stop and yield for approaching
traffic. When the way is clear, proceed into the
outside or right-hand lane traveling in the opposite
direction.
I. Passing
When passing is permitted, you must:
estimate the time and space necessary to pass
and be sure you can pass without interfering
with any other vehicle;
use your turn signal before passing so that
you inform other drivers around you of your
intentions;
leave plenty of space and go around the other
vehicle at a safe distance;
see both headlights of the passed vehicle in
your rear view mirror before returning to the
original lane.
Generally, you should pass to the left of the other
vehicle. However, it is acceptable to pass on the
right if it is safe to do so, you stay on the roadway,
and:
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A. Traffic Signals
1. Steady Red Signal
Come to a complete stop at the stop line or, if
there is no stop line, prior to the crosswalk and
before entering the intersection, and remain
stopped as long as the signal is red. Unless a
sign prohibits turning on red, after coming to a
complete stop, you may turn right or you may
turn left from a one-way street to another oneway street. When turning on a red signal, you
must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and
all other traffic.
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1. Sign Colors
The principal background color of a traffic
sign can tell you at first glance what kind of
information it has to offer.
B. Traffic Signs
Traffic signs use both symbols and word messages
to convey information to road users. You should be
able to quickly identify traffic signs by their shapes
and colors as well as by the words, numbers, or the
symbols on them.
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2. Sign Shapes
The shape of a traffic sign can tell you as much
about the signs message as its color. In poor
visibility conditions, such as heavy fog, you may
be able to make out only the shape of a sign,
which could convey valuable information.
a. Octagon: Stop
The octagonal (eight-sided) shape always
means stop. You must come to a complete
stop.
b. Triangle: Yield
Slow down and, if necessary, stop to give the
right of way to vehicles and pedestrians.
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c. Diamond: Warning
These signs warn you of special conditions
or hazards ahead. You may have to slow
down, so be ready to take appropriate
action.
d. Rectangle: Regulatory or Guide
Vertical signs are generally used to give
instructions or tell you the rules of the
road. In the horizontal position, the signs
generally give directions or information.
e. Pentagon: School Zone and School
Crossing
The pentagon (five-sided) shape warns you of
school zones and marks school crossings.
f. Pennant: No Passing
Indicates the start of a no passing zone.
3. Regulatory Signs
These signs provide notice to road users of
traffic laws, and they must be obeyed.
a. 8-Sided Sign, White Letters on Red
The Stop sign is the only 8-sided sign you
will see on the highway. When you come to
a stop sign, you must make a complete stop
at the stop line. If there is no stop line, stop
before entering a crosswalk. If there is no
stop line or crosswalk, stop before entering
the intersection. Before starting, you must
yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and
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No Turn
On Red
Left Turn
Only
Do Not
Pass
One Way
Do Not
Enter
No
Turns
No Left
Turn
No
Parking
No Right
Turn
Wrong
Way
No U Turn
Bike Lane
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Stay to Right of
Median
Reserved as
Disability Parking
Space
High Occupancy
Vehicles
Two-way Left
Turn Only
Road
Curves
Pedestrian
Crossing
Sharp
Turns
Lane Ends
Merge Left
Road
Curves
Road
Divides
Ahead
Side Road
Enters
Ahead
Divided
Roadway
Ends Ahead
T
Intersection
Ahead
Roundabout
T Intersection
RR crossing
just before T
intersection
ahead.
Slippery
When Wet
School
Crossing
Ahead
Steep
Hill
Pedestrian
Bicycle
Crossing
Stop
Ahead
Advisory
Speed
Yield
Ahead
ExitRamp
Advisory
Speed
Flagger
Ahead
Signal
Ahead
No
Passing
Zone
Detour
Sharp
Right
Turn
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Roadway
Merging
School
Bus Stop
Ahead
Trail
Crossing
Truck
Crossing
Roadwork
Ahead
Lane
Ends
Intersection
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Interstate
U.S Route
State Route
Destination Guide
1. Types of Line
Markings
Hospital
Gas
Lodging
Airport
Food
Train
Station
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or
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Headlight Use
Knowing when and how to use your headlights
is critical for safe driving. Headlights are not
only used by drivers to help them see in low
visibility situations, they are also helpful in
identifying your vehicle to oncoming traffic.
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Low Beam
Use low beams when:
B. Driving at Night
Night driving creates a different set of problems
for drivers. Driving at night is more hazardous and
more difficult than daytime driving making it more
difficult to judge distance and traveling speed of
other vehicles. You can see only as far as your
headlights allow. Risks increase at night due to
visibility problems, which make it difficult to clearly
see the path of travel and determine the actions of
other drivers.
Below are some simple suggestions to follow when
driving at night:
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C. Driving in Fog
There are some unique circumstances while driving
in fog that require additional actions on the part
of the driver. Below are some general guidelines
and requirements for operating a vehicle in foggy
conditions:
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E. Skidding
Traction or adhesion is the grip between the tires and
the road surface that allows a vehicle to start, stop
and/or change direction. Traction between the tires
and the road does not remain constant. For example,
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F. Hydroplaning
As vehicle speed increases and the amount of water
on the roadway increases, vehicles tend to ride on a
cushion of water and the tires lose contact with the
road. This is called hydroplaning. Hydroplaning
can cause partial or complete loss of control of the
vehicle. To prevent hydroplaning, maintain your
tires in good condition, and lower your speed in
response to wet roads. If you detect a loss of control,
take your foot off the gas, do not apply the brakes,
maintain the direction of the vehicle, and allow the
vehicle to slow to a manageable speed.
G. Highway-Railroad Crossings
emember, trains cannot stop quickly.
R
Extra caution should be used when
traveling over railroad crossings.
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I. Roundabouts
J. Interstate Driving
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K. Funeral Processions
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C. Distracted Driving
Concentration is essential for safe driving. You
should be constantly aware of the road and the
other vehicles around you. Keep alert and you may
be able to foresee a crash and avoid it. Constantly
check the position of vehicles behind you, as well as
those beside and ahead of you.
The term distracted driving refers to anything
that takes your eyes, hands or especially your mind,
away from driving. Distracted driving is the most
common contributing factor in police-reported
traffic crashes. Distractions of any sort cause drivers
to miss key visual and audio cues needed to avoid a
crash.
Many activities contribute to distracted driving.
Some examples include:
Cell Phones
Maryland Vehicle Law prohibits the use of
hand-held cell phones, including texting, while
operating a motor vehicle. Although hands-free
devices are permitted, drivers should minimize
calls and focus on the following safe driving
practices:
use your cell phone only in emergencies; if
possible, have a passenger make the call;
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D. Drowsy Driving
Not getting enough sleep is another cause of poor
driving behavior. Sleepiness slows reaction time,
decreases awareness and impairs judgment, just
like drugs or alcohol. A lack of sleep can significantly
increase your chances of being involved in a crash.
Some drivers are at a higher risk for feeling drowsy
while operating a vehicle. Examples include
individuals who drive many miles each day, those
with sleep disorders, and those taking certain
medications.
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2. Crossing at Crosswalks
A crosswalk is the portion of the
roadway meant to be used for
pedestrian crossings. Crosswalks can
be marked on the pavement surface,
however, a crosswalk exists across
most intersection approaches even if
no crosswalk marking is present.
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B. Emergency Vehicles
Authorized emergency vehicles, such as police
cars, ambulances and fire engines, have the rightof-way when they are using their audible or visual
signals, i.e. sirens and flashing lights.
C. Large Trucks
Watch for turning trucks. Trucks make wide turns at
intersections and require additional space. When
making a right turn, large trucks will often move left
prior to making the turn. Car drivers may see this as
a lane change to the left and attempt to pass on the
right. Passing any truck on the right can be risky. Wait
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NO-ZONES
'
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50'
10' to 20'
200'
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D. School Vehicles
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E. Motorcycles
Motorcycles are vehicles with the same rights and
privileges as any vehicle on the roadway. But in
crashes, a motorcyclist is six times more likely to be
hurt than a car driver. Motorcycles are smaller than
cars and trucks, and it can be harder to judge the
speed and distance of an oncoming motorcycle.
Yield right-of-way to an oncoming
motorcycle when turning left. Violating a
motorcyclists right of way can result in a citation
with significant penalties if you cause a serious injury.
Drivers are at fault in just over half of car crashes with
motorcycles.
Look twice before changing lanes or merging
into traffic. Use your mirrors and look over your
shoulder to be sure it is safe before merging or
changing lanes. Motorcycles can be hidden in a
vehicles blind spot or missed in a quick look due to
their smaller size.
Do not share a lane with a motorcycle.
Motorcyclists often adjust their position in the traffic
lane to avoid road hazards like potholes or oil spills,
because of wind, and to be seen by other road users.
Motorcyclists are entitled to use the entire lane.
Do not tailgate or drive too close to a
motorcycle. Allow at least 3 to 4-second following
distance between your vehicle and the motorcycle in
front of you. Motorcycles may need to slow for road
hazards like gravel, wet road or railroad crossings
that dont affect cars the same way. Motorcyclists
often reduce speed by downshifting or merely
rolling off the throttle, which do not activate the
brake light. So, be alert and leave plenty of space
around motorcycles.
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F. Bicycles
Right-of-Way
By Maryland law, bicycles are vehicles. Bicyclists
are authorized users of the roadway, and have
rights-of-way and the same duty to obey all traffic
signals as motorists. But bicyclists are less visible,
quieter, and dont have a protective barrier around
them. Motorists must drive carefully near bicyclists:
even a slight mistake can result in serious injury or
even death.
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B. Traffic Stops
Law enforcement officers issue written traffic
citations to persons who are charged with violating
the Maryland Motor Vehicle Law. You must follow
the directions of the officer at the time of the stop or
you may be subject to arrest.
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D. Administrative Actions
The MVA may suspend, revoke, refuse or cancel
a license for violations of motor vehicle laws. The
MVA will send a notice to the individuals address
of record to advise of a proposed administrative
action, the reason the action is being taken, and
what steps the individual may take to either have
the action modified or not imposed. In most cases,
an administrative hearing may be requested to
show cause why the administrative action should
not occur. Maryland Motor Vehicle Law requires
the surrender of any license, which is suspended,
revoked, refused or cancelled. Credit for the term of
the suspension, revocation, or period of restriction
will begin only after the license is received by the
MVA.
1. Suspension of Drivers License
The suspension of a Maryland drivers license
is the temporary withdrawal of the privilege
to operate a motor vehicle. In some cases, the
MVA may determine to grant the individual a
restricted drivers license. The restricted license
allows the individual to operate a motor vehicle
only for a specific purpose, i.e., employment and
educational purposes.
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E. Sanctions
Provisional licensees must hold a valid provisional
license for an assigned conviction free period
before becoming eligible for full license status.
Convictions or Probation before Judgment (PBJ)
for moving violations while holding a provisional
license will require the completion of a driver
improvement program and/or a suspension or
revocation of the drivers license followed by the
imposition of an employment and education only
restriction on the drivers license.
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C. Organ Donor
Maryland residents can give the gift of life and health
to someone else by donating organs or tissues after
death. Anyone 18 years of age or older may be an
organ donor. Minors who are at least 16 years old
may add a donor designation if a parent or guardian
consents in writing. Look for the statement on your
license application or renewal notice that states
Please check, if upon your death, you desire to help
others by becoming an organ donor. By checking
YES, you authorize all necessary personal
information to be forwarded to the Maryland
Department of Health & Mental Hygiene and
maintained in the Maryland Organ Donor Registry.
Additional information on the organ donor program
may be found on the MVA website.
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D. Register to Vote
The National Voter Registration Act of 1993, often
referred to as Motor Voter, is a federal law that
requires the MVA to provide its eligible customers
the opportunity to apply to register to vote, or
update voting information, during a drivers license
or photo identification (ID) card transaction.
E. Insurance Requirements
All motor vehicles registered in Maryland must
be insured by a company licensed in Maryland.
Vehicle owners must have their vehicles insured
for personal injury and property damage liability in
amounts required by law. See the MVA website for
additional information regarding specific amounts
of required insurance.
H. Air Bags
Air bags are important safety devices that provide
protection in crashes. For best protection:
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K. Parallel Parking
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