7.4 MVA Points, Suspension, Revocation, Cancellation & False Identification
Key Takeaways
Within any 2-year period: 3 points brings a warning letter, 5 points requires a driver improvement program, 8 points means suspension and 12 points means revocation.
Common point values: following too closely 2, speeding 10 or more over the limit 2, any moving violation that contributes to a crash 3, aggressive driving 5, reckless driving 6, DWI 8 and DUI 12.
A suspension temporarily removes your privilege, sometimes with a restricted license for work or school; a revocation is more severe and has a minimum waiting period before you can ask for reinstatement.
Cancellation is the most severe action: the privilege ends and is not reinstated, for example after fraud on an application.
When your license is suspended, revoked, refused or canceled you must surrender it to the MVA, and the period begins when the MVA receives it.
Driving Is a Privilege
The manual reminds you that driving is a privilege, not a right. The MVA may impose restrictions on your license to make sure you drive safely, and driving in violation of a restriction is a serious offense that can cost you your privileges.
Administrative Actions
The MVA may suspend, revoke, refuse or cancel your license if you violate motor vehicle laws. When it does, the MVA mails you a notice that explains:
- The action it plans to take.
- The reason for the action.
- The steps you may take to have the action changed or stopped.
In most cases you can request an administrative hearing to explain why the action should not happen. For point suspensions and revocations, the notice is served in person or sent by certified mail, and you have 10 days (not counting weekends and holidays) to request a hearing before it takes effect.
If your license is suspended, revoked, refused or canceled, you must give your license to the MVA, and you may not drive. Suspension and revocation periods begin when the MVA receives your license.
| Action | What it means |
|---|---|
| Suspension | You temporarily lose the privilege of driving. In some cases the MVA may issue a restricted license that allows driving only for specific purposes, such as work and school. |
| Revocation | More severe than suspension. You may not drive until the MVA decides you can drive safely again. There is a minimum waiting period before you can request reinstatement, and the MVA can deny the request. |
| Cancellation | More severe than suspension or revocation: your privilege is terminated and not reinstated. The MVA may cancel a license if you should not have been given one, if you did not provide required or correct information on the application, or if you committed fraud when applying. A parent or guardian of a driver under 18 can also request cancellation. |
| Refusal | The MVA declines to issue or renew a license, for example after a medical review. |
The MVA Point System
After a conviction, the MVA assesses points as of the date of the violation (Transportation Article § 16-402) and acts on the points accumulated within any 2-year period (§ 16-404):
| Points within 2 years | MVA action |
|---|---|
| 3 | Warning letter |
| 5 | Required driver improvement program |
| 8 | Suspension |
| 12 | Revocation |
For a point suspension, the first suspension may be 2 to 30 days, and later ones 15 to 90 days.
Common Point Values
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Any moving violation not listed below, not contributing to a crash | 1 |
| Following too closely; speeding 10 mph or more over the limit; failing to stop for a red signal; negligent driving | 2 |
| Passing an emergency vehicle that is using its signals | 2 |
| Failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights; any moving violation that contributes to a crash | 3 |
| Driving on a learner's permit unaccompanied; driving without a license; failing to report a crash; driving uninsured; aggressive driving; speeding 20 mph or more over a 65 mph limit | 5 |
| Reckless driving; speeding 30 mph or more over the limit | 6 |
| DWI; failing to stop after a crash that damages a vehicle or property | 8 |
| DUI; leaving the scene of an injury or fatal crash; fleeing police; driving while suspended or revoked; texting or handheld use that causes death or serious injury | 12 |
When several charges arise from the same incident, the MVA assesses points only for the charge with the highest value. Provisional drivers face additional sanctions (see Section 1.4), such as a 6-month suspension after 5 or more points in 12 months.
Restrictions
Restrictions may come with your license type (the provisional restrictions in Section 1.4), from a medical or vision review (Section 1.2), or after violations (for example, an interlock "J" restriction). Driving in violation of a restriction can lead to suspension or revocation.
False or Forged Identification
If you try to get a fake identification card, learner's permit or driver's license, you may be fined and/or sent to prison under federal and state law. It is also against the law to lie about your age to buy, possess or acquire alcohol, and in addition to those penalties your license may be suspended. Fraud on a license application can lead to cancellation.
Scenario Practice
- A driver has a 2-point speeding conviction and a 3-point crash-related conviction within 18 months. That is 5 points: the MVA requires a driver improvement program.
- A driver accumulates 8 points in 2 years. The MVA sends a notice of suspension, and the driver has 10 days to request a hearing.
- A driver gave false information on a license application. The MVA may cancel the license permanently.
How many points within a 2-year period lead the MVA to suspend a driver's license?
3
5
12
8
Which administrative action does the manual describe as the most severe, ending the driving privilege without reinstatement?
Suspension
Cancellation
Revocation
A restricted license
How many points does the MVA assess for speeding 30 mph or more over the posted limit?
6
2
5
12
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.