What Are the Charges for Minors Caught Driving Under the Influence of Drugs in Maryland?

 Posted on May 07, 2026 in Underage DUI

Drug DUIs are serious business for anyone, but when a minor is involved, they have the potential to be even more life-altering. If an underage person in your life was caught behind the wheel while intoxicated, you’re probably wondering how severe the punishment will be and if there’s a way to avoid major criminal charges. An Olney DUI defense attorney can help your family understand how the court will classify your case and what options are available.

What Are Maryland’s Laws About Driving While Under the Influence of Drugs?

Driving under the influence can refer to either alcohol or drug impairment, but Maryland law treats them differently. Under Maryland Transportation Code § 21-902, it is illegal for any person to drive or attempt to drive while impaired by any drug, combination of drugs, or a combination of drugs and alcohol. This applies to drivers of any age.

It’s important to note that Maryland law makes a distinction between "drugs" and "controlled substances." Controlled substances are a subcategory of drugs that are highly regulated because of their dangerous or addictive nature (i,e., opioids). The penalties for driving under the influence of a controlled substance are much more substantial than for driving under the influence of other drugs.

Not every drug is going to get someone a DUI. The key factor in whether or not an officer will flag someone for a DUI is whether they are showing impaired driving. Drug impairment doesn't have a specific test process the way alcohol does. Instead, police look for signs that the driver isn’t operating the vehicle safely. Some officers are specifically trained on how to recognize drug impairment. All officers can request toxicology tests via blood or urine samples if they suspect a driver of being impaired.

Finding traces of drugs in a minor’s system can result in charges even if that minor showed minimal signs of intoxication when they were pulled over. Residual amounts of a controlled substance in their system can be enough when paired with other evidence of impaired driving.

What Charges Can a Minor Face for Drug-Impaired Driving in Maryland?

The specific charges for drugged driving depend on the circumstances. Minors caught driving under the influence of drugs in Maryland can face both criminal charges and administrative penalties.

Criminal Charges

Depending on the severity of the situation, a minor may be charged with:

• Driving under the influence of drugs (DUI/D)

• Driving while impaired by drugs (DWI/D)

• Possession of a controlled dangerous substance, if drugs are found in the vehicle

• Possession of drug paraphernalia

Penalties for a first offense of driving while impaired by drugs – not controlled substances – can include up to two months’ imprisonment or a fine of up to $500 or both. A second offense can result in up to a year’s imprisonment or a fine of up to $500 or both. Cases involving minors are sometimes handled in juvenile court rather than adult criminal court. Juvenile proceedings are generally less public. They may also offer more rehabilitative options in place of prison time.

Administrative Penalties

Separate from any criminal case, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration can take action against a minor's license. Penalties may include:

• Suspension or revocation of the minor's driver's license

• Requirement to complete a Driver Improvement Program

• Ignition interlock requirements if alcohol was also involved

These penalties can apply even before a criminal conviction, simply based on the traffic stop and arrest.

Can a Drug DUI Charge Affect a Minor's Future in Maryland?

A drug DUI conviction on a minor's record can affect college admissions, financial aid eligibility, and future employment opportunities. Some professional licensing boards ask about criminal history. A conviction during a person's teenage years can still come up years later. There's also the matter of any drugs found in the vehicle. A possession charge stacked on top of a DUI charge can significantly complicate the case and increase potential penalties.

If you (or your child) have been charged with drug-impaired driving in Maryland in 2026, an experienced attorney will help you fight the charges against you.

Call a Rockville, MD DUI Defense Attorney Today

At Arrested for a DUI, LLC, our team has more than 30 years of combined experience defending clients who have received DUIs. Our firm is a proud advocate for the Hispanic community in particular. Call an Olney criminal defense lawyer at 301-479-5466 to schedule a free consultation.

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