Will I Lose My License After a Second DUI in Maryland?

 Posted on June 04, 2026 in 2nd DUI & More

A second DUI in Maryland likely will not permanently cost you your license. However, your license will probably be suspended and possibly revoked. This suspension or revocation is usually longer and harder to avoid than after a first offense.

If you're facing a second DUI charge in 2026, a Frederick, MD DUI lawyer can help you understand your options.

How Long Will My License Be Suspended for a Second DUI in Maryland?

A second DUI conviction in Maryland may result in a one-year or more license revocation. This is significantly longer than the penalty for a first offense. The exact length depends on the specifics of your case and how much time has passed since your first offense.

There are actually two different proceedings going on during a second DUI that can affect your license.

The Administrative Case by the Motor Vehicle Administration

The administrative case is intended to determine if your license will be suspended, revoked, or restricted. The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) looks at your breath or blood test result (or your refusal to take one). This is not contingent on what happens in the court case

The Criminal Penalty from the Court

The criminal court case will determine whether you broke the law under Maryland Transportation Code § 21-902. The court will decide whether you will face jail time or fines rather than what specifically happens to your license.

Because these are separate, you can lose your license through the MVA even if your criminal case is still pending or eventually gets reduced. Understanding both processes is important for keeping your driving privileges.

Do I Need an Administrative Hearing for a Second DUI in Maryland?

When you're arrested, the officer typically takes your state-issued license and issues a temporary paper one, along with an order of suspension. This temporary license is intended to allow you to do things like continue to drive to work while you request an administrative hearing for your case.

Requesting an administrative hearing prevents an automatic suspension of your ability to drive while you wait for the hearing itself. Hearings typically happen four to six weeks after they are requested. At your hearing, you can challenge the suspension or ask about options that let you keep driving under limited conditions.

If you want to avoid your license being suspended at any point while waiting for your hearing, you need to request a hearing within ten days of your arrest. After 30 days, the window to request a hearing at all typically closes. Your license will usually be suspended automatically if you miss this window.

Can I Still Drive After a Second DUI in Maryland?

You may still be able to drive after a second DUI. However, driving is usually only allowed under strict conditions relating to ignition interlock devices. An ignition interlock is a device wired to your car that doesn’t allow it to start until you provide a clean breath sample. For a second offense, use of an ignition interlock is often required for one year.

Common ways to maintain limited driving privileges include:

• Enrolling in the Ignition Interlock Program for the required period

• Requesting a restricted license for work, school, or medical needs

• Completing an alcohol treatment or education program that the court orders

You usually have to request these options yourself and meet specific requirements for them to be available to you.

How Can I Protect My License After a Second DUI?

The most important thing to do to maintain your license after a second DUI is to request an administrative hearing within the ten-day window. If you miss this short window, be sure to request the hearing within 30 days of your arrest date.

Gather any records about your prior offense and how much time has passed since it happened. Avoid driving on a suspended license. This comes with its own charges. Speak to a lawyer with experience defending DUI charges to find out what options for maintaining your license are available within the local court system and how to request them.

Call a Rockville, MD DUI Defense Lawyer Today

Our Frederick, MD DUI attorneys bring more than 30 years of combined experience to DUI cases. We are proud to serve the local Hispanic community and have experience with issues relevant to Latin Americans and immigrants. Call Arrested for a DUI, LLC at 301-479-5466 today for a free consultation.

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