If the police suspect that a driver is drunk, they may ask the driver to submit to a chemical test to evaluate the amount of alcohol in their body, also known as their “blood alcohol content (BAC).” If a driver’s BAC exceeds Maryland’s legal limit for drivers, the driver would then face criminal charges.
There are different BAC limits and DUI penalties for drivers depending on whether a driver is of age, underage or a commercial driver. Here is what you should know:
Drivers 21 years of age or older
For the typical driver who is 21 years of age or older, the BAC limit is 0.08 percent or higher. If a driver tests at or above the legal limit, the driver’s license could be suspended for up to six months, and they could face one year in jail and $1,000 in fines for their first offense. A second DUI conviction can lead to $2,000 in fines, a one-year license revocation and two years in jail. Criminal charges can be much harsher, however, if a minor was in the car when a driver was arrested for drunk driving or if a driver’s BAC exceeds 0.15 percent.
Commercial drivers
The BAC limit for commercial drivers is 0.04 percent or higher. Commercial drivers jeopardize their careers with any DUI conviction, including losing their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for one year, regardless of whether they were operating a commercial vehicle at the time of arrest. A commercial driver could also face a year in jail and $1,000 in fines for a first-time offense and harsher punishments for subsequent charges.
Drivers under 21 years of age
Maryland has a zero-tolerance law for minors who are charged with drunk driving. An underage driver who is under 21 years of age could face DUI charges if they have a minimum BAC of 0.02 percent.
Drivers should consider reaching out for professional legal guidance to learn about their defense options against DUI convictions.