New Law Effective October 1, 2025: MVA Must Revoke Licenses After Certain DUI/DWI Convictions

Maryland is cracking down on certain driving-related offenses. It’s important for Maryland drivers to understand upcoming changes in the law and how these updates might impact them. Starting October 1, 2025, Senate Bill 207 (Chapter 366) will take effect as law in the state. The Bill, signed by Governor Wes Moore, requires the automatic revocation of licenses in certain cases of impaired driving or failure to remain at the scene of an accident. Notably, the law applies even to “impaired driving” convictions (DWI), not just DUI, and again, the revocation is mandatory, not discretionary. Let’s break down what this means.

Law on DUI/DWI and license consequences prior to Senate Bill 207

Maryland law distinguishes between a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and a DWI (Driving While Impaired). Drivers convicted of DUIs typically face harsher criminal penalties than those convicted of DWI.

Here are the basics on these two laws:

DWI

Drivers can be charged with DWI if their ability to drive safely is impaired by alcohol/drugs, even if their BAC is below 0.08%. Typically, the threshold for alcohol is 0.07% BAC. The penalties for a first offense included:

• Jail for up to 60 days
• Fines of up to $500
• Eight driver’s license points
• Possible suspension of license, for a first offense, typically 45 days, but could be more with aggravating factors, subject to an MVA hearing

DUI

Maryland’s DUI statute applies if the driver’s BAC is at or above 0.08% or if other evidence shows intoxication.

The penalties for a first-time offense included:

• Jail for up to one year
• Fines of up to $1,200
• Twelve driver’s license points
• Possible license suspension or revocation. Suspension may last between 45 and 180 days for a first offense, with longer suspensions possible for test refusals or aggravating factors

While the consequences for each of these were still serious, the law did not make license revocation mandatory for DWIs.

What does Senate Bill 207 change?

Starting October 1, 2025, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) must revoke a driver’s license when:

• That driver is convicted of impaired driving (DWI) that contributes to an accident, AND the accident results in death or life-threatening injury.
• A driver is convicted of failing to remain at the scene of an accident that causes death or life-threatening injury (hit-and-run).

Importantly, there is no room in the law for exceptions: revocation is automatic; judges and the MVA have no discretion.

The law does state that it is possible to apply for reinstatement of a driver’s license. However, reinstatement is only available after a set time period (could be up to five years), and recovering a revoked license is not automatic. A driver would need to apply to the MVA, demonstrate evidence of rehabilitation, and may still be required to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle.

Maryland drivers need to be cautious

Many people assume DWI charges are a lesser offense that won’t carry the same consequences as a DUI. Drivers may also underestimate the consequences of leaving the scene of a crash. Under this law, even a first-time DWI conviction will cause you to lose your driver’s license–a full revocation rather than a suspension–if the crash leads to life-threatening injuries. While a minor fender bender might not have such dire consequences, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t take a high-speed collision for serious injuries to occur. Even relatively moderate impacts can lead to harm, potentially triggering the application of this law. For instance, a driver with a BAC of 0.07% who rear-ends another car at a stoplight, causing the other driver to suffer a severe concussion, could face mandatory license revocation — even for a first-time offense — as long as the court finds that the injury is “life-threatening.”

This makes it more important than ever for drivers facing impaired driving charges or charges for leaving the scene to fight back aggressively. You’ll need the help of an experienced DUI lawyer in your corner to protect yourself.

Potential defenses and legal strategies

When facing charges in Maryland, it is essential to have an attorney. Your lawyer is the person who is there to look out for your interests, your future, and your rights. Some of the steps your attorney might take include:

• Challenge the basis for the stop and arrest.
• Review BAC/breath test results for accuracy.
• Contest whether impairment “contributed” to the accident.
• Argue factual issues in hit-and-run cases (i.e., whether the driver knew they injured someone).

Your defense strategy can now directly impact whether you lose your license permanently. As soon as you are arrested, you need to seek out legal counsel. Not only will you need defense against the charges, but you should also have someone helping you handle the administrative penalties and hearings. The new MVA consequences are severe. Your ability to commute to a job, or even to perform your job if it involves driving, could be at risk.

Call Carey Law Office today

Carey Law Office has over 40 years of trial experience and a strong track record defending DUI/DWI cases throughout Maryland. If you or a loved one was arrested or is facing charges, schedule a confidential consultation right away. Don’t risk your future by waiting to act.