New Laws for Maryland

On October 1, 2009, four new laws will take effect to help get drunk drivers off Maryland roads.  The changes are the result of a review by Maryland's Task Force to Combat Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol.  The panel sent 40 recommendations to Governor O'Malley and four new laws are the result.  They are:

• Any offender convicted twice of impaired driving gets their driver's license suspended for one year.
• In addition to driving under the influence charges, anyone younger than 21 can also be charged with consumption of alcohol if the police can prove the minor had possession of alcohol and was under the influence.  The bill also makes it a criminal offense for adults to buy or attempt to buy alcohol for a minor.
• DUI offenders will now not be allowed to receive probation before judgement more than once in a ten year period.
• Repeat offenders will face fines of up to $500.00, two months' incarceration, or both.

Why should you care?

In 2008 in Maryland, there were 592 traffic deaths and 152 were alcohol-related.  In Anne Arundel County, there were 48 fatal crashes and 18 were caused by drunk driving.  And,  across the state, 68 people are arrested daily for drunk driving.

"Drunk driving is an avoidable crime.  Drinking and driving is simply not worth it.  You have been advised, and I hope you make the right choice."      

 ~ Administrative Chief Judge Thomas E. Dewberry