Maryland driving questions, answered
What a new driver in Maryland asks, answered in two or three sentences from Maryland’s own manual, code, court schedule or licensing pages, and kept only after every figure in it was found in the source it cites. How the answers are made
What happens if I get pulled over and I don't have my license on me?
Maryland law says you must have your license with you and show it to an officer who asks. If you don't have it, you can get a $50 ticket. You can pay it without going to court, and there are no points.
Sources: Md. Code, Transp. § 16-112 · District Court of Maryland, DC-CR-090 (Rev. 10/2026) · as of 6 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught texting while driving?
You can be ticketed, because texting while driving is illegal. It's a $70 fine and 1 point, and you can pay it without going to court. If you're under 18, Maryland law lets your license be suspended for up to 90 days, though you can ask for a hearing.
Sources: Maryland driver’s manual p. 35 · Md. Code, Transp. § 21-1124.1 · District Court of Maryland, DC-CR-090 (Rev. 10/2026) · as of 6 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I'm driving past my curfew with a provisional license?
Maryland law lets you drive alone only between 5 a.m. and midnight, unless an exception applies. Breaking it is a $70 ticket, no points, payable without court. It also restarts your 18-month wait for a full license.
Sources: Md. Code, Transp. § 16-113 · District Court of Maryland, DC-CR-090 (Rev. 10/2026) · Md. Code, Transp. § 16-111 · as of 5 Oct 2026
Answered on 14 October 2026.
How many friends can I have in the car when I first get my license?
If you're under 18, you can't drive with any passengers under 18 for your first 151 days. Immediate family doesn't count, and the rule doesn't apply with a supervising driver beside you.
Sources: Maryland driver’s manual p. 47 · Md. Code, Transp. § 21-1123 · as of 6 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
If I fail my driving test, how soon can I take it again?
For the knowledge test, you can retake it the next business day after your first fail, if an appointment is open. After 2 or more fails, you must wait at least 7 calendar days before retesting.
Sources: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration — Prepare for a Driver's License Test · as of 11 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How long do I have to hold my permit before I can take the road test?
You must hold your learner's permit for at least 9 months before the road test. If you get a moving violation, Maryland law restarts that 9 months from the conviction date.
Sources: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration — Provisional Driver's License · Md. Code, Transp. § 16-105 · as of 6 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What car insurance do I need to drive?
Maryland requires at least $30,000 for bodily injury per person and $60,000 per accident. You also need at least $15,000 for property damage.
Sources: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration — Auto Insurance Requirements in Maryland · as of 11 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I crash my parents' car?
Whenever you're in a crash, put on your emergency flashers or set out flares to warn other drivers.
Sources: Maryland driver’s manual p. 43 · as of 6 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How far from a fire hydrant do I have to park?
Maryland law says you can't park or stand within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
Sources: Md. Code, Transp. § 21-1003 · as of 5 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Can I use my phone at a red light?
No, holding your phone to talk or text while driving is illegal, but hands-free calls are allowed. If you're under 18, you can't use a phone at all while driving, even hands-free, except to call 911.
Sources: Maryland driver’s manual p. 35 · as of 6 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How much is the fine for speeding in a school zone?
In a posted double-fine school zone, it's $120 for 1 to 9 mph over, $140 for 10 to 19. It's $270 for 20 to 29 over, $540 for 30 to 39, and $1,000 for 40 and over. You can pay without going to court, with 1 to 6 points.
Sources: District Court of Maryland, DC-CR-090 (Rev. 10/2026) · as of 11 Oct 2026
Answered on 14 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught driving alone on my permit?
Under Maryland law, driving on a learner's permit without a supervising driver adds 5 points to your record if you're convicted.
Sources: Md. Code, Transp. § 16-402 · as of 6 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Any question about Maryland driving law can be asked in the box, not only these: each answer comes from Maryland’s own manual or code, cited. Ask a question