MARYLAND ANNOTATED CODE: TRANSPORTATION ARTICLE
§ 16-205.1. Suspension or disqualification for refusal to submit to chemical tests for intoxication.
(a) Definitions; implied consent to chemical test.-
(1) (i) In this section, the following words have the meanings
indicated.
(ii) "Under the influence of alcohol" includes under the influence
of alcohol per se as defined by § 11-127.1 of this article.
(iii) "Specimen of blood" and "1 specimen of blood" means 1 sample
of blood that is taken, in a single procedure, in 2 or more portions in
2 or more separate vials.
(iv) "Test" means:
1. A test of a person's breath or of 1 specimen of a person's blood
to determine alcohol concentration;
2. A test or tests of 1 specimen of a person's blood to determine the
drug or controlled dangerous substance content of the person's blood;
or
3. Both:
A. A test of a person's breath or a test of 1 specimen of a person's
blood, to determine alcohol concentration; and
B. A test or tests of 1 specimen of a person's blood to determine the
drug or controlled dangerous substance content of the person's blood.
(2) Any person who drives or attempts to drive a motor vehicle on a
highway or on any private property that is used by the public in
general
in this State is deemed to have consented, subject to the provisions of
§§ 10-302 through 10-309, inclusive, of the Courts and
Judicial
Proceedings Article, to take a test if the person should be detained on
suspicion of driving or attempting to drive while under the influence
of
alcohol, while impaired by alcohol, while so far impaired by any drug,
any combination of drugs, or a combination of one or more drugs and
alcohol
that the person could not drive a vehicle safely, while impaired by a
controlled
dangerous substance, in violation of an alcohol restriction, or in
violation
of § 16-813 of this title.
(b) No compulsion to take chemical test; consequences of
refusal.-
(1) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a person
may not be compelled to take a test. However, the detaining officer
shall
advise the person that, on receipt of a sworn statement from the
officer
that the person was so charged and refused to take a test, or was
tested
and the result indicated an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, the
Administration shall:
(i) In the case of a person licensed under this title:
1. For a test result indicating an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or
more at the time of testing:
A. For a first offense, suspend the driver's license for 45 days; or
B. For a second or subsequent offense, suspend the driver's license
for 90 days; or
2. For a test refusal:
A. For a first offense, suspend the driver's license for 120 days;
or
B. For a second or subsequent offense, suspend the driver's license
for 1 year;
(ii) In the case of a nonresident or unlicensed person:
1. For a test result indicating an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or
more at the time of testing:
A. For a first offense, suspend the person's driving privilege for
45 days; or
B. For a second or subsequent offense, suspend the person's driving
privilege for 90 days; or
2. For a test refusal:
A. For a first offense, suspend the person's driving privilege for
120 days; or
B. For a second or subsequent offense, suspend the person's driving
privilege for 1 year; and
(iii) In addition to any applicable driver's license suspensions
authorized
under this section, in the case of a person operating a commercial
motor
vehicle who refuses to take a test:
1. Disqualify the person's commercial driver's license for a period
of 1 year for a first offense, 3 years for a first offense which occurs
while transporting hazardous materials required to be placarded, and
disqualify
for life for a second or subsequent offense which occurs while
operating
any commercial motor vehicle; or
2. If the person is licensed as a commercial driver by another state,
disqualify the person's privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle
and report the refusal and disqualification to the person's resident
state
which may result in further penalties imposed by the person's resident
state.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, if a police
officer stops or detains any person who the police officer has
reasonable
grounds to believe is or has been driving or attempting to drive a
motor
vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, while impaired by
alcohol,
while so far impaired by any drug, any combination of drugs, or a
combination
of one or more drugs and alcohol that the person could not drive a
vehicle
safely, while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance, in
violation
of an alcohol restriction, or in violation of § 16-813 of this
title,
and who is not unconscious or otherwise incapable of refusing to take a
test, the police officer shall:
(i) Detain the person;
(ii) Request that the person permit a test to be taken; and
(iii) Advise the person of the administrative sanctions that shall
be imposed for refusal to take the test, including ineligibility for
modification
of a suspension or issuance of a restrictive license under subsection
(n)
(1) or (2) of this section, and for test results indicating an alcohol
concentration of 0.08 or more at the time of testing.
(3) If the person refuses to take the test or takes a test which
results
in an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more at the time of testing, the
police officer shall:
(i) Confiscate the person's driver's license issued by this State;
(ii) Acting on behalf of the Administration, personally serve an order
of suspension on the person;
(iii) Issue a temporary license to drive;
(iv) Inform the person that the temporary license allows the person
to continue driving for 45 days if the person is licensed under this
title;
(v) Inform the person that:
1. The person has a right to request, at that time or within 10 days,
a hearing to show cause why the driver's license should not be
suspended
concerning the refusal to take the test or for test results indicating
an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more at the time of testing, and
the
hearing will be scheduled within 45 days; and
2. If a hearing request is not made at that time or within 10 days,
but within 30 days the person requests a hearing, a hearing to show
cause
why the driver's license should not be suspended concerning the refusal
to take the test or for test results indicating an alcohol
concentration
of 0.08 or more at the time of testing will be scheduled, but a request
made after 10 days does not extend a temporary license issued by the
police
officer that allows the person to continue driving for 45 days;
(vi) Advise the person of the administrative sanctions that shall be
imposed in the event of failure to request a hearing, failure to attend
a requested hearing, or upon an adverse finding by the hearing officer;
and
(vii) Within 72 hours after the issuance of the order of suspension,
send any confiscated driver's license, copy of the suspension order,
and
a sworn statement to the Administration, that states:
1. The officer had reasonable grounds to believe that the person had
been driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle on a highway or on
any private property that is used by the public in general in this
State
while under the influence of alcohol, while impaired by alcohol, while
so far impaired by any drug, any combination of drugs, or a combination
of one or more drugs and alcohol that the person could not drive a
vehicle
safely, while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance, in
violation
of an alcohol restriction, or in violation of § 16-813 of this
title;
2. The person refused to take a test when requested by the police
officer
or the person submitted to the test which indicated an alcohol
concentration
of 0.08 or more at the time of testing; and
3. The person was fully advised of the administrative sanctions that
shall be imposed, including the fact that a person who refuses to take
the test is ineligible for modification of a suspension or issuance of
a restrictive license under subsection (n) (1) or (2) of this section.
(c) Circumstances under which chemical tests required;
administration;
liability.-
(1) If a person is involved in a motor vehicle accident that results
in the death of, or a life threatening injury to, another person and
the
person is detained by a police officer who has reasonable grounds to
believe
that the person has been driving or attempting to drive while under the
influence of alcohol, while impaired by alcohol, while so far impaired
by any drug, any combination of drugs, or a combination of one or more
drugs and alcohol that the person could not drive a vehicle safely,
while
impaired by a controlled dangerous substance, or in violation of §
16-813 of this title, the person shall be required to submit to a test,
as directed by the officer.
(2) If a police officer directs that a person be tested, then the
provisions
of § 10-304 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article shall
apply.
(3) Any medical personnel who perform any test required by this section
are not liable for any civil damages as the result of any act or
omission
related to such test, not amounting to gross negligence.
(d) Procedure where individual incapable of refusing test.-
(1) If a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a person
has been driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle while under the
influence of alcohol, while impaired by alcohol, while so far impaired
by any drug, any combination of drugs, or a combination of one or more
drugs and alcohol that the person could not drive a vehicle safely,
while
impaired by a controlled dangerous substance, or in violation of §
16-813 of this title, and if the police officer determines that the
person
is unconscious or otherwise incapable of refusing to take a test, the
police
officer shall:
(i) Obtain prompt medical attention for the person;
(ii) If necessary, arrange for removal of the person to a nearby
medical
facility; and
(iii) If a test would not jeopardize the health or well-being of the
person, direct a qualified medical person to withdraw blood for a test.
(2) If a person regains consciousness or otherwise becomes capable
of refusing before the taking of a test, the police officer shall
follow
the procedure set forth in subsection (b) or (c) of this section.
(e) Administration of tests.-
(1) The tests to determine alcohol concentration may be administered
by an individual who has been examined and is certified by the
Department
of State Police as sufficiently equipped and trained to administer the
tests.
(2) The Department of State Police may adopt regulations for the
examination
and certification of individuals trained to administer tests to
determine
alcohol concentration.
(f) Notice and hearing on refusal to take test; suspension of
license or privilege to drive; disqualification from driving commercial
vehicles.-
(1) Subject to the provisions of this subsection, at the time of, or
within 30 days from the date of, the issuance of an order of
suspension,
a person may submit a written request for a hearing before an officer
of
the Administration if:
(i) The person is arrested for driving or attempting to drive a motor
vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, while impaired by
alcohol,
while so far impaired by any drug, any combination of drugs, or a
combination
of one or more drugs and alcohol that the person could not drive a
vehicle
safely, while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance, in
violation
of an alcohol restriction, or in violation of § 16-813 of this
title;
and
(ii) 1. There is an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more at the time
of testing; or
2. The person refused to take a test.
(2) A request for a hearing made by mail shall be deemed to have been
made on the date of the United States Postal Service postmark on the
mail.
(3) If the driver's license has not been previously surrendered, the
license must be surrendered at the time the request for a hearing is
made.
(4) If a hearing request is not made at the time of or within 10 days
after the issuance of the order of suspension, the Administration
shall:
(i) Make the suspension order effective suspending the license:
1. For a test result indicating an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or
more at the time of testing:
A. For a first offense, for 45 days; or
B. For a second or subsequent offense, for 90 days; or
2. For a test refusal:
A. For a first offense, for 120 days; or
B. For a second offense or subsequent offense, for 1 year; and
(ii) 1. In the case of a person operating a commercial motor vehicle
who refuses to take a test, disqualify the person's commercial driver's
license for a period of 1 year for a first offense, 3 years for a first
offense which occurs while transporting hazardous materials required to
be placarded, and for life for a second or subsequent offense which
occurs
while operating any commercial vehicle; or
2. In the case of a person operating a commercial motor vehicle who
refuses to take a test, and who is licensed as a commercial driver by
another
state, disqualify the person's privilege to operate a commercial motor
vehicle in this State and report the refusal and disqualification to
the
person's resident state which may result in further penalties imposed
by
the person's resident state.
(5) (i) If the person requests a hearing at the time of or within 10
days after the issuance of the order of suspension and surrenders the
driver's
license or, if applicable, the person's commercial driver's license,
the
Administration shall set a hearing for a date within 30 days of the
receipt
of the request.
(ii) Subject to the provisions of this paragraph, a postponement of
a hearing under this paragraph does not extend the period for which the
person is authorized to drive and the suspension and, if applicable,
the
disqualification shall become effective on the expiration of the 45-day
period after the issuance of the order of suspension.
(iii) A postponement of a hearing described under this paragraph shall
extend the period for which the person is authorized to drive if:
1. Both the person and the Administration agree to the postponement;
2. The Administration cannot provide a hearing within the period
required
under this paragraph; or
3. Under circumstances in which the person made a request, within 10
days of the date that the order of suspension was served under this
section,
for the issuance of a subpoena under § 12-108 of this article
except
as time limits are changed by this paragraph:
A. The subpoena was not issued by the Administration;
B. An adverse witness for whom the subpoena was requested, and on whom
the subpoena was served not less than 5 days before the hearing
described
under this paragraph, fails to comply with the subpoena at an initial
or
subsequent hearing described under this paragraph held within the
45-day
period; or
C. A witness for whom the subpoena was requested fails to comply with
the subpoena, for good cause shown, at an initial or subsequent hearing
described under this paragraph held within the 45-day period after the
issuance of the order of suspension.
(iv) If a witness is served with a subpoena for a hearing under this
paragraph, the witness shall comply with the subpoena within 20 days
from
the date that the subpoena is served.
(v) If a hearing is postponed beyond the 45-day period after the
issuance
of the order of suspension under the circumstances described in
subparagraph
(iii) of this paragraph, the Administration shall stay the suspension
and
issue a temporary license that authorizes the person to drive only
until
the date of the rescheduled hearing described under this paragraph.
(vi) To the extent possible, the Administration shall expeditiously
reschedule a hearing that is postponed under this paragraph.
(6) (i) If a hearing request is not made at the time of, or within
10 days from the date of the issuance of an order of suspension, but
within
30 days of the date of the issuance of an order of suspension, the
person
requests a hearing and surrenders the driver's license or, if
applicable,
the person's commercial driver's license, the Administration shall:
1. A. Make a suspension order effective suspending the license for
the applicable period of time described under paragraph (4) (i) of this
subsection; and
B. In the case of a person operating a commercial motor vehicle who
refuses to take a test, disqualify the person's commercial driver's
license,
or privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle in this State, for
the
applicable period of time described under paragraph (4) (ii) of this
subsection;
and
2. Set a hearing for a date within 45 days of the receipt of a request
for a hearing under this paragraph.
(ii) A request for hearing scheduled under this paragraph does not
extend the period for which the person is authorized to drive, and the
suspension and, if applicable, the disqualification shall become
effective
on the expiration of the 45-day period that begins on the date of the
issuance
of the order of suspension.
(iii) A postponement of a hearing described under this paragraph shall
stay the suspension only if:
1. Both the person and the Administration agree to the postponement;
2. The Administration cannot provide a hearing under this paragraph
within the period required under this paragraph; or
3. Under circumstances in which the person made a request, within 10
days of the date that the person requested a hearing under this
paragraph,
for the issuance of a subpoena under § 12-108 of this article
except
as time limits are changed by this paragraph:
A. The subpoena was not issued by the Administration;
B. An adverse witness for whom the subpoena was requested, and on whom
the subpoena was served not less than 5 days before the hearing, fails
to comply with the subpoena at an initial or subsequent hearing under
this
paragraph held within the 45-day period that begins on the date of the
request for a hearing under this paragraph; or
C. A witness for whom the subpoena was requested fails to comply with
the subpoena, for good cause shown, at an initial or subsequent hearing
under this paragraph held within the 45-day period that begins on the
date
of the request for a hearing under this paragraph.
(iv) If a witness is served with a subpoena for a hearing under this
paragraph, the witness shall comply with the subpoena within 20 days
from
the date that the subpoena is served.
(v) If a hearing is postponed beyond the 45-day period that begins
on the date of the request for a hearing under this paragraph under
circumstances
described in subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, the Administration
shall
stay the suspension and issue a temporary license that authorizes the
person
to drive only until the date of the rescheduled hearing.
(vi) To the extent possible, the Administration shall expeditiously
reschedule a hearing that is postponed under this paragraph.
(7) (i) At a hearing under this section, the person has the rights
described in § 12-206 of this article, but at the hearing the only
issues shall be:
1. Whether the police officer who stops or detains a person had
reasonable
grounds to believe the person was driving or attempting to drive while
under the influence of alcohol, while impaired by alcohol, while so far
impaired by any drug, any combination of drugs, or a combination of one
or more drugs and alcohol that the person could not drive a vehicle
safely,
while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance, in violation of an
alcohol restriction, or in violation of § 16-813 of this title;
2. Whether there was evidence of the use by the person of alcohol,
any drug, any combination of drugs, a combination of one or more drugs
and alcohol, or a controlled dangerous substance;
3. Whether the police officer requested a test after the person was
fully advised of the administrative sanctions that shall be imposed,
including
the fact that a person who refuses to take the test is ineligible for
modification
of a suspension or issuance of a restrictive license under subsection
(n)
(1) and (2) of this section;
4. Whether the person refused to take the test;
5. Whether the person drove or attempted to drive a motor vehicle while
having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more at the time of testing;
or
6. If the hearing involves disqualification of a commercial driver's
license, whether the person was operating a commercial motor vehicle.
(ii) The sworn statement of the police officer and of the test
technician
or analyst shall be prima facie evidence of a test refusal or a test
resulting
in an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more at the time of testing.
(8) (i) After a hearing, the Administration shall suspend the driver's
license or privilege to drive of the person charged under subsection
(b)
or (c) of this section if:
1. The police officer who stopped or detained the person had reasonable
grounds to believe the person was driving or attempting to drive while
under the influence of alcohol, while impaired by alcohol, while so far
impaired by any drug, any combination of drugs, or a combination of one
or more drugs and alcohol that the person could not drive a vehicle
safely,
while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance, in violation of an
alcohol restriction, or in violation of § 16-813 of this title;
2. There was evidence of the use by the person of alcohol, any drug,
any combination of drugs, a combination of one or more drugs and
alcohol,
or a controlled dangerous substance;
3. The police officer requested a test after the person was fully
advised
of the administrative sanctions that shall be imposed, including the
fact
that a person who refuses to take the test is ineligible for
modification
of a suspension or issuance of a restrictive license under subsection
(n)
(1) and (2) of this section; and
4. A. The person refused to take the test; or
B. A test to determine alcohol concentration was taken and the test
result indicated an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more at the time
of
testing.
(ii) After a hearing, the Administration shall disqualify the person
from driving a commercial motor vehicle if:
1. The person was detained while operating a commercial motor vehicle;
2. The police officer who stopped or detained the person had reasonable
grounds to believe that the person was driving or attempting to drive
while
under the influence of alcohol, while impaired by alcohol, while so far
impaired by any drug, any combination of drugs, or a combination of one
or more drugs and alcohol that the person could not drive a vehicle
safely,
while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance, in violation of an
alcohol restriction, or in violation of § 16-813 of this title;
3. There was evidence of the use by the person of alcohol, any drug,
any combination of drugs, a combination of one or more drugs and
alcohol,
or a controlled dangerous substance;
4. The police officer requested a test after the person was fully
advised
of the administrative sanctions that shall be imposed; and
5. The person refused to take the test.
(iii) If the person is licensed to drive a commercial motor vehicle,
the Administration shall disqualify the person in accordance with
subparagraph
(ii) of this paragraph, but may not impose a suspension under
subparagraph
(i) of this paragraph, if:
1. The person was detained while operating a commercial motor vehicle;
2. The police officer had reasonable grounds to believe the person
was in violation of an alcohol restriction or in violation of §
16-813
of this title;
3. The police officer did not have reasonable grounds to believe the
driver was driving while under the influence of alcohol, driving while
impaired by alcohol, while so far impaired by any drug, any combination
of drugs, or a combination of one or more drugs and alcohol that the
person
could not drive a vehicle safely, or while impaired by a controlled
dangerous
substance; and
4. The driver refused to take a test.
(iv) In the absence of a compelling reason for failure to attend a
hearing, failure of a person to attend a hearing is prima facie
evidence
of the person's inability to answer the sworn statement of the police
officer
or the test technician or analyst, and the Administration summarily
shall:
1. Suspend the driver's license or privilege to drive; and
2. If the driver is detained in a commercial motor vehicle, disqualify
the person from operating a commercial motor vehicle.
(v) The suspension imposed shall be:
1. For a test result indicating an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or
more at the time of testing:
A. For a first offense, a suspension for 45 days; or
B. For a second or subsequent offense, a suspension for 90 days; or
2. For a test refusal:
A. For a first offense, a suspension for 120 days; or
B. For a second or subsequent offense, a suspension for 1 year.
(vi) A disqualification imposed under subparagraph (ii) or (iii) of
this paragraph shall be for a period of 1 year for a first offense, 3
years
for a first offense which occurs while transporting hazardous material
required to be placarded, and life for a second or subsequent offense
which
occurs while operating or attempting to operate any commercial motor
vehicle.
(vii) A disqualification of a commercial driver's license is not
subject
to any modifications, nor may a restricted commercial driver's license
be issued in lieu of a disqualification.
(viii) A disqualification for life may be reduced if permitted by
§
16-812 (d) of this title.
(g) Withdrawal of initial refusal to take test; subsequent
consent.-
(1) An initial refusal to take a test that is withdrawn as provided
in this subsection is not a refusal to take a test for the purposes of
this section.
(2) A person who initially refuses to take a test may withdraw the
initial refusal and subsequently consent to take the test if the
subsequent
consent:
(i) Is unequivocal;
(ii) Does not substantially interfere with the timely and efficacious
administration of the test; and
(iii) Is given by the person:
1. Before the delay in testing would materially affect the outcome
of the test; and
2. A. For the purpose of a test for determining alcohol concentration,
within 2 hours of the person's apprehension; or
B. For the purpose of a test for determining the drug or controlled
dangerous substance content of the person's blood, within 4 hours of
the
person's apprehension.
(3) In determining whether a person has withdrawn an initial refusal
for the purposes of paragraph (1) of this subsection, among the factors
that the Administration shall consider are the following:
(i) Whether the test would have been administered properly:
1. For the purpose of a test for determining alcohol concentration,
within 2 hours of the person's apprehension; or
2. For the purpose of a test for determining the drug or controlled
dangerous substance content of the person's blood, within 4 hours of
the
person's apprehension;
(ii) Whether a qualified person, as defined in § 10-304 of the
Courts Article, to administer the test and testing equipment were
readily
available;
(iii) Whether the delay in testing would have interfered with the
administration
of a test to another person;
(iv) Whether the delay in testing would have interfered with the
attention
to other duties of the arresting officer or a qualified person, as
defined
in § 10-304 of the Courts Article;
(v) Whether the person's subsequent consent to take the test was made
in good faith; and
(vi) Whether the consent after the initial refusal was while the person
was still in police custody.
(4) In determining whether a person has withdrawn an initial refusal
for the purposes of paragraph (1) of this subsection, the burden of
proof
rests with the person to establish by a preponderance of the evidence
the
requirements of paragraph (2) of this subsection.
(h) Multiple administrative offenses of refusal to take test
or tests indicating alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more.-
Notwithstanding
any other provision of this section, if a driver's license is suspended
based on multiple administrative offenses of refusal to take a test, or
a test to determine alcohol concentration taken that indicated an
alcohol
concentration of 0.08 or more at the time of testing, or any
combination
of these administrative offenses committed at the same time, or arising
out of circumstances simultaneous in time and place, or arising out of
the same incident, the Administration:
(1) Shall suspend the driver's license for the administrative offense
that results in the lengthiest period of suspension; and
(2) May not impose any additional periods of suspension for the
remainder
of the administrative offenses.
(i) Restrictions upon drug or controlled dangerous substance
testing.- Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a test
for
drug or controlled dangerous substance content under this section:
(1) May not be requested as described under subsection (b) of this
section, required as described under subsection (c) of this section, or
directed as described under subsection (d) of this section, by a police
officer unless the law enforcement agency of which the officer is a
member
has the capacity to have such tests conducted;
(2) May only be requested as described under subsection (b) of this
section, required as described under subsection (c) of this section, or
directed as described under subsection (d) of this section, by a police
officer who is a trainee, has been trained, or is participating
directly
or indirectly in a program of training that is:
(i) Designed to train and certify police officers as drug recognition
experts; and
(ii) Conducted by a law enforcement agency of the State, or any county,
municipal, or other law enforcement agency in the State described in
items
(3) (i) 1 through 12 of this subsection:
1. In conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration;
or
2. As a program of training of police officers as drug recognition
experts that contains requirements for successful completion of the
training
program that are the substantial equivalent of the requirements of the
Drug Recognition Training Program developed by the National Highway
Traffic
Safety Administration; and
(3) May only be requested as described under subsection (b) of this
section, required as described under subsection (c) of this section, or
directed as described under subsection (d) of this section:
(i) In the case of a police officer who is a trainee, or who is
participating
directly or indirectly in a program of training described in paragraph
(2) of this subsection, if the police officer is a member of, and is
designated
as a trainee or a participant by the head of:
1. The Department of State Police;
2. The Baltimore City Police Department;
3. A police department, bureau, or force of a county;
4. A police department, bureau, or force of an incorporated city or
town;
5. The Maryland Transit Administration Police Force;
6. The Maryland Port Administration Police Force of the Department
of Transportation;
7. The Maryland Transportation Authority Police Force;
8. The Police Force of the University of Maryland or Morgan State
University;
9. The police force for a State university or college under the
direction
and control of the Board of Trustees of State Universities and
Colleges;
10. A sheriff's department of any county or Baltimore City;
11. The Natural Resources Police Force or the Forest and Park Service
Police Force of the Department of Natural Resources; or
12. The security force of the Department of General Services; or
(ii) In the case of a police officer who has been trained as a drug
recognition expert, if the police officer is a member of, and certified
as a drug recognition expert by the head of one of the law enforcement
agencies described in items (3) (i) 1 through 12 of this subsection.
(j) Court review of suspension of license or privilege to drive
or disqualification from driving commercial vehicles.- If the
Administration
imposes a suspension or disqualification after a hearing, the person
whose
license or privilege to drive has been suspended or disqualified may
appeal
the final order of suspension as provided in Title 12, Subtitle 2 of
this
article.
(k) Further administrative sanctions.- Subject to § 16-812
(o) of this title, this section does not prohibit the imposition of
further
administrative sanctions if the person is convicted for any violation
of
the Maryland Vehicle Law arising out of the same occurrence.
(l) Effect of criminal charges.-
(1) The determination of any facts by the Administration is independent
of the determination of the same or similar facts in the adjudication
of
any criminal charges arising out of the same occurrence.
(2) The disposition of those criminal charges may not affect any
suspension
imposed under this section.
(m) Stay of suspension.-
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a suspension
imposed
under this section may not be stayed by the Administration pending
appeal.
(2) If the person files an appeal and requests in writing a stay of
a suspension imposed under this section, the Director of the Division
of
Administrative Adjudication of the Administration may stay a suspension
imposed under this section.
(n) Modification of suspension.-
(1) The Administration may modify a suspension under this section or
issue a restrictive license if:
(i) The licensee did not refuse to take a test;
(ii) The licensee has not had a license suspended under this section
during the past 5 years;
(iii) The licensee has not been convicted under § 21-902 of this
article during the past 5 years; and
(iv) 1. The licensee is required to drive a motor vehicle in the course
of employment;
2. The license is required for the purpose of attending an alcoholic
prevention or treatment program; or
3. It finds that the licensee has no alternative means of
transportation
available to or from the licensee's place of employment and, without
the
license, the licensee's ability to earn a living would be severely
impaired.
(2) In addition to the authority to modify a suspension or issue a
restrictive license under paragraph (1) or (4) of this subsection, the
Administration may modify a suspension under this section or issue a
restrictive
license, including a restriction that prohibits the licensee from
driving
or attempting to drive a motor vehicle unless the licensee is a
participant
in the Ignition Interlock System Program established under §
16-404.1
of this title, if:
(i) The licensee did not refuse to take a test;
(ii) The licensee has not been convicted under § 21-902 of this
article; and
(iii) The license is required for the purpose of attending:
1. A noncollegiate educational institution as defined in § 2-206
(a) of the Education Article; or
2. A regular program at an institution of postsecondary education.
(3) If the licensee refused to take a test, the Administration may
not modify a suspension under this section or issue a restrictive
license
except as provided under paragraph (4) of this subsection.
(4) In addition to the authority to modify a suspension or issue a
restrictive license under paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection, the
Administration may modify a suspension under this section or issue a
restrictive
license to a licensee who participates in the Ignition Interlock System
Program established under § 16-404.1 of this title for at least 1
year.
Questions? E-Mail
me, or call me: 410-828-9363
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