For many people, one of the most awaited aspects of becoming an adult is learning how to drive to achieve some sense of independence. For people who are convicted of drunk driving charges in Maryland, that independence is pulled away. Some people who are convicted of drunk driving in Maryland might be interested in learning about restricted drivers' licenses.
There are some instances in which a court might allow someone who is convicted of drunk driving to still operate a motor vehicle, but the person must comply with certain restrictions. If this occurs, the person will get a letter that contains information about the restriction in the mail from the MVA office. This would require going into an office to get a restricted license, which has a special marking in the lower right corner of the license.
One of the restrictions might be that you have to have an ignition interlock device. This would require you to have the device installed and maintained at your expense. Anytime the vehicle is started, you would have to blow into the device to have a breath test performed.
Another restriction is the alcohol and drug restriction, which provides stricter guidelines for the blood alcohol concentration than the state guideline of .08 percent. In this case, you couldn't operate a vehicle if you have had any alcohol or any mood-altering drugs. One drink, pill or hit would be enough to violate this restriction.
You may also be restricted to driving only to and from school. In this case, you might have to bring in proof of employment as a condition of this restriction.
As you can see, your independence would still be impacted even with a driving restriction. You should make sure you understand how the restrictions you qualify for would work in Maryland. This can ensure you don't violate the restrictions.
Source: Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration, "Driving Restriction - Placement of a Restriction" accessed Mar. 13, 2015