How to Request a Restricted / Occupational License

[BSO143]

Hi all:

I would really appreciate your help here.

I reside in the state of MD. Last September while driving in PA, I received a ticket for speeding. I paid the fine online. My current license which was issued by the state of MD expires in August, 2012. I went in June for a renewal and that is when I was notified that I have a 'NDR hit' from PA and that they cannot renew my license. Upon further enquiry, I found out that I was cited for 'Reckless driving' and that I have a 6 month suspension to server in PA. I did not receive any notification that I had to serve suspension. Now my questions are:

1. Will I be eligible for a restricted (or) occupational license permit in the state of MD during the suspension period? IF so, which state department do I need to contact?
2. In addition, my wife is pregnant and the Dr has said that this is a high risk pregnancy. She needs my help to drive her to and from work and to take her to the Doctor's office. How and where do I make the case for this?

Any help in this regard is sincerely appreciated. Thank you.

[Brian Simoneau]

Yes. Maryland offers a restricted license that permits a suspended driver to operate a motor vehicle for driving to and from work or school, and during the course of employment.

Maryland Code Title 16 § 113A allows the Motor Vehicle Administrator to issue a "driver's license that is valid only in the State of Maryland to an applicant who has been suspended in another jurisdiction as a result of failing to comply with the financial responsibility requirements of that jurisdiction."

You should contact the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. Contact information is as follows:

MARYLAND 410-768-7659
Motor Vehicle Administration
6601 Ritchie Hwy NE
GLEN BURNIE MD 21062

Please don't consider this legal advice, I'm not admitted to practice in Maryland or anywhere but Massachusetts.

[PTPD22]

Maryland Code Title 16 § 113A allows the Motor Vehicle Administrator to issue a "driver's license that is valid only in the State of Maryland to an applicant who has been suspended in another jurisdiction as a result of failing to comply with the financial responsibility requirements of that jurisdiction."

Yes, OP may well have options and should contact the agency as you advise. However, that code isn't likely to help him any as he stated he was suspended for a reckless driving conviction, NOT for not having insurance.

[vincedia]

Sadly I can't tell you how to resolve this in Maryland. In Pennsylvania a Reckless Driving charge will automatically disqualify you from getting a limited work license.

The one piece of advice I can give is to make sure you submit an acknowledgement of suspension form to PennDOT to get that 6 month suspension started. Make sure PennDOT has a current address for you, and they will send you a notice that they received that acknowledgement within 10 days. Follow up on this!

Not getting credit for an out of state driver's license suspension is one of our biggest problems.

[Brian Simoneau]

I agree. Since the 180 day suspension wasn't for failing to pay the reckless driving citation, but for being "convicted" of reckless driving, the above-listed provision isn't likely to be helpful. I didn't see that the first time.