Drink-driving limits in Maryland (2026)

Last reviewed: 29 October 2026

In short: Maryland sets its own drink-driving rules. Fields not shown are not yet verified.

Rule	What applies
Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol	⚠ Not yet verified
Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol	0.08 % blood alcohol ^[1]
Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol	The Administration must impose on each licensee under 21 an alcohol restriction prohibiting driving or attempting to drive while having alcohol in the blood. ^[2]
Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol	A person may not drive, operate or be in physical control of a commercial motor vehicle with any alcohol concentration in the blood or breath; an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater leads to disqualification. ^[3]
Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol	First offence of driving under the influence of alcohol or per se (0.08): imprisonment up to 1 year or a fine up to $1,200, or both; second offence: up to 2 years or $2,400 or both. If transporting a minor: up to 2 years or $2,000 (first) and up to 3 years or $3,000 (second). ^[4]

Sources

These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States

Limit for professional or commercial drivers	0.04% alcohol concentration or more: a driver subject to commercial driver's licence rules must not report for or remain on duty performing safety-sensitive functions, and an employer who knows of it must not let the driver continue. (source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Office of the Federal Register))

State	Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers	Lower limit for novice or young drivers	Limit for professional or commercial drivers	Random breath tests without suspicion	Maximum penalties
Maryland	0.08%	Any alcohol (under 21)	Any alcohol (commercial); 0.04% disqualifies	⚠ Not yet verified	Up to 1 yr jail / $1,200 (1st)
District of Columbia	0.08%	Any amount (under 21)	0.04% (commercial vehicle)	⚠ Not yet verified	Up to 180 days; $1,000 fine
Delaware	0.08%	0.02% (under 21)	0.04% (commercial vehicle)	⚠ Not yet verified	1st: up to 12 months; $500-$1,500 fine
Pennsylvania	0.08%	0.02% (minors)	0.04% (commercial vehicle)	⚠ Not yet verified	First: misdemeanour, $300 fine
Virginia	0.08%	0.02% (under 21)	0.04% (commercial vehicle)	⚠ Not yet verified	Class 1 misdemeanour; fine min. $250
West Virginia	0.08%	0.02% (under 21)	0.04% commercial	⚠ Not yet verified	Up to 6 months; $100-$500 fine

CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: 2 plants per household
Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (35 divided residential) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph
Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 yrs 6 mths (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 yrs 9 mths (learner's permit)
E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 · Minimum age: 16+ for Class 3
FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (permit only; sparklers excepted)
Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Penknife without switchblade is not a "weapon" · Locking or one-handed knives: Listed weapon; sale or display is banned
Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour
Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned (no hand use) · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, driver and front passengers · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes; police enforce only as secondary action (16+)
Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.