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Published on 9/25/2025, 9:04:00 AM

Maryland’s New DUI Fines (Effective June 1, 2025): What Changed and What It Means

Updated October 8, 2026

As of June 1, 2025, Maryland increased selected maximum fines for DUI and DUI per se offenses. The change did not combine DUI, DWI, incarceration, or MVA consequences into one penalty. For a current overview, start with the Maryland DUI penalty chart. If you have been charged, our Maryland DUI lawyers can explain how the fine provisions fit with the rest of the case.

Quick context: DUI vs. DWI still matters

Maryland law distinguishes DUI from alcohol-related DWI. DUI carries higher ordinary maximum penalties. If you are unsure where the allegations fall, start with our DUI vs. DWI comparison and the alcohol-concentration rules explained on our DUI per se page.

For a broader overview, see Section 21-902 Maryland.

What changed on June 1, 2025?

The 2025 change raised the ordinary maximum fines for selected first- and second-offense DUI and DUI per se violations. The ordinary alcohol-related DWI maximum fines remained unchanged.

Ordinary alcohol-related charge First-offense maximum fine Second-offense maximum fine 2025 status
DUI/DUI per se $1,200 $2,400 Increased effective June 1, 2025
DWI $500 $500 Unchanged

These are maximum fines, not guaranteed outcomes. Incarceration exposure is separate. An ordinary first DUI or DUI per se offense carries up to one year, while an ordinary first alcohol-related DWI carries up to two months. Qualifying prior convictions and other enhancements can change the applicable exposure.

Current context for charges involving a minor passenger

The following figures provide current context for alcohol-related charges involving a minor passenger. They should not be read as a statement that every listed amount was newly created in 2025.

Alcohol-related charge involving a minor passenger First-offense maximum fine Second-offense maximum fine
DUI/DUI per se $2,000 $3,000
DWI $1,200 $2,400

These minor-passenger maximums are separate from the ordinary DUI/DUI per se fines of $1,200 and $2,400 and the ordinary alcohol-related DWI fines of $500 and $500.

What didn’t change?

  • Elements of proof. The State still must prove DUI or DWI beyond a reasonable doubt. The DUI per se rules address one way the State may try to prove a charge.
  • Separate MVA track. The administrative license case runs separately from the criminal case. A breath-test result or refusal can lead to suspension or ignition-interlock issues regardless of the criminal fine. Learn about MVA hearings and ignition interlock.
  • Points and interlock are distinct. Conviction points, administrative sanctions, and ignition-interlock requirements require separate analysis.

Repeat-Offender Rules Require a Separate Analysis

Different enhancement provisions have different requirements. There is not one universal lookback window that controls every enhanced penalty for a person with prior alcohol- or drug-related driving cases.

The number, type, date, and disposition of prior cases may matter, as may the specific enhancement the State seeks. Review our subsequent-offender DUI resource and the focused explanation of Section 21-902(h) repeat DUI penalties.

How the Higher Fine Caps Fit Into a DUI Case

The maximum fine is only one part of the case. The defense may still dispute the stop, alcohol-concentration evidence, field sobriety testing, statements, or other proof. Potential outcomes can include dismissal, acquittal, a negotiated resolution, or Probation Before Judgment where eligible.

A reduction from DUI to DWI changes the applicable criminal maximums, but it does not automatically eliminate administrative license sanctions or ignition-interlock requirements. Get a broader strategy overview in our Maryland DUI Guide.

What this means for first-time defendants

The ordinary first-offense DUI maximum fine is now $1,200, but the result in a particular case depends on more than the fine cap. Relevant considerations may include:

  • Evidence strength (stop quality, SFSTs, breath/blood testing, video)
  • Case-specific aggravating or mitigating facts
  • Available defenses and negotiations
  • Eligibility for PBJ or another resolution

Review practical answers in our First-Time DUI FAQ.

Practical Steps After a DUI Arrest

  1. Review the Order of Suspension immediately. A hearing request made within 10 days generally preserves the ability to continue driving pending the hearing, subject to license status and applicable rules. See MVA hearings.
  2. Request and review discovery (reports, body-cam, calibration logs).
  3. Discuss appropriate assessment or treatment steps with counsel rather than assuming one program fits every case.
  4. Review the complete exposure. Use our Maryland DUI chart and read how the charges differ in the DUI vs. DWI comparison.

FAQs

Q: Did Maryland raise DUI fines in 2025?

A: Yes. For selected DUI and DUI per se charges, the maximum fine became $1,200 for a first offense and $2,400 for a second offense effective June 1, 2025. The ordinary alcohol-related DWI maximum fine remained $500 for a first or second offense.

Q: Do higher fines change my license penalties?

A: The fine itself is part of the criminal case. Administrative MVA sanctions, conviction points, and ignition-interlock requirements are separate issues and may apply regardless of the fine. Read about MVA hearings and ignition interlock.

Q: Can my DUI still be reduced to a DWI?

A: Sometimes. Reductions depend on the evidence, alcohol concentration, legal issues, and circumstances. Start with DUI vs. DWI and the DUI Guide.

Q: Are jail maximums different now?

A: The 2025 update discussed here changed selected fine caps. Incarceration remains a separate part of the penalty analysis. For prior cases and possible enhancements, see Subsequent Offender DUI and Section 21-902(h) repeat DUI.

Need Help With a Maryland DUI Charge?

Higher fine caps do not decide the outcome. The DUI defense lawyers at FrizWoods review the stop, testing, statements, video, and other proof while coordinating the criminal and MVA matters.

Questions about your exposure under the 2025 changes? Contact us for a free consultation.

Related resources

Unsure how the 2025 fine increases affect your case? Contact us to discuss the facts and possible next steps.




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