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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

As of June 1, 2025, Maryland increased the maximum fines for several alcohol/drug driving offenses. In key spots, the cap moved from $1,000 ? $1,200 for a first offense and $2,000 ? $2,400 for a second offense. Jail exposure, MVA consequences, and collateral fallout still apply. If you've been charged, speak with our Maryland DUI lawyers to figure out the best path trial, reduction, or PBJ.

Quick context: DUI vs. DWI still matters

Maryland law distinguishes DUI (more serious) from DWI (lesser). If you're unsure where your facts land, start with our comparison: DUI vs. DWI and the BAC �per se� rules at DUI Per Se.

For the statute overview, see our plain-English explainer: � 21-902 Maryland.

What changed on June 1, 2025?

Maryland raised maximum fines in multiple � 21-902 buckets. Highlights you'll feel most often in court:

Charge type (selected) Prior maximum fine New maximum fine (effective 6/1/2025)
DUI / DUI per se (first offense) � � 21-902(a)(1) $1,000 $1,200
DUI / DUI per se (second offense) � � 21-902(a)(1) $2,000 $2,400
Transporting a minor w/ alcohol-related offense (selected subsections) Often tracks base offense $1,200 (first) / $2,400 (second) in specified subsections
DWI (impaired by alcohol) � � 21-902(b)(1) $500 $500 (unchanged)

Fines are maximums not guaranteed outcomes. Judges also consider jail exposure, probation, treatment, and conditions. See common ranges on our Maryland DUI Chart.

What didn't change?

  • Elements of proof. The State still must prove DUI or DWI beyond a reasonable doubt. Details live in our guide to DUI Per Se.
  • Separate MVA track. Your license case runs in parallel with the criminal case. Refusals/high BAC can trigger suspensions or ignition interlock regardless of the fine. Learn the timing and hearing requests at MVA Hearings and device basics at Ignition Interlock & DUIs.
  • Subsequent offender rules. Prior alcohol/drug driving convictions within the look-back window can elevate penalties and mandatory minimums. Start here: Subsequent Offender DUI and our focused page on � 21-902(h).

How prosecutors use the new caps

Expect State's Attorneys to reference the higher caps when arguing for fines on first and second DUIs, especially with aggravators like:

  • Crash with injury or property damage
  • High BAC evidence
  • Transporting a minor passenger
  • Bad driving pattern or admissions on body-worn camera

Your lawyer can still target charge severity (DUI ? DWI), dispute BAC evidence, challenge field tests, or pursue PBJ where appropriate. Get the strategy overview in our Maryland DUI Guide.

What this means for first-time defendants

Even with the increase to $1,200, most first-offense outcomes turn on:

  • Evidence strength (stop quality, SFSTs, breath/blood testing, video)
  • Compliance with treatment recommendations and MADD/VIP where ordered
  • Negotiation posture (reduction to DWI, PBJ, or trial)

Check quick answers here: First-Time DUI FAQ.

Practical tips after a 2025 arrest

  1. Calendar MVA deadlines immediately. Many drivers have just 10 days to preserve certain options. See MVA Hearings.
  2. Request and review discovery (reports, body-cam, calibration logs).
  3. Get a treatment assessment early. Judges weigh treatment heavily at sentencing.
  4. Model your exposure. Use our Maryland DUI Chart and read how reductions work in practice: DUI vs. DWI.

FAQs

Q: Did Maryland raise DUI fines in 2025?

A: Yes. For key DUI charges, the maximum fine is now $1,200 for a first offense and $2,400 for a second offense, effective June 1, 2025.

Q: Do higher fines change my license penalties?

A: No. Fines are part of the criminal case. License actions flow through the MVA suspensions and interlock may apply regardless of the fine. Read: MVA Hearings and Ignition Interlock.

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

A: Sometimes. Reductions depend on evidence, BAC, and legal issues. Start with DUI vs. DWI and our strategy primers in the DUI Guide.

Q: Are jail maximums different now?

A: The fine caps changed; typical jail maximums (e.g., up to one year for a first DUI) remain key parts of the statute. For priors and mandatory minimums, see Subsequent Offender DUI and � 21-902(h).

Need help after a 2025 DUI arrest?

Higher fine caps raise the stakes, but they don't decide your outcome. The DUI defense lawyers at FrizWoods challenge stops, testing, and proof and leverage mitigation to pursue reduction, PBJ, or a trial win.

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 and we'll map a strategy tailored to your facts.