Texting while driving ticket in Maryland
A texting ticket in Maryland costs $70–$83 on the state schedule.
Add up my ticket All Maryland rules
What does the Maryland state schedule charge for a texting ticket?
| Ticket | You pay |
|---|---|
| Driver using hands to use handheld telephone while motor vehicle is in motion, 1st offenseNo points unless it contributed to a crash (3). | $83[5] |
| Driver writing, sending or reading a text or electronic message while driving1 point. | $70[5] |
Will a texting ticket raise your insurance in Maryland?
Probably, once it is on your record. Insurers rate a texting ticket as a moving violation. In Maryland one speeding ticket raised a full-coverage premium about 21% on average[1], or about $1,595 over three years. A texting ticket usually lands in the same range.
Estimate based on the state's speeding average, not a quote.
How long do you have to respond to a texting ticket in Maryland?
You have 30 days to pay or respond to a texting ticket in Maryland. These are the dates that matter:
- 30daysPay or respondfrom the ticket date[3][4][10]
Details
Pay, request a payment plan, request a waiver hearing, or request a trial. If you miss it: The court notifies the MVA, which mails a notice. Your license is suspended if you don't act within 15 days of that notice.
- 10daysAsk for a hearing after a points suspension or revocation noticefrom the notice date[7]
Details
Ask for a hearing after a points suspension or revocation notice. If you miss it: Otherwise the suspension or revocation takes effect.
- 15daysLicense suspended if ignoredfrom the notice date[4]
Details
Act on the MVA notice after missing the deadline or a court date. If you miss it: License suspended until you pay, enter a payment plan, or get a new court date.
- 30daysLast day to appealfrom conviction[11][10]
Details
Appeal a District Court conviction to the circuit court. If you miss it: Nonrefundable court costs apply.
Can you keep a texting ticket off your Maryland record?
Every way to handle a Maryland ticket, from paying to contesting →
Texting tickets in other states →
Got a different ticket in Maryland?
- Speeding
- School zone
- Work zone
- Red light
- Stop sign
- No insurance
- Expired registration
- Seat belt
- School bus
- Failure to yield
- Parking
What else do people ask?
Will a texting ticket raise my insurance in Maryland?
Probably, if it goes on your record. Insurers rate it as a moving violation. In Maryland a speeding ticket raised full-coverage premiums about 21% on average (ValuePenguin State of Auto Insurance in 2026), and a texting ticket tends to land in the same range.
How long do I have to respond to a texting ticket in Maryland?
30 days from the date on the ticket. If you don't respond within 30 days or miss a court date, the court notifies the MVA after 5 days.
Sources
Maryland law and DMV sources (8)
- Md. Code, Transportation §26-201 (contents of traffic citation, 30-day options), Maryland General Assembly.
- Md. Code, Transportation §26-204 (failure to comply, suspension), Maryland General Assembly.
- District Court of Maryland, Schedule of Preset Fines and/or Penalty Deposits, DC-CR-090 (Rev. 10/2024), District Court of Maryland.
- Md. Code, Transportation §16-404 (point actions, suspension and revocation), Maryland General Assembly.
- Md. Code, Transportation §16-212 (driver improvement program), Maryland General Assembly.
- MVA: Driver Improvement Program, Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.
- Maryland Courts: Traffic (I received a traffic ticket, what can I do?), Maryland Judiciary.
- Md. Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings §12-401 (appeal from District Court), Maryland General Assembly.
Insurance sources (4)
- State of Auto Insurance in 2026, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
- Car Insurance Rate Increases with a Speeding Ticket in 2026, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
- How Does a DUI Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates in 2026?, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
- How Much Will My Car Insurance Rates Go Up After a Crash in 2026?, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).