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Texting while driving ticket in Maryland

A texting ticket in Maryland costs $70–$83 on the state schedule.

Fine$70–$83state schedule
PointsSee state rules
Driver Improvement Program (DIP)No

Add up my ticket All Maryland rules

What does the Maryland state schedule charge for a texting ticket?

TicketYou 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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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 →

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)
  1. Md. Code, Transportation §26-201 (contents of traffic citation, 30-day options), Maryland General Assembly.
  2. Md. Code, Transportation §26-204 (failure to comply, suspension), Maryland General Assembly.
  3. District Court of Maryland, Schedule of Preset Fines and/or Penalty Deposits, DC-CR-090 (Rev. 10/2024), District Court of Maryland.
  4. Md. Code, Transportation §16-404 (point actions, suspension and revocation), Maryland General Assembly.
  5. Md. Code, Transportation §16-212 (driver improvement program), Maryland General Assembly.
  6. MVA: Driver Improvement Program, Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.
  7. Maryland Courts: Traffic (I received a traffic ticket, what can I do?), Maryland Judiciary.
  8. Md. Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings §12-401 (appeal from District Court), Maryland General Assembly.
Insurance sources (4)
  1. State of Auto Insurance in 2026, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
  2. Car Insurance Rate Increases with a Speeding Ticket in 2026, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
  3. How Does a DUI Affect Your Auto Insurance Rates in 2026?, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).
  4. How Much Will My Car Insurance Rates Go Up After a Crash in 2026?, ValuePenguin (LendingTree).