An individual may not drive or attempt to drive a motor vehicle on any highway in this State unless: The individual holds a driver’s license issued under this title; The individual is expressly exempt from the licensing requirements of this title; or The individual otherwise is specifically authorized by this title to drive vehicles of the class that the individual is driving or attempting to drive. On portions of a highway in the State where driving an all–terrain vehicle or a snowmobile is authorized by this article, an individual may not drive or attempt to drive an all–terrain vehicle or a snowmobile on the highway unless: The individual holds a driver’s license issued under this title; or The individual is expressly exempt from the licensing requirements of this title. Each individual operating on any highway in this State a moped, as defined in § 11–134.1 of this article or a motor scooter, as defined in § 11–134.5 of this article, shall have with the individual: A driver’s license issued to the individual under this title, which license may be of any class issued by the Administration; If the individual is a nonresident of this State, a license to drive issued to the individual by the state or country of the individual’s residence, which license may be for any class of vehicle; or A moped operator’s permit issued to the individual under this subtitle. A person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to: For a first offense, imprisonment not exceeding 60 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both; and For a second or subsequent offense, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.

The licensing requirements of this title do not apply to: An officer or employee of the United States while driving on official business a motor vehicle other than a commercial motor vehicle owned or operated by the United States; Except for members elected from this State, a member of the United States Congress who resides in this State during his term of office in the Congress; An individual while driving any road machine, farm tractor, or farm equipment temporarily driven on a highway in this State, or dock equipment at Dundalk or Locust Point marine terminals which does not require registration under the provisions of this article; An individual who, while driving a mobile crane on a highway to or from a construction site in this State, has with him a valid Class A, B, or C license issued to him under § 16–104.1 of this subtitle or a Class A or B commercial driver’s license issued to him under this title; A nonresident student enrolled in an accredited school, college, or university of this State or of a bordering state or serving a medical internship in this State, if: The state of which the student is a resident extends the same privileges to the residents of this State; The student has with him a license to drive issued to him by the state of which he is a resident; and The license authorizes the student to drive in the state of which he is a resident vehicles of the class he is driving in this State; A new resident of this State during the first 60 days of residency, if: The individual has a valid license issued by the state of which the individual formerly was a resident; The license authorizes the individual to drive in the state of former residence vehicles of the class the individual is driving in this State; and The individual is at least the same age as that required for a resident to drive a vehicle of the same class the individual is driving in this State; A member of the uniformed services who is serving on active duty and any dependent of the member, if: The driver has in the driver’s possession a license to drive issued to the driver by the driver’s state of domicile; and The license authorizes the driver to drive in the driver’s state of domicile vehicles of the class the driver is driving in this State; For not more than 30 days after he returns to the United States, a member of the armed forces of the United States who is returning from active duty outside the United States and any dependent of the member who is returning from residence with the member outside the United States; if: The driver has with him a license to drive issued to him by the armed forces of the United States in a place outside the United States; and The license authorizes the driver to drive vehicles of the class he is driving in this State; A nonresident of this State if: He has with him a license to drive issued to him by the state of his residence; His license authorizes him to drive in that state vehicles of the class he is driving in this State; and He is at least the same age as that required of a resident for the vehicle he is driving in this State; A nonresident of the United States if: The individual has a valid license to drive issued to the individual by the country of residence; The individual’s license authorizes him to drive in that country vehicles of the class he is driving in this State; The individual is at least the same age as that required of a resident for the vehicle he is driving in this State; and Except as provided for in Subtitle 8 of this title, the vehicle is not a commercial motor vehicle; A member of the Maryland National Guard or a National Guard military technician if: The driver is driving a military vehicle in the performance of duty; and The driver has with him an operator’s identification card issued by the Maryland National Guard for the type of military vehicle being driven; and A member or employee of a fire department, rescue squad, emergency medical services unit, or volunteer fire company while driving an emergency vehicle if the driver: Holds a valid Class C license issued to the driver under § 16–104.1 of this subtitle; Has been authorized by the political subdivision that operates a fire department, rescue squad, emergency medical services unit, or volunteer fire department to operate the type of emergency vehicle being driven; and Is driving the emergency vehicle in the performance of the official duties of the driver in or out of this State. The Administration shall adopt regulations that establish mandatory training and testing requirements that a political subdivision that operates a fire department, rescue squad, emergency medical services unit, or volunteer fire department must implement before the political subdivision may authorize an individual to operate an emergency vehicle in accordance with subsection (a)(12) of this section. The Administration shall adopt the regulations required under this subsection in consultation with: The Maryland Firefighters Association; The Maryland Fire Chief’s Association; The Professional Firefighters Association of Maryland; The Metropolitan Fire Chief’s Council; and The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute of the University of Maryland.

Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the Administration may not issue a driver’s license to any individual who is not at least 18 years old. Except as provided under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Administration may issue a noncommercial Class B, C, or M license to an individual under the age of 18 if the individual otherwise qualifies for a driver’s license under this subtitle. The Administration may not issue a Class M license to an individual under the age of 18 years unless the individual has also completed satisfactorily a motorcycle safety course approved under Subtitle 6 of this title. The Administration may not issue: A learner’s instructional permit to any individual who has not reached the age of 15 years, 9 months; A provisional license to any individual who has not reached the age of 16 years, 6 months; or A license to any individual who has not reached the age of 18 years.

The Administration may not issue a driver’s license to an individual: During any period for which the individual’s license to drive is revoked, suspended, refused, or canceled in this or any other state, unless the individual is eligible for a restricted license under § 16–113(e) of this subtitle; Who is an habitual drunkard, habitual user of narcotic drugs, or habitual user of any other drug to a degree that renders the individual incapable of safely driving a motor vehicle; Who previously has been adjudged to be suffering from any mental disability or mental disease and who, at the time of application, has not been adjudged competent; Who is required by this title to take an examination, unless the individual has passed the examination; Whose driving of a motor vehicle on the highways the Administration has good cause to believe would be inimical to public safety or welfare; Who is unable to exercise reasonable control over a motor vehicle due to disease or a physical disability, including the loss of an arm or leg or both, except that, if the individual passes the examination required by this title, the Administration may issue the individual a restricted license requiring the individual to wear a workable artificial limb or other similar body attachment; Who is unable to understand highway warning or direction signs written in the English language; Who is unable to sign the individual’s name for identification purposes; Who is 70 years old or older and applying for a new license, unless the applicant presents to the Administration: Proof of the individual’s previous satisfactory operation of a motor vehicle; or A written certification acceptable to the Administration from a licensed physician attesting to the general physical and mental qualifications of the applicant; Who does not provide satisfactory documentary evidence of lawful status; Who does not provide: Satisfactory documentary evidence that the applicant has a valid Social Security number by presenting the applicant’s Social Security Administration account card or, if the Social Security Administration account card is not available, any of the following documents bearing the applicant’s Social Security number: A current W–2 form; A current SSA–1099 form; A current non–SSA–1099 form; or A current pay stub with the applicant’s name and Social Security number on it; or Satisfactory documentary evidence that the applicant is not eligible for a Social Security number; or Who otherwise does not qualify for a license under this title.

A noncommercial Class A driver’s license authorizes the licensee to drive combinations of Class F (tractor) and Class G (trailer) vehicles and any vehicle that a noncommercial Class B driver’s license authorizes its holder to drive, except: Commercial motor vehicles; and Motorcycles other than autocycles. An individual who is issued a noncommercial Class A driver’s license under this subsection may not drive or attempt to drive a motor vehicle on any highway in this State unless a noncommercial Class A driver’s license authorizes the individual to drive a vehicle of the class that the individual is driving or attempting to drive. A noncommercial Class B driver’s license authorizes the licensee to drive any single vehicle or combinations of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR), as defined in § 16–803 of this title, of 26,001 pounds and more and any vehicle that a noncommercial Class C driver’s license authorizes its holder to drive, except: Commercial motor vehicles; Motorcycles other than autocycles; and Combinations of Class F (tractor) and Class G (trailer) vehicles. An individual who is issued a noncommercial Class B driver’s license under this subsection may not drive or attempt to drive a motor vehicle on any highway in this State unless a noncommercial Class B driver’s license authorizes the individual to drive a vehicle of the class that the individual is driving or attempting to drive. A noncommercial Class C driver’s license authorizes the licensee to drive any vehicle or combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), as defined in § 16–803 of this title, of less than 26,001 pounds, except: Commercial motor vehicles; and Motorcycles other than autocycles. An individual who is issued a noncommercial Class C driver’s license under this subsection may not drive or attempt to drive a motor vehicle on any highway in this State unless a noncommercial Class C driver’s license authorizes the individual to drive a vehicle of the class that the individual is driving or attempting to drive. A Class M driver’s license authorizes the licensee to drive motorcycles other than autocycles. An individual who is issued a Class M driver’s license under this subsection may not drive or attempt to drive a motor vehicle on any highway in this State unless a Class M driver’s license authorizes the individual to drive a vehicle of the class that the individual is driving or attempting to drive. This subsection does not apply to an autocycle or when the towing vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle. Subject to the provisions of this section, a noncommercial Class A, B, or C license holder may: Tow any travel trailer as defined in § 11–170 of this article; Tow any camping trailer as defined in § 11–106 of this article; or Tow any boat trailer as defined in § 11–104.1 of this article. This section applies to any license issued or renewed on or after January 1, 1990.

On application, the Administration shall issue a moped operator’s permit to an applicant who: Is 16 years of age or older; Does not possess a valid driver’s license issued by this State or any other jurisdiction, but whose license or privilege to drive is not revoked, suspended, refused, or canceled; Provides satisfactory documentary evidence that the applicant has lawful status; and Provides satisfactory documentary evidence that the applicant has a valid Social Security number by presenting the applicant’s Social Security Administration account card or, if the Social Security Administration account card is not available, any of the following documents bearing the applicant’s Social Security number: A current W–2 form; A current SSA–1099 form; A current non–SSA–1099 form; or A current pay stub with the applicant’s name and Social Security number on it; or Provides satisfactory documentary evidence that the applicant is not eligible for a Social Security number. An applicant is entitled to receive a moped operator’s permit if the applicant: Passes the examination provided for in § 16–110(c)(1) of this subtitle; Pays the fee provided for in this section; and Provides the documentary evidence described in subsection (a) of this section. Each application for a moped operator’s permit shall be on a form and contain the information that the Administration requires and each permit issued shall be of a size, design, and content that the Administration specifies. A permit is not valid unless the applicant signs the applicant’s name on it in the applicant’s usual signature. When issued and signed, a moped operator’s permit only authorizes its holder to operate a moped, as defined in § 11–134.1 of this article or a motor scooter, as defined in § 11–134.5 of this article. Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a moped operator’s permit expires at the end of a period of not more than 5 years determined in regulations adopted by the Administration. If an applicant has temporary lawful status, the Administration may not issue a moped operator’s permit to the applicant for a period that extends beyond the expiration date of the applicant’s authorized stay in the United States or, if there is no expiration date, for a period longer than 1 year. Nothing contained in this paragraph may be construed to allow the issuance of a moped operator’s permit for a period longer than the period described in paragraph (1) of this subsection. The Administration shall indicate on the face and in the machine–readable zone of a temporary moped operator’s permit issued under this paragraph that the permit is a temporary moped operator’s permit. It may be renewed on application and payment of the fee required by subsection (f) of this section. For issuance or renewal of a moped operator’s permit, an applicant shall pay the Administration a fee established by the Administration. For issuance of a duplicate moped operator’s permit, an applicant shall pay the Administration a fee established by the Administration.

Any individual who desires to obtain an original driver’s license under this subtitle or to be licensed in a class for which the individual is not already licensed under this subtitle shall apply to the Administration for the desired driver’s license. Except as provided in subsection (f) of this section, before issuing a driver’s license, the Administration shall issue to each applicant a learner’s instructional permit. The learner’s instructional permit shall identify clearly the class of license for which the applicant has applied. Each applicant for a learner’s instructional permit who is under the age of 16 years shall present to the Administration a copy of the applicant’s school attendance record. The Administration may not issue a learner’s instructional permit to an applicant under the age of 16 years if the applicant’s school attendance record indicates more than 10 unexcused absences during the prior school semester. The holder of a learner’s instructional permit may drive the same vehicle and combinations of vehicles as may a holder of the class of driver’s license for which the permit holder has applied, but only while accompanied by and under the immediate supervision of an individual who: Is at least 21 years old; Has been licensed for at least 3 years in this State or in another state to drive vehicles of the class then being driven by the holder of the learner’s instructional permit; and Unless the vehicle is a motorcycle, is seated beside the holder of the learner’s instructional permit. The individual supervising the holder of the learner’s instructional permit under paragraph (1) of this subsection is the only individual allowed in the front seat of a motor vehicle with the permit holder while the permit holder is driving. The holder of a learner’s instructional permit for a motorcycle may drive the motorcycle with another individual on it only if the other individual is one described in subsection (b)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section. This subsection applies to an individual who: Seeks to obtain an original driver’s license under this subtitle; and Does not qualify for a learner’s instructional permit under subsection (e) of this section. Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, an individual under the age of 19 years who holds a learner’s instructional permit may not take a driver skills examination or driver road examination for a provisional license: Sooner than 9 months following the later of: The date that the individual first obtains the learner’s instructional permit; or The most recent date the individual was convicted of, or granted probation before judgment under § 6–220 of the Criminal Procedure Article for, a moving violation; Until after successful completion of: The driver education program approved under Subtitle 5 of this title, consisting of at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and at least 6 hours of highway driving instruction; and At least 60 hours, 10 hours of which must occur during the period beginning 30 minutes before sunset and ending 30 minutes after sunrise, of behind–the–wheel driving practice supervised by an individual who: Holds a valid driver’s license; Is at least 21 years old; and Has been licensed to drive for at least 3 years; and Unless the individual submits, in accordance with the Administration’s regulations, a completed skills log book signed by: Each supervising driver who certifies that the individual has satisfactorily demonstrated a required skill and has completed the driving practice requirements of item (ii)2 of this paragraph; and If a signature of a parent, guardian, or other person is required under § 16–107 of this subtitle, the parent, guardian, or other person who signs the individual’s application under that section. An individual who holds a learner’s instructional permit and who is 18 years old and has a high school diploma or its equivalent or is at least 19 years old but under the age of 25 years may not take a driver skills examination or driver road examination for a provisional license: Sooner than the later of: 3 months following the date that the individual first obtains the learner’s instructional permit; or 9 months following the most recent date the individual was convicted of, or granted probation before judgment for, a moving violation; Until after successful completion of: A standard driver education program approved under Subtitle 5 of this title, consisting of at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and at least 6 hours of highway driving instruction; and At least 60 hours, 10 hours of which must occur during the period beginning 30 minutes before sunset and ending 30 minutes after sunrise, of behind–the–wheel driving practice supervised by an individual who: Holds a valid driver’s license; Is at least 21 years old; and Has been licensed to drive for at least 3 years; and Unless the individual submits, in accordance with the Administration’s regulations, a completed skills log book signed by each supervising driver who certifies that the individual has satisfactorily demonstrated a required skill and has completed the driving practice requirements under this paragraph. An individual at least 25 years old who holds a learner’s instructional permit and has not been convicted of, or granted probation before judgment for, a moving violation may not take a driver skills examination or driver road examination for a provisional license: Sooner than 45 days following the date that the individual first obtains the learner’s instructional permit; Until after successful completion of: A standard driver education program approved under Subtitle 5 of this title, consisting of at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and at least 6 hours of highway driving instruction; and At least 14 hours, 3 hours of which must occur during the period beginning 30 minutes before sunset and ending 30 minutes after sunrise, of behind–the–wheel driving practice supervised by an individual who: Holds a valid driver’s license; Is at least 21 years old; and Has been licensed to drive for at least 3 years; and Unless the individual submits, in accordance with the Administration’s regulations, a completed skills log book signed by each supervising driver who certifies that the individual has satisfactorily demonstrated a required skill and has completed the driving practice requirements under this paragraph. An individual at least 25 years old who holds a learner’s instructional permit and has been convicted of, or granted probation before judgment for, at least one moving violation may not take a driver skills examination or driver road examination for a provisional license: Sooner than 9 months following the most recent date the individual was convicted of, or granted probation before judgment for, a moving violation; Until after successful completion of: A standard driver education program approved under Subtitle 5 of this title, consisting of at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and at least 6 hours of highway driving instruction; and At least 14 hours, 3 hours of which must occur during the period beginning 30 minutes before sunset and ending 30 minutes after sunrise, of behind–the–wheel driving practice supervised by an individual who: Holds a valid driver’s license; Is at least 21 years old; and Has been licensed to drive for at least 3 years; and Unless the individual submits, in accordance with the Administration’s regulations, a completed skills log book signed by each supervising driver who certifies that the individual has satisfactorily demonstrated a required skill and has completed the driving practice requirements under this paragraph. A learner’s instructional permit issued to an individual described in paragraph (1) of this subsection expires 2 years after the date of issuance. This subsection only applies to an individual who holds a license and who seeks a different class license to drive a motor vehicle that, under the individual’s current license, the individual is not authorized to drive. The holder of a learner’s instructional permit may not take the driver’s license examination sooner than 14 days after the permit is issued. The 14 days’ requirement may be waived if a subsequent learner’s instructional permit is issued or applied for. A learner’s instructional permit issued to an individual described in paragraph (1) of this subsection expires 1 year after the date of issuance. A commercial driver’s instructional permit issued to an individual described in paragraph (1) of this subsection expires 1 year after the date of issuance. Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, the Administration may issue a driver’s license, without first issuing a learner’s instructional permit and without a waiting period, to any individual who: Has been licensed regularly to drive in this State, in another state or country, or by the armed forces of the United States, if the Administration is satisfied that the applicant’s experience in driving vehicles of the type that would be authorized by the license class applied for is sufficient to justify issuance of the license without further training; or Has successfully completed the Administration approved basic motorcycle safety course. The Administration may: Examine the applicant’s driving as provided in § 16–110 of this subtitle; or Issue a provisional license, if appropriate, under § 16–111(e) of this subtitle. An individual who never held a driver’s license issued by the Administration or by another state, but who otherwise may obtain a license under paragraph (1)(i) of this subsection without first obtaining a learner’s instructional permit, shall successfully complete a 3–hour Roadway Safety Driving Education Program established by the Administration under § 16–212.1 of this title before qualifying for a driver’s license. An individual holding a learner’s instructional permit issued under this section may not drive or attempt to drive a motor vehicle on any highway in this State in violation of any of the provisions of this section.

Each application for a driver’s license shall be made on the form that the Administration requires. The application shall state: The full name, Maryland residence address, race, sex, height, weight, general physical condition, and date of birth of the applicant; Whether the applicant previously has been refused a license to drive and, if so: By what state or country; and The date of and reason for the refusal; Whether the applicant previously has been licensed to drive and, if so: When and by what state or country; and Whether the license ever has been suspended, revoked, or canceled and, if so, the date of and reason for the suspension, revocation, or cancellation; Subject to the provisions of subsection (c) of this section, the applicant’s Social Security number; and Any other pertinent information that the Administration requires. An applicant shall provide: Satisfactory documentary evidence that the applicant has a valid Social Security number by presenting the applicant’s Social Security Administration account card or, if the Social Security Administration account card is not available, any of the following documents bearing the applicant’s Social Security number: A current W–2 form; A current SSA–1099 form; A current non–SSA–1099 form; or A current pay stub with the applicant’s name and Social Security number on it; or Satisfactory documentary evidence that the applicant is not eligible for a Social Security number. The applicant shall sign the application and certify that the statements made in it are true. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, an applicant for an original license shall submit with the application a birth certificate or other proof of age and identity that is satisfactory to the Administration. An individual party to an absolute divorce may elect to use a prior legal or true name upon filing an affidavit or other proof, satisfactory to the Administration, of: The prior name; and The absolute divorce. An applicant who claims a name change by or under the common law of this State or any other state shall submit with the applicant’s application the following: An affidavit of the name by which the applicant is known and transacts business, as demonstrated by a Social Security card or record together with documents from at least 2 of the following categories: Tax records; Selective Service card or records; Voter registration card or records; Passport; A form of identification issued by a government unit that contains a photograph of the applicant; Baptismal certificate; Banking records; and Other proof of age and identity that is satisfactory to the Administration; Any document required under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph reflecting the legal name previously given to, or used by, the applicant prior to assuming the common law name; Any driver’s license issued to the applicant in the name previously used by the applicant prior to assuming the common law name; and A copy of the applicant’s birth certificate or other proof of age and identity that is satisfactory to the Administration. An applicant shall provide satisfactory documentary evidence that the applicant has lawful status. If an individual previously licensed to drive in another jurisdiction applies for a license, the Administration may request a copy of his driving record from the other jurisdiction. If another licensing jurisdiction requests a driving record from the Administration, the Administration may send the record to it without charge.

The application of a minor for a license shall be cosigned by: A parent or guardian of the applicant; If the applicant has no parent or guardian or is married, an adult employer of the applicant or any other responsible adult; or If the applicant is committed to the custody or guardianship of a local department of social services, the director of the department or the director’s designee. The individual cosigning the application of a minor shall: Provide the cosigner’s mailing address to the Administration; and Within 30 days of any change in the mailing address occurring while the applicant or licensee is a minor, notify the Administration of the change; and Certify that the statements made in the application are true to the best of the cosigner’s knowledge, information, and belief.

If, while the licensee is still a minor, the Administration receives from the individual who cosigned the license application of the minor a written request that the license of the minor be canceled, the Administration: Shall cancel the license; and May not reissue the license until: Another qualified adult cosigns and certifies an application as required by § 16–107 of this subtitle; or The minor becomes an adult.

If, while the licensee is still a minor, the Administration receives satisfactory evidence of the death of the individual who cosigned the license application of the minor, the Administration: Shall suspend the license; and May not reinstate the license until: Another qualified adult cosigns and certifies an application as required by § 16-107 of this subtitle; or The minor becomes an adult.

The Administration shall: Establish qualifications for the safe operation of the various classes, types, sizes, or combinations of vehicles; and Examine each applicant to determine the applicant’s qualifications for the license class applied for. Except as otherwise provided in this title, the Administration shall examine each applicant for an original driver’s license or for a class of driver’s license higher than that which the applicant currently holds. The examination shall include: A test of the applicant’s: Vision; Ability to read and understand highway signs regulating, warning, and directing traffic; and Knowledge of the traffic laws of this State and safe driving practices; A demonstration of the applicant’s ability to exercise reasonable control in driving a motor vehicle; and Any other additional physical or mental examination that the Administration considers necessary to determine an applicant’s fitness to drive a motor vehicle safely. The pool of questions from which the examination required under this subsection draws shall include at least five questions related to motorcycle safety awareness. At least one question related to motorcycle safety awareness shall appear on the examination. The questions required by this paragraph shall address: Visibility of motorcycles; Proper lane positioning around motorcycles; Safe following distances around motorcycles; Preventing crashes with motorcycles; and Any other topic related to motorcycle safety that the Administration deems relevant. If an applicant is qualified to take the required examinations for the license applied for, the applicant shall appear in person for examination at any one of the places in this State that the Administration has designated for this purpose. Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, for a required driver skills examination or driver road examination, each applicant shall provide a motor vehicle of a type appropriate to test the applicant’s ability to drive all vehicles that may be driven under the license class applied for. An applicant may not use an autocycle to test the applicant’s ability to drive under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph. Except as provided in paragraphs (3) and (4) of this subsection, when the holder of a learner’s instructional permit appears for the driving test, the permit holder shall be accompanied by an individual qualified under § 16–105 of this subtitle to accompany the holder of a learner’s permit while driving on a highway. That individual shall have his driver’s license with him. The holder of a Class M (motorcycle) learner’s instructional permit may: Transport a motorcycle to the driving test by truck or other vehicle unaccompanied by another individual, if the permit holder is licensed to drive the truck or other vehicle; or Be accompanied by a person transporting a motorcycle to the test by truck or other vehicle, if that person is licensed to drive the truck or other vehicle. The holder of a learner’s instructional permit may be driven to the examination station and to the starting point where the examiner begins the test by any individual authorized to drive the class of vehicle in which the test is being given. That individual shall have a valid driver’s license in the individual’s possession. If the applicant does not pass the examination for the license class applied for, the Administration may issue the applicant any license of a lower class for which the applicant qualifies. Except as provided in subsection (h) of this section, the Administration may waive any driver’s license examination provided for under this title if the applicant: Holds a valid driver’s license issued under this subtitle; Is applying for a Class M license and has successfully completed the Administration approved basic motorcycle safety course; or Holds a valid license from: Another state; A territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; or A province or territory of Canada. The Administration may not waive a vision examination required under this section unless the applicant: Is applying for a corrected driver’s license under § 16–114.1 of this subtitle; and Has passed a vision examination acceptable to the Administration within the last 12 months.

For an unrestricted license, each applicant is required to have: Simultaneously: A minimum visual acuity of 20/40 in each eye; and A continuous field of vision of at least 140 degrees; and Binocular vision. If the applicant’s vision can be corrected by glasses or contact lenses to meet the standards of this section, the Administration may issue the applicant a restricted license, endorsed “corrective lenses”. The Administration may issue a restricted license to an applicant who has simultaneously: A visual acuity of at least 20/40 in one or both eyes; and A continuous field of vision of at least 110 degrees and with at least 35 degrees lateral to the midline of each side. To qualify for a restricted license under this subsection, the Administration may require an applicant to submit a report of examination by a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist for evaluation by the Administration or its Medical Advisory Board. A license issued under this subsection: Shall be endorsed “outside mirrors each side”; and May be subject to additional restrictions imposed by the Administration, based on recommendations of the applicant’s ophthalmologist or optometrist, or any other evaluation that the Administration determines appropriate. The Administration may only issue a restricted noncommercial driver’s license to an applicant who does not otherwise meet the vision standards under this section but who has simultaneously: A visual acuity of at least 20/70 in one or both eyes; and A continuous field of vision of at least 110 degrees and with at least 35 degrees lateral to the midline of each side. To qualify for a restricted license under this subsection, the Administration may require an applicant to submit a report of examination by a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist for evaluation by the Administration or its Medical Advisory Board. A license issued under this subsection: Shall be endorsed “outside mirrors each side”; and May be subject to additional restrictions imposed by the Administration, based on recommendations of the applicant’s ophthalmologist or optometrist, or any other evaluation that the Administration determines appropriate. If an applicant does not meet the vision standards under this subtitle, the Administration may issue a restricted license to the applicant subject to any restrictions the Administration determines appropriate for public safety, including any restriction described in § 16-110.3 of this subtitle, if: The applicant is evaluated and recommended for approval by the Medical Advisory Board; and The applicant successfully completes a driver’s training course required by the Administration. An individual issued a restricted driver’s license under this section who has had vision correction surgery resulting in the individual’s meeting the requirements for an unrestricted license may: Apply to the Administration for a corrected license without the vision restriction; or Until the time of a license renewal or issuance of a corrected license, carry written certification from a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist that the individual meets the vision requirements for an unrestricted license under this section.

In this section, “bioptic telescopic lens” means a spectacle mounted telescopic/telescopics telescope placed at the top of a corrective vision lens and designed to increase visual acuity and aid in spotting distant objects at a glance. Notwithstanding any other requirements under this subtitle, an applicant using bioptic telescopic lenses shall be eligible for a noncommercial Class C driver’s license under this subtitle if the applicant: Demonstrates a visual acuity of at least 20/100 in one or both eyes and a field of 150 degrees horizontal vision with or without corrective lenses; or If the applicant has vision in one eye only, demonstrates a field of at least 100 degrees horizontal vision; Demonstrates a visual acuity of at least 20/70 in one or both eyes with the bioptic telescopic lenses and without the use of field expanders; Submits a report of examination by a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist for evaluation by the Medical Advisory Board under § 16–118 of this subtitle; and Meets all the other requirements for licensure under this title. An applicant using bioptic telescopic lenses shall be eligible for a learner’s instructional permit under § 16–103 of this subtitle if the applicant meets the requirements of subsection (b) of this section. Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, a license issued in compliance with this section authorizes the licensee to operate a motor vehicle only during the period beginning one–half hour after sunrise and ending one–half hour before sunset. If the applicant is eligible for a license under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Administration shall issue to the applicant a restricted license endorsed “daylight driving only”. A licensee under this section may operate a motor vehicle without any restriction regarding hours of operation if the licensee: Demonstrates a visual acuity of at least 20/40 in one or both eyes with the bioptic telescopic lenses and without the use of field expanders; Has been licensed under this section for at least one year; and Passes a skills test taken at night. This section only applies to an applicant who: Is granted a license under this section on or before September 30, 1997; and Continues to qualify for a license under this section.

The Administration may only issue a restricted Class C noncommercial driver’s license to an applicant who does not otherwise meet the vision standards under § 16–110.1 of this subtitle but: Has simultaneously: A visual acuity of worse than 20/70, but no worse than 20/100, in one or both eyes as determined by the Administration in consultation with the Medical Advisory Board; and A continuous field of vision of at least 110 degrees and with at least 35 degrees lateral to the midline of each side; and Is recommended for consideration for licensure by the applicant’s licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist in accordance with subsection (b) of this section and regulations of the Administration concerning limited vision licenses. The ophthalmologist’s or optometrist’s recommendation for an applicant seeking a license under this section shall be based on the best standard spectacle or contact lens correction in the applicant’s better eye. The Administration shall refer any application for a license under this section to the Medical Advisory Board appointed under § 16–118 of this subtitle for review. Unless the Medical Advisory Board determines that it can make a favorable recommendation to the Administration based on the record before it, the Board shall offer the applicant an opportunity to appear before the Board to present medical information pertinent to the Board’s review. An applicant who chooses to appear before the Medical Advisory Board may be accompanied by the applicant’s ophthalmologist or optometrist or by any other individual to assist the applicant in presenting pertinent medical information to the Board. An appearance before the Medical Advisory Board is not a matter subject to the contested case provisions under Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article. An applicant seeking a license under this section shall successfully complete a driver’s training course in accordance with regulations of the Administration. The required driver’s training course: Shall consist of at least 20 hours; and May vary based on an applicant’s previous driving experience or the driver trainer’s recommendation. If the ophthalmologist or optometrist recommends that the applicant use a bioptic telescopic lens while driving, the Administration may require additional driver’s training using the bioptic telescopic lens. A license granted under this section: Shall be endorsed “outside mirrors each side”; Subject to subsection (f) of this section, shall be endorsed “daylight driving only”; and May be subject to additional restrictions imposed by the Administration, based on recommendations of the applicant’s ophthalmologist or optometrist, or any other evaluation that the Administration determines appropriate. Restrictions that may be imposed under paragraph (1)(iii) of this subsection include: Type of highways where the licensee may drive; Maximum speed limits under which driving is allowed; Maximum driving distances; and Other factors that the Administration determines appropriate. A license endorsed “daylight driving only” authorizes the licensee to operate a motor vehicle only during the period beginning one–half hour after sunrise and ending one–half hour before sunset. An individual licensed under this section may apply to eliminate the daylight only restriction if the individual: Has been licensed under this section for at least 1 year; During the previous year, has not committed a traffic infraction or been involved in a traffic accident where the licensee was at fault; Has passed a nighttime vision test prescribed by the Administration; and Has received a driver’s training certificate based on nighttime driving skills, from an entity that the Administration has determined is qualified to evaluate drivers under this section. Before the elimination of the daytime only restriction, an applicant who meets the requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection shall pass a nighttime driving test administered by at least two Administration examiners.

This section applies to an applicant who: Holds a learner’s instructional permit under § 16–105(d) of this subtitle; or Qualifies for a provisional license under subsection (e) of this section. An applicant is entitled to receive a provisional license if the applicant: Meets the minimum age required under § 16–103(c)(2) of this subtitle; Satisfies the learner’s instructional permit requirements under § 16–105(d)(2), (3), (4), or (5) of this subtitle; Passes a driver skills or driver road examination administered under this subtitle; Surrenders any learner’s instructional permit issued to the applicant; and Pays the fee established under this subtitle. A provisional license shall be clearly identifiable as a provisional license. An individual who holds a provisional license may not receive a license sooner than 18 months following the later of: The date the individual first obtains the provisional license; The date the individual is convicted of, or granted probation before judgment under § 6–220 of the Criminal Procedure Article for: A moving violation; or A violation of a provisional driver’s license restriction under § 16–113(i) of this subtitle; or The date of restoration of an individual’s provisional driver’s license or driving privilege that has been suspended, revoked, or canceled for any reason. Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, the Administration may issue a license to an individual who was otherwise eligible to receive a license at the time a moving violation was committed. Notwithstanding subsection (d) of this section or any other provision of this subtitle, the Administration may issue a provisional license to an individual who has been licensed to drive in another state or country, or by the armed forces for less than 18 months. If an individual has been licensed for: Less than 6 months, the individual shall hold the provisional license for at least 18 months before being eligible for a license under § 16–111.1 of this subtitle; 6 months, but less than 12 months, the individual shall hold the provisional license for at least 12 months before being eligible for a license under § 16–111.1 of this subtitle as long as the individual has not committed an offense as defined in § 16–213(a) of this title during that period; or 12 months, but less than 18 months, the individual shall hold the provisional license for at least 6 months before being eligible for a license under § 16–111.1 of this subtitle as long as the individual has not committed an offense as defined in § 16–213(a) of this title during that period. An individual who commits an offense as defined in § 16–213(a) of this title while holding a provisional license issued under this subsection is subject to: The waiting periods under subsection (d)(1)(ii) of this section before qualifying for a license under § 16–111.1 of this subtitle; and Other sanctions applicable to a holder of a provisional license under this article. Notwithstanding § 16–103(c)(3) of this subtitle, the Administration may issue a license under § 16–111.1 of this subtitle without issuing a learner’s instructional permit or a provisional license if the individual has been licensed to drive in another state or country, or by the armed forces, for at least 18 months. A provisional license is subject to the expiration and renewal requirements of § 16-115 of this subtitle.

An applicant is entitled to receive the driver’s license applied for if the applicant: Passes the examination provided for in this subtitle; Surrenders the last learner’s instructional permit issued to him, if any; and Pays the fees provided for by this subtitle. This subsection applies to an applicant who holds a provisional license under § 16-111 of this subtitle. An applicant is entitled to receive a license if the applicant: Meets the minimum age required under § 16-103(c)(3) of this subtitle; Satisfies the provisional license requirements under § 16-111(d) or (e) of this subtitle; Surrenders any provisional license issued to the applicant; and Pays the fee established under this subtitle. Each license issued by the Administration shall be identified clearly as to its specific class. A Class M license may be issued in combination with any one of the other classes. The Administration shall assign an identifying number to each license it issues. The Administration may not use, include, or encode, in any form, an individual’s Social Security number on the individual’s driver’s license. Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, each noncommercial Class A, B, C, or M license issued by the Administration shall be of the size, design, and content that the Administration specifies. A noncommercial Class A, B, C, or M license shall include: The name and residence address of the licensee; The date of birth of the licensee; A description of the licensee, which shall include the height, weight, and sex of the licensee; A photograph of the applicant that is taken in accordance with a procedure that the Administration requires; The type or class of vehicles that the license authorizes the licensee to drive; The signature and seal of the issuing agent; and A space for the signature of the licensee. A license is not valid unless the licensee signs the license in the licensee’s usual signature. When issued and signed, a driver’s license authorizes the licensee to drive any vehicle of the type or class specified on it, subject to any restrictions endorsed on the license. Only one current driver’s license may be issued by the Administration to and held by any individual at any one time. Before issuing a license, the Administration shall require the applicant to surrender any license issued to the applicant by any other jurisdiction.

When an applicant applies for an initial driver’s license or for a class of driver’s license other than that which the applicant currently holds, the applicant shall pay the Administration a license fee established by the Administration. This fee covers issuance of a learner’s instructional permit and, if the applicant qualifies before the learner’s instructional permit expires, issuance of a driver’s license or provisional license. If a learner’s instructional permit is not required, the applicant shall pay the Administration, when the driver’s license is issued, a license fee established by the Administration. If an appointment to take a driver’s license examination made by the applicant is not kept, the Administration may charge the applicant a missed appointment fee established by the Administration. Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, for the renewal of a noncommercial Class A, B, C, D, E, or M driver’s license, a licensee shall pay the Administration a renewal fee established by the Administration. The Administration may not charge a licensee who is a recipient of the Medal of Honor a fee for the renewal of the licensee’s noncommercial Class A, B, C, D, E, or M driver’s license. For issuance of a duplicate or corrected noncommercial Class A, B, C, D, E, or M driver’s license, a licensee shall pay the Administration a duplicate or corrected driver’s license fee established by the Administration. For conversion of a provisional license to a driver’s license issued under § 16-111.1 of this subtitle, a licensee shall pay the Administration a fee established by the Administration. A licensee shall pay a fee established by the Administration if the license is issued or renewed under § 16–104.1 of this subtitle. Whenever an applicant or licensee pays a fee required under subsection (a)(1) or (2) or (b) of this section, the Administration shall offer the individual the option to make a voluntary contribution of $1 to the Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Fund established under Title 13, Subtitle 9 of the Health - General Article. All moneys collected under this subsection shall be paid to the Comptroller of the State and deposited into the Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Fund established under Title 13, Subtitle 9 of the Health - General Article.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Credential holder” has the meaning stated in § 16–1001 of this title. “Display” means the manual surrender of the licensee’s license into the hands of the demanding officer for inspection. “Electronic credential” has the meaning stated in § 16–1001 of this title. Each individual driving a motor vehicle on any highway in this State shall have his license with him. Each individual driving a motor vehicle on any highway in this State shall display the license to any uniformed police officer who demands it. A credential holder is deemed to have satisfied the display requirement under paragraph (1) of this subsection only if the uniformed police officer is able to access the verification system authorized under § 16–1003 of this title. Each individual driving a motor vehicle on any highway in this State shall, if requested by the officer, sign his usual signature in the presence of the officer so that the officer may determine whether he is the licensee. A person may not give the name of another person or give a false or fictitious name to any uniformed police officer who is attempting to determine the identity of a driver of a motor vehicle.

In addition to the vision and other restrictions provided for in this subtitle, when it issues a driver’s license, the Administration for good cause may impose on the licensee: Any restrictions suitable to the licensee’s driving ability with respect to the type of special mechanical control devices required on motor vehicles that the licensee may drive; An alcohol restriction which prohibits the licensee from driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle while having alcohol in the licensee’s blood; and Any other restrictions applicable to the licensee that the Administration determines appropriate to assure the safe driving of a motor vehicle by the licensee. An alcohol restriction that prohibits the licensee from driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle while having alcohol in the licensee’s blood may, as described in subsections (b) and (g) of this section, include a restriction that prohibits the licensee from driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle unless the licensee is a participant in the Ignition Interlock System Program established under § 16–404.1 of this title. Notwithstanding the licensee’s driving record, the Administration shall impose on each licensee under the age of 21 years an alcohol restriction that prohibits the licensee from driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle while having alcohol in the licensee’s blood. An alcohol restriction imposed under this subsection expires when the licensee reaches the age of 21 years. This subsection may not be construed or applied to limit: The authority of the Administration to impose on a licensee an alcohol restriction described in subsection (a)(2) of this section; or The application of any other provision of law that prohibits consumption of an alcoholic beverage by an individual under the age of 21 years. An individual under the age of 21 years who is convicted of a violation of § 21–902(a), (b), or (c) of this article may be required, for a period of not more than 3 years, to participate in the Ignition Interlock System Program in order to retain the individual’s driver’s license. Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Administration may: Issue a special restricted license; or Set forth the restrictions on the usual license form. The Administration shall indicate on the license of a licensee under the age of 21 years that an alcohol restriction has been imposed on the licensee under subsection (b) of this section. Notwithstanding the licensee’s driving record, the Administration shall impose an hour restriction on a provisional driver’s license issued to an applicant under the age of 18. The restriction under this subsection shall limit the holder of a provisional license to driving unsupervised only between the hours of 5 a.m. and 12 midnight. This subsection does not preclude the holder of a provisional license from driving between the hours of 12 midnight and 5 a.m. the following day if the licensee is: Accompanied and supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old; Driving to or from or in the course of the licensee’s employment; Driving to or from a school class or official school activity; Driving to or from an organized volunteer program; or Driving to or from an opportunity to participate in an athletic event or related training session. The hour restriction and the supervision requirement under this subsection expire on the date the holder of the provisional license turns 18 years of age. Notwithstanding the licensee’s driving record, and subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Administration shall impose a restriction on each provisional driver’s license prohibiting the licensee from operating a motor vehicle if the driver and each passenger in the motor vehicle are not restrained by a seat belt or, in accordance with § 22–412.2 of this article, by a child safety seat. It is not a violation of the restriction under paragraph (1) of this subsection if an individual covered by a medical exception under § 22–412.2(f) or § 22–412.3(d) and (e) of this article is not restrained. The restrictions under paragraph (1) of this subsection expire on the date that the holder of a provisional license turns 18 years of age. In addition to the other restrictions provided under this subtitle, the Administration may issue: A driver’s license that is valid only in the State of Maryland to an applicant who has been suspended in another jurisdiction as a result of failing to comply with the financial responsibility requirements of that jurisdiction; or A temporary driver’s license that is valid only in the State of Maryland to an applicant for reinstatement of a suspended or revoked driver’s license, renewal of a driver’s license, or a duplicate or corrected driver’s license if, at the time of application: The applicant’s privilege to drive in another jurisdiction is revoked or suspended as a result of failing to comply with the licensing requirements of that jurisdiction for which a comparable violation in this State would not have resulted in revocation or suspension; The initial violation that led to the revocation or suspension did not occur within the preceding 5 years; The applicant is otherwise qualified to be licensed in this State; and The Administration determines that the applicant will be able to take any actions required by the other jurisdiction for reinstatement of the privilege to drive in that jurisdiction. A temporary license issued under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be valid for 90 days. The Administration shall adopt regulations for the issuance of temporary licenses under paragraph (1) of this subsection. After receiving satisfactory evidence of any violation of a restricted or provisional driver’s license, the Administration may suspend or revoke the license. However, the licensee may request a hearing as provided for a suspension or revocation under Subtitle 2 of this title. The Administration shall impose an alcohol restriction under subsection (a)(1)(ii) of this section that prohibits an individual for a period of 3 years from driving or attempting to drive with alcohol in the individual’s blood on any licensee who is convicted within 5 years of any combination of two or more violations under § 21–902(a), (b), or (c) of this article. If a circuit court or the District Court orders a licensee not to drive or attempt to drive a motor vehicle with alcohol in the licensee’s blood or orders, under § 27–107 of this article, the licensee to participate in the Ignition Interlock System Program established under § 16–404.1 of this title, the Administration shall have the licensee’s driving record and driver’s license reflect that the court ordered restriction was imposed, and shall keep records of the order. An individual may not drive a vehicle in any manner that violates any restriction imposed by the Administration in a restricted license issued to the individual. An individual may not drive a vehicle in any manner that violates any restriction imposed in a provisional license issued to the individual. An individual may not drive or attempt to drive a motor vehicle with alcohol in the individual’s blood in violation of a restriction. A participant in the Ignition Interlock System Program under § 16–404.1 of this title may not drive or attempt to drive a vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock system in violation of an ignition interlock system restriction on a license issued to the participant. A person convicted of a violation of subsection (j) of this section is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 2 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both. A person convicted of a violation of subsection (k) of this section is subject to: For a first offense, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both; and For a second or subsequent offense, imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

In this section, “mutilated” includes any imperfection of or in a driver’s license, after its issuance, that renders it unsuitable for identification purposes or for verifying its authenticity and validity. If a driver’s license is lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed, the licensee immediately shall apply for and, after furnishing information satisfactory to the Administration and payment of the required fee, is entitled to obtain a duplicate license. If the duplicate license being applied for is of a type requiring a photo and the licensee is temporarily absent from this State, the Administration may issue a regular license bearing the notation that it is valid without a photo until 15 days after the licensee first returns to this State. A licensee who is at least 21 years may apply for a duplicate license that includes a frontal photograph of the licensee. If a person recovers an original license for which a duplicate has been issued, the person promptly shall surrender the original license to the Administration.

To obtain a corrected photo commercial driver’s license, an individual shall: Apply for a corrected commercial driver’s license on the form required by the Administration; Surrender the individual’s original license; and Pay the required fee. A corrected photo commercial driver’s license shall expire on the date that the individual’s original license expired. If an individual other than one who holds a commercial driver’s license desires a corrected photo license in lieu of a correction card for a desired or required correction, the individual shall: Apply for a corrected photo license on the form required by the Administration; Surrender the individual’s original license; and Pay the required fee. A corrected photo license issued under subsection (c) of this section to a driver under age 21 years shall expire 60 days after the driver’s 21st birthday. If a licensee applies for a photo license to correct an error made by the Administration, the Administration shall issue the corrected license without charging the licensee a fee. If an individual, other than one who holds a commercial driver’s license, is temporarily absent from the State and desires a corrected license, the Administration may issue a nonphoto corrected license bearing the notation that it is valid without a photo until 15 days after the licensee first returns to this State. The licensee shall: Apply for the corrected license on the form required by the Administration; and Pay the required fee.

Subject to paragraph (5) of this subsection, a license issued under this title to a driver at least 21 years old shall expire on the birth date of the licensee at the end of a period of not more than 8 years determined in regulations adopted by the Administration following the issuance of the license. Subject to paragraph (5) of this subsection, a license issued under this title to a driver under the age of 21 years shall expire not later than 60 days after the driver’s 21st birthday. A license is renewable on the presentation of an application, the payment of the renewal fee required by § 16–111.1 of this subtitle, and satisfactory completion of the examination required or authorized by subsection (i) of this section: Within 12 months before its expiration; or When a driver qualifies for a corrected license issued under § 16–114.1(c) of this subtitle. Except as provided in subsection (f) of this section, the Administration may renew an individual’s license without requiring the individual to appear in person if the photograph for the individual was taken less than 16 years before the renewal. If an applicant has temporary lawful status, the Administration may not issue to the applicant a license to drive for a period that extends beyond the expiration date of the applicant’s authorized stay in the United States or, if there is no expiration date, for a period longer than 1 year. Nothing contained in this paragraph may be construed to allow the issuance of a temporary license to drive for a period longer than the period described in this subsection. The Administration shall indicate on the face and in the machine–readable zone of a temporary license to drive that the license is a temporary license to drive. A holder of a temporary license to drive who had temporary lawful status at the time of the issuance of the temporary license to drive shall present satisfactory documentary evidence of lawful status if the holder applies for issuance or renewal of any license to drive under this subtitle. At least 60 days before a license expires, the Administration shall mail to each licensee, at the last address of the licensee shown in the records of the Administration, notice of the date on which the license will expire. The Administration may renew a license within 1 year after the expiration date without requiring a driving test. A license shall remain in full force and effect during an absence from the State if the license is held by: A member of the uniformed services who is absent from this State on active service in the uniformed services; or A dependent of the member who is residing with the member outside the State; or A contract employee working on behalf of a federal agency or branch of the uniformed services who is absent from the State in service of the contract; or A dependent of the contract employee who is residing with the contract employee outside the State. The license also shall remain in effect, if it would otherwise have expired under this section, for a period of 30 days following the date of the licensee’s return to this State, or the member’s discharge or separation from active service: If the licensee has in the licensee’s immediate possession, together with the licensee’s driver’s license, papers indicating the member’s active service outside this State or the member’s discharge or separation; and If the license is not otherwise suspended, revoked, or canceled under this title during the 30–day period. A license held by an individual who is a member of the Foreign Service of the United States and is absent from the State due to employment in the Foreign Service, or a license held by the spouse or a dependent of the individual who is residing with the individual outside the State, shall remain in full force and effect during the absence. A license held by an individual described in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall also remain in effect, if it would otherwise have expired under this section, for a period of 30 days following the date of the individual’s return to the State, or the individual’s separation from employment in the Foreign Service of the United States if: The individual has in the individual’s immediate possession, together with the individual’s driver’s license, documentation acceptable to the Administration indicating that: The individual is a member of the Foreign Service of the United States, or the spouse or a dependent of a member of the Foreign Service of the United States and resides outside the State; or The individual was formerly a member of the Foreign Service of the United States, or the spouse or a dependent of a former member of the Foreign Service, and has returned to the State on separation of the member from employment with the Foreign Service; and The license is not otherwise suspended, revoked, or canceled under this title during the 30–day period. If a licensee is absent from this State for cause, other than as provided in subsection (d) of this section, and is unable to renew the licensee’s license in the manner required by this section, the licensee may renew by mail to the Administration. The renewal application shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee and a statement giving the reason for and the expected length of the absence. On receipt of the application, the Administration may issue a regular license which bears a photo or a notation that it is valid without a photo until 15 days after the licensee first returns to this State. An individual may not drive a motor vehicle on any highway in this State if the license issued to him under this title has expired. An individual may not attempt to drive a motor vehicle on any highway in this State if the license issued to the individual under this title has expired. Except as provided in paragraphs (2), (3), and (5) of this subsection, the Administration shall require every individual applying for renewal of a driver’s license to pass a vision test as prescribed by the Administration. The Administration shall accept a certification of acceptable visual acuity from a licensed physician or optometrist instead of requiring the actual test provided for in this subsection. The examination for which certification is made shall take place within 2 years of the date of application for renewal. An individual at least 21 years of age but under the age of 40 years may apply for renewal of a driver’s license electronically or by mail or other means authorized by the Administration without taking a vision test if the applicant has passed a vision test authorized by the Administration within the previous 9 years. If the Administration has reason to believe that an individual is a safety hazard by reason of a vision deficiency, the Administration may require the vision test provided for in this subsection at a time other than renewal of a driver’s license. The Administration may adopt regulations to implement the provisions of this subsection. An individual who holds a commercial driver’s license and applies for renewal is exempt from the requirement to pass a vision test if the individual has a current certificate of physical examination on file with the Administration, as required under 49 C.F.R. §§ 391.43 and 391.45. Before the expiration of a driver’s license, if the Administration has reason to believe that an individual is not a safety hazard, but the individual is unable to pass a required knowledge test or vision test, the Administration may extend the individual’s privilege to drive for a period not to exceed 90 days. The Administration may not renew the driver’s license of an applicant who has not paid all undisputed taxes and unemployment insurance contributions payable to the Comptroller or the Secretary of Labor or provided for payment in a manner satisfactory to the unit responsible for collection. The Administration shall cooperate with the Comptroller and the Maryland Department of Labor to develop procedures and adopt regulations in accordance with this section. Regulations adopted under this subsection shall require: The Comptroller to notify the Administration that an individual has not paid all undisputed taxes; and The Maryland Department of Labor to notify the Administration that an individual has not paid all undisputed unemployment insurance contributions. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Administration may issue a temporary renewal for a driver’s license that extends the expiration date for a period not exceeding 2 years for an applicant who: Has the documentation required by federal law, as enumerated in § 16–103.1(10) and (11) of this subtitle, on file with the Administration; Has a photograph on file with the Administration that will not be 16 years old or older by the expiration date of the temporary renewal; and Has a driver’s license that was issued for the full term under subsection (a)(1) of this section. The Administration may make temporary renewal of a driver’s license available to: An active duty member of the armed forces of the United States or a spouse or dependent of the member; A member of the Foreign Service of the United States or a spouse or dependent of the member; A resident of the State who is a student studying outside the State; A resident of the State who is temporarily residing outside the State for at least 6 months; A resident of the State who holds a driver’s license that would have otherwise expired during a state of emergency declared by the Governor; or Any other resident of the State who meets any requirements approved by the Administration. The Administration may not issue a temporary renewal to an applicant who holds a commercial driver’s license. The Administration shall adopt regulations to carry out this subsection.

If any individual who has applied for or obtained a driver’s license under this subtitle moves from the address given in the application or shown on the license, the individual shall, within 30 days of the change, notify the Administration in writing of the former address and new address and the identifying number of any license issued to the individual. If any individual who has applied for or obtained a driver’s license under this subtitle has the individual’s name changed under the common law of this State, by marriage, or by court order, the individual shall, within 30 days of the change, notify the Administration in writing of the former name and new name, and the identifying number of any license issued to the individual. On request of the Administration, if the name of a licensee has been changed, the licensee shall surrender his driver’s license to the Administration. After it receives the license, the Administration shall issue a corrected license in the new name. If a licensee is required to surrender his license to the Administration to record a change, the Administration shall issue him, without charge, a temporary license valid for not more than 20 days from the date it is issued. This section does not apply to an expired license.

The Administration shall keep a record of: Each driver’s license application that it receives; Each driver’s license that it issues; and Each licensee whose license to drive the Administration has suspended or revoked, and the reasons for the action. The Administration shall file each accident report and abstract of court disposition records that it receives under the laws of this State. The Administration shall keep convenient records or make suitable notations showing the convictions or traffic accidents in which each licensee has been involved and every probation before judgment disposition of any violation of the Maryland Vehicle Law. A record or notation of a probation before judgment disposition, or a first offense of driving with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more under § 16-205.1 of this title, shall be segregated by the Administration and shall be available only to: The Administration; Other driver licensing authorities; The United States Secretary of Transportation; Current and prospective employers, as defined in § 16-803(e) of this title, of drivers required to hold commercial drivers’ licenses; The courts; Criminal justice agencies; and The defendant or the defendant’s attorney. However, a record or notation of a probation before judgment, or a first offense of driving with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more under § 16-205.1 of this title, may not be received or considered by the courts until a plea of guilty or nolo contendere is made by the defendant or a finding of guilty is made by the court. These records or notations shall be made so that they are readily available for consideration by the Administration of any license renewal application and at any other suitable time. Accident reports and abstracts of court convictions pertaining to driving an emergency vehicle, if received by a person who was driving an emergency vehicle pursuant to the provisions of § 21-106 of this article, shall be segregated by the Administration and shall be available only to the Administration. Except as provided in this section, an employee of the Administration may not disclose any records or information regarding probation before judgment, or a first offense of driving with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more under § 16-205.1 of this title. If a charge of a Maryland Vehicle Law violation against any individual is dismissed by a court of competent jurisdiction, a record of the charge and dismissal may not be included in the individual’s driving record.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Child Support Administration” means the Child Support Administration of the Department of Human Services. “Criminal offense” does not include any violation of the Maryland Vehicle Law. The Administration shall expunge the public driving record of a licensee if: The licensee has not been convicted of a moving violation or a criminal offense involving a motor vehicle for the preceding 3 years, and the licensee’s license never has been suspended for reasons related to driver safety, as defined by the Administration, or revoked; The licensee has not been convicted of a moving violation or a criminal offense involving a motor vehicle for the preceding 5 years, and the licensee’s record shows not more than one suspension for reasons related to driver safety, as defined by the Administration, and no revocations; or Within the preceding 10 years: The licensee has not been granted probation before judgment for a violation of § 20–102 or § 21–902 of this article; and The licensee has not been convicted of any moving violation or criminal offense involving a motor vehicle, regardless of the number of suspensions or revocations. On request of the Child Support Administration, the Administration shall expunge a record of a suspension for failure to pay child support: For a licensee who is enrolled in and compliant with an employment program approved by the Child Support Administration, if the licensee: Has not been convicted of driving on a license that was suspended for failure to pay child support; and Does not have charges related to the suspension for failure to pay child support pending against the licensee; or If the Child Support Administration notifies the Administration that the information reported by the Child Support Administration that led to the suspension was inaccurate. A request by the Child Support Administration to expunge a record under this subsection may not affect any suspension unrelated to child support. The Administration may refuse to expunge a driving record if it determines that the licensee has not driven a motor vehicle on the highways during the particular conviction–free period on which the expungement is based. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Administration may not expunge: Any driving records before the expiration of the time they are required to be retained under § 16–819 of this title; Any driving record entries required for assessment of subsequent offender penalties; and Any driving record entries related to a moving violation or an accident that resulted in the death of another person. Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Administration shall adopt regulations to carry out this section. The Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of Human Services, may adopt regulations to implement the provisions of subsection (c) of this section.

The Administrator may appoint a Medical Advisory Board of qualified physicians and optometrists to enable the Administration to comply properly with the provisions of this title regarding the physical and mental condition of individuals who seek to drive on highways in this State. The Administrator also may appoint a medical secretary to serve the Board. Each member of the Medical Advisory Board is entitled to compensation for each meeting that the member attends. The compensation shall be paid out of funds appropriated to the Administration. The Administrator may refer to the Medical Advisory Board, for an advisory opinion, the case of any licensee or applicant for a license, if the Administrator has good cause to believe that the driving of a vehicle by him would be contrary to public safety and welfare because of an existing or suspected mental or physical disability. The Board shall meet at the pleasure of the Administrator. Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the records of the Medical Advisory Board: Are confidential; May be disclosed only on court order; and May be used only to determine the qualifications of an individual to drive. The Administration may use information in its records for the purpose of driver safety research, provided that personal information is not published or disclosed. The Administration may contract with third parties to assist with driver safety research. A person may not use these records for any other purpose.

The Administration shall develop a form for a voluntary developmental disability self–disclosure card. A voluntary developmental disability self–disclosure card shall: Be approximately the same size as a driver’s license; Be printed on blue paper; Include space for an individual to provide details on a developmental disability; and Include written guidance on effective communication between law enforcement officers and people with developmental disabilities. In developing the form required by this subsection, the Administration shall consult with the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association and at least one independent organization that advocates on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities. Beginning January 1, 2021, the Administration shall make a voluntary developmental disability self–disclosure card available to any individual of driving age who requests one. If an individual who requests a voluntary developmental disability self–disclosure card is a minor, the Administration shall provide the card to the individual’s parent or guardian. Except as required by § 16–118 of this subtitle, the Administration may not maintain any records relating to the issuance of a voluntary developmental disability self–disclosure card.

The Maryland Department of Health, together with the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty and the State Board of Examiners in Optometry, shall define: Disorders characterized by lapses of consciousness; and Disorders that result in a corrected visual acuity that fails to comply with the vision requirements of this subtitle. Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, any physician and any other person authorized to diagnose, detect, or treat disorders defined under subsection (a) of this section may report to the Medical Advisory Board and to the subject of the report, in writing, the full name, date of birth, and address of each individual 15 years old or older who has any such disorder. Unless authorized by the individual in writing, a report may not be made from information derived from the diagnosis or treatment of any individual on whom a confidential or privileged relationship is conferred by law. On receipt of a report under this section, the Administration shall: As soon as practicable, arrange for an examination of each reported individual who holds a driver’s license; and If the individual fails to meet the requirements of this subtitle, cancel his license. Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the reports made to the Administration under this section: Are confidential; May be disclosed only on court order; and May be used only to determine the qualifications of an individual to drive. The Administration may use information in the reports it receives for the purpose of driver safety research, provided that personal information is not published or disclosed. The Administration may contract with third parties to assist with driver safety research. A person may not use these reports for any other purpose. A civil or criminal action may not be brought against any person who makes a report under this section and who does not violate any confidential or privileged relationship conferred by law. A report made under this section may not be used as evidence in any civil or criminal trial, except in a legal action involving an alleged violation of a confidential or privileged relationship conferred by law.

At regular intervals, the Administration shall request of the Social Services Administration the name of each individual receiving public assistance for blindness. The Social Services Administration promptly shall furnish the requested information. On receipt of the requested information, the Administration shall: As soon as practicable, arrange for an examination of the vision of each named individual who holds a driver’s license; and If the individual fails to meet the vision requirements of this subtitle, cancel his license. The information obtained by the Administration under this section: Is confidential; May be disclosed only on court order; and May be used only to determine the qualifications of an individual to drive. A person may not use this information for any other purpose.

This section applies only to a non–match, described under regulations adopted by the Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security, that: Occurs during verification by the Administration of the documentary evidence provided by an applicant for issuance or renewal of an identification card under § 12–301 of this article, a moped operator’s permit under § 16–104.2 of this subtitle, or a license to drive under this subtitle; and Is not resolved by the Administration’s verification of the documentary evidence. In the event of a non–match, the Administration may not issue to the applicant an identification card under § 12–301 of this article, a moped operator’s permit under § 16–104.2 of this subtitle, or a license to drive under this subtitle. Nothing in this section prohibits the Administration from issuing or renewing an identification card, a moped operator’s permit, or a license to drive under § 16–122 of this subtitle to allow the applicant to resolve a non–match.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, the Administration shall, subject to the provisions of this section, issue or renew an identification card, a moped operator’s permit, or a license to drive that is not acceptable by federal agencies for official purposes determined by the Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security if an applicant: Has an unresolved non–match described under § 16–121 of this subtitle; Meets the requirements concerning the non–match contained in regulations adopted by the Administration that are consistent with regulations adopted by the Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security; and Would be otherwise eligible under this article for the issuance or renewal of an identification card under § 12–301 of this article, a moped operator’s permit under § 16–104.2 of this subtitle, or a license to drive under this subtitle, but for the unresolved non–match; or Does not provide satisfactory documentary evidence that the applicant has lawful status or a valid Social Security number; Certifies that the applicant does not have a Social Security number; In the case of an applicant who is not a current holder of an identification card under § 12–301 of this article, a moped operator’s permit under § 16–104.2 of this subtitle, or a license to drive issued under this subtitle, provides documentary evidence that the applicant, for each of the preceding 2 years, has: Filed a Maryland income tax return; or Resided in Maryland and been claimed as a dependent by an individual who has filed a Maryland income tax return; and Would be otherwise eligible for issuance or renewal of an identification card under § 12–301 of this article, a moped operator’s permit under § 16–104.2 of this subtitle, or a license to drive issued under this subtitle, but for the absence of documentary evidence described in item 1 of this item. This subsection does not apply to any provision of law applicable to the issuance or renewal of a commercial driver’s license under this title. An identification card, a moped operator’s permit, or a license to drive that is issued under this subsection shall include a statement that the document may not be used to purchase a firearm. The Administration may require that an application for issuance or renewal of an identification card, a moped operator’s permit, or a license to drive under this section be made in person. A person may not be a holder of an identification card, a moped operator’s permit, or a license to drive issued or renewed under this section if the person is the holder of any other identification card, moped operator’s permit, or license to drive issued or renewed under this section or any other section of this article. Each identification card, moped operator’s permit, and license to drive issued or renewed in accordance with this section shall: Clearly state on its face and in its machine–readable zone that it is not acceptable by federal agencies for official purposes; Have a unique design or color indicator that clearly distinguishes it from the design or color of an identification card under § 12–301 of this article, a moped operator’s permit under § 16–104.2 of this subtitle, or any license to drive under any other section of this subtitle; and Be of the size and design that the Administration requires, tamperproof, to the extent possible, and contain: The name and address of the applicant; The birth date of the applicant; The gender of the applicant; A description of the applicant; A photograph of the applicant taken by the procedure that the Administration requires; The expiration date of the identification card, moped operator’s permit, or license to drive; The signature of the applicant; and The signature and seal of the issuing agent. An identification card, a moped operator’s permit, or a license to drive issued or renewed under this section shall expire at the end of a period that is equivalent to the expiration period applicable for an identification card under § 12–301 of this article, a moped operator’s permit under § 16–115 of this subtitle, or a license to drive under this subtitle. Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, an identification card, a moped operator’s permit, or a license to drive issued under this section may be used for any purpose as legal identification of the holder to whom the identification card, moped operator’s permit, or license to drive is issued. The Administration may establish a fee for the issuance or renewal of an identification card, a moped operator’s permit, or a license to drive issued or renewed under this section. Except as expressly provided in this section, this section does not limit the application of any other provision of this article to an identification card, a moped operator’s permit, or a license to drive issued under this section.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Covered employee” means an employee of the Administration or a contractor for the Administration who is involved in the manufacture or production of identification cards, moped operators’ permits, or licenses to drive or who has the ability to affect the identity information that appears on an identification card, a moped operator’s permit, or a license to drive. “Personally identifiable information” means any information that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual’s identity as specified in regulations adopted by the Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security, whether the information is stored in a database, on an identification card, a moped operator’s permit, or a license to drive, or in the machine–readable zone on an identification card, a moped operator’s permit, or a license to drive. The Administration shall have a security plan for identification cards, moped operators’ permits and licenses to drive issued or renewed for the purposes of complying with the provisions of this article. At a minimum, the security plan shall address: Physical security of the facilities used and storage areas for card stock and other materials used in production; and Security of personally identifiable information maintained at locations of the Administration involved in the enrollment, issuance, manufacture, or production, including the following protections: Reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of the personally identifiable information collected, stored, and maintained in Administration records and information systems, including procedures to prevent unauthorized access, use, or dissemination of applicant information and images of source documents retained and standards and procedures for document retention and destruction; A privacy policy regarding the personally identifiable information collected and maintained by the Administration; Requiring that release or use of personal information collected and maintained by the Administration comply with the requirements of the federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act; Document and physical security features for identification cards, moped operators’ permits, and licenses to drive issued by the Administration; Access control, including: Employee identification and credentialing, including access badges; Employee background checks, including a name–based and fingerprint–based criminal history records check, for each covered employee and current employee who will be assigned to the position of a covered employee; and Controlled access systems; Periodic training requirements in: Fraudulent document recognition training for all covered employees handling source documents or engaged in the issuance of identification cards, moped operators’ permits, or licenses to drive; and Security awareness training, including threat identification and handling of sensitive security information as necessary; Emergency and incident response plan; Internal audit controls; and An affirmation that the Administration possesses the authority and means to produce, revise, expunge, and protect the confidentiality of identification cards, moped operators’ permits, and licenses to drive issued in support of federal, State, or local criminal justice agencies or similar programs that require special licensing or identification to safeguard persons or support their official duties. The security plan required by this section contains sensitive security information and shall be handled and protected in accordance with 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 1520.

The Administration shall require each fee for issuance or renewal of an original or duplicate identification card, moped operator’s permit, or license to drive under this article to be paid by the applicant at the time of application. An application fee under this section is nonrefundable, regardless whether the Administration issues or renews, refuses to issue or renew, cancels, or requires to be surrendered an identification card, a moped operator’s permit, or a license to drive under this article.