Maryland 12-Hour Alcohol Education Program (AEP)

The 12-Hour Alcohol Education Program (AEP) in Maryland is a requirement for individuals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI). This program is designed to provide education about the dangers of impaired driving and promote responsible alcohol consumption. Referral to the AEP can come from a District Court judge, an Administrative Law Judge at the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), or as a requirement for license reinstatement after a revocation due to an alcohol-related incident. When the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) requires attendance at an AEP, they issue a referral letter with instructions for a preliminary alcohol assessment and enrollment in the program.

The results of this preliminary alcohol assessment determine whether an individual is required to complete the 12-hour AEP or the more intensive 26-session Alcohol Treatment Program (which incorporates the 12-hour AEP curriculum). If the assessment does not identify the individual as alcohol abusing or dependent, they are required to complete only the 12-hour AEP. In this case, the individual must contact a state-approved AEP provider to register for a session. The program must begin within 90 days of the due date printed on the referral letter. The referral letter itself must be brought to the AEP session. Duplicate referral letters can be obtained at an MVA branch office or by contacting the Driver Improvement Programs Unit within the Administrative Adjudication division. Upon successful completion of the AEP, the program provider will issue a verification letter.

Failure to attend the AEP by the due date on the referral letter will result in the MVA suspending driving privileges. The individual will be notified of the suspension and instructed to surrender their driver's license. After completing the AEP, the individual can then apply for a new license. Those required to attend the 26-session Alcohol Treatment Program are given a reasonable timeframe to complete the program. The 12-hour AEP aims to provide rehabilitation through education, covering topics such as the effects of alcohol, BAC levels, impaired driving risks, and legal consequences. The goal is to modify behavior and reduce the risk of future alcohol-related driving offenses.

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