DUI and DWI Programs in Baltimore

What DUI program does Maryland require in Baltimore, and who licenses it?

Maryland requires the DUI Education Program in Baltimore, and the Behavioral Health Administration of the Maryland Department of Health licenses it under section 10.63.05.05 of the Code of Maryland Regulations. The course runs at least six weekly two-hour sessions.

A full assessment is also required unless one was done in the previous 45 days. An education course teaches about alcohol, drugs and driving. Clinical treatment is a separate service for a substance use disorder, and an assessment can recommend both. For the statewide rules, see DUI and DWI programs across Maryland.

Assessment results show whether the course alone will do or whether weekly outpatient, intensive outpatient or residential treatment should be added. The education fee is usually paid out of pocket, while private insurance, Maryland Medicaid or a sliding fee may help with treatment costs.

When calling a provider, have court paperwork, any earlier assessment and the deadline ready, and ask how proof of completion reaches the court. Questions about license reinstatement or ignition interlock belong with the state motor vehicle agency rather than the program.

How does a DUI assessment decide what you need in Baltimore?

A Baltimore DUI assessment looks at your alcohol and drug use, and its result shows whether the education course is enough or whether treatment is also needed. For court-involved residents, the Circuit Court’s Addictions Assessment Unit carries out assessments and makes referrals. The unit is in Room 442 of the Mitchell Courthouse at 100 N. Calvert Street, phone (443) 984-1850. Light RailLink and Metro SubwayLink both serve the downtown courthouse area. Most community programs are easier to reach by MTA Local Bus.

Listed Baltimore providers report several levels of care. Weekly outpatient programs are one option, and intensive outpatient and residential care are others. Some providers also offer medication for alcohol or opioid use disorder. Under Health-General 8-507, a Maryland court can commit a defendant to the state health department for treatment. The Maryland Judiciary lists no separate DUI court for Baltimore City, but the Circuit Court runs an Adult Drug Treatment Court. Listings for court-ordered rehab in Baltimore show which providers accept court referrals.

How do you pay, and what should you ask a Baltimore provider?

In Baltimore, you usually pay the education course fee yourself, while treatment may be covered by private insurance, Maryland Medicaid or a sliding fee. Maryland Medicaid’s managed care program is called HealthChoice. Carelon Behavioral Health manages Medicaid substance use services separately from the HealthChoice health plans. Listings show which providers take Medicaid, and you can also look for sliding-scale rehab in Baltimore. Spanish-speaking staff or interpreters appear on some Spanish-speaking listings.

Bring your court paperwork, any assessment results and your deadline when you call admissions. Then ask these questions:

• How is proof of completion sent to the court?
• Are virtual sessions offered?

The court or licensing agency decides whether an online course counts, so confirm before you enroll. Questions about license reinstatement or ignition interlock go to the state motor vehicle agency, not the program.

For help now, call or text 988. The Greater Baltimore Crisis Response System routes calls through 988 and offers mobile response around the clock. The national treatment referral line can also help you find programs. Listings come from several sources: government treatment registers, state licensing records, accreditor listings, and details providers supply themselves. You can browse more options on the Baltimore rehab page.