312/Maryland Manual

also assist the Vehicle Registration Division in the
regulation of automobile dealers, auto wreckers,
and scrap processors.

The Division also retrieves automobile tags of
uninsured motorists who fail to obtain automobile
liability insurance when their policy has been
terminated.

The Division's Communications Section pio-
vides motor vehicle information to law enforce-
ment and other authorized agencies twenty-four
hours a day.

DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE
ADJUDICATION

Edward H. Smith, Acting Chief Hearing Officer
Telephone: 768-7521

The Division's hearing officers conduct adminis-
trative hearings to determine appropriate action
for the Administration to take against errant
drivers, business firms, and others who violate
State motor vehicle laws. The Division suspends,
revokes, and restricts driving privileges on the
basis of a driver's refusal to take chemical tests,
alcohol-related convictions, and other convictions
resulting from motor vehicle law violations.

DIVISION OF FINANCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY

Leonard W. Kestler, Director
Telephone: 768-7246

The Financial Responsibility Division adminis-
ters Maryland's compulsory insurance law to en-
sure that required insurance is continuously main-
tained for registered vehicles. Under the compulso-
ry insurance law, all Maryland licensed insurance
companies are required to notify the Motor Vehicle
Administration of terminations or lapses of liabili-
ty insurance policies that occur within the policy's
first six months. The Division, on a random sample
basis, verifies the coverage of at least 10 percent of
registered vehicle owners. Vehicle tags are sus-
pended for those motorists who fail to present the
required evidence of insurance.

The Division receives motor vehicle accident
reports from motorists involved in accidents that
have resulted in personal injury or property dam-
age in excess of $100 and that have not been
investigated by police authorities. Persons who fail
to satisfy judgments arising from uninsured motor
vehicle accidents have their driving and registra-
tion privileges suspended by the Division.

DIVISION OF DRIVER CONTROL
AND RECORDS

Victoria D. Whitlock, Director
Telephone: 768-7681

The Division of Driver Control and Records has
four primary functions: Driver Review and Rein-
statement, Driver Improvement Program, Alcohol
Education Program, and the Medical Advisory
Board.

The Driver Review and Reinstatement Program
was established to assist further in rehabilitating
unsafe drivers and in identifying persons who
demonstrate dangerous attitudes about driving.
Based on hearings held for errant drivers, license
reviewers recommend administrative action re-
garding an individual's driving privileges. The
Driver Improvement Program was established in
1962 to improve the attitudes of problem drivers,
It consists of weekly sessions held for four weeks at
one of MVA's full service offices. The Alcohol
Education Program is a course for first offender
social drinkers charged with alcohol-related of-
fenses. It consists of weekly sessions held for six
weeks.

The Division is also responsible for suspending
the driving privileges of individuals who have
failed to appear in court after being issued a motor
vehicle citation. The Division also distributes cita-
tion books to law enforcement officers, and ac-
counts for citations issued.

The Central License File and the Case History
Files are located within the Division. Certified
copies of driving records are secured from this
Division.

MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARD

Chairperson: Ruth W. Baldwin, M.D.

The Division of Driver Control and Records is
assisted by the Medical Advisory Board, which
consists of twenty-five physicians appointed by the
Motor Vehicle Administrator to advise him on the
medical aspects of driver licensing. Whenever an
individual's physical or mental condition may
affect his driving ability, the Administrator relies
on the Board for professional guidance.

DIVISION OF DEPARTMENTAL
SERVICES

William J. Long, Director Telephone: 768-7239

The Division of Departmental Services encom-
passes a variety of supporting activities necessary