Maryland’s Governor Signs Bill Banning Driving While Talking on Cellphone
During this past winter’s legislative session in Annapolis, Maryland, Maryland’s Law Makers past a bill which bans the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. It was signed into law by Governor Martin O’Malley and will go into effect on October 1, 2010.
The bill makes this a secondary offense which means that one can only be given a ticket if they are observed committing another offense, such as reckless, speeding, etc. Punishment is a $40 fine for a first offense and $100 for subsequent violations. No points are levied against the motorist’s driving record for a first offense unless it contributes to an accident.
Last year Maryland passed a ban on texting while driving, which is a primary offense.
At this writing there are seven states (Maryland, California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington) as well as Washington, D.C. and the Virgin Islands which has in placed bans. Other than Maryland all of these have it as a primary offense.
A list of all Cellphone and Texting Laws can be found at www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html
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