By Jaklitsch Law Group of Jaklitsch Law Group on Wednesday, April 10, 2013.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) – Maryland lawmakers have strengthened distracted driving laws.
The General Assembly passed a measure to make talking on a handheld cellphone while driving a vehicle a primary offense. Under the bill, a police officer could pull over a driver for talking on a handheld while the vehicle is in motion.
A driver who is talking on a handheld cellphone at a red light when the vehicle isn’t moving could not be ticketed.
Now, a driver who is talking on a cell phone while driving can only be ticketed if he has been pulled over for another violation.
The first offense would be punishable by up to a $75 fine. A second offense could bring a ticket of up to $125, and a third could result in a $175 fine.
