The Maryland Legislature has joined the lead of several other States, and the District of Colombia, to ban holding and talking on cell phones when driving. The bill will become law when the Governor signs it in October, and he has indicated that he will sign the bill.
Talking on a cellphone while driving will only be allowed if using a headset, except for emergency calls. Violators can be fined $40 for the first offense and up to $100 for additional violations.
Interestingly, the ban is a secondary offense. That means that law enforcement can only charge a violator if they're pulled over for another offense. That provision makes little or no sense to me.
Good idea...sure, and I'm glad it will be implemented. I see so many boneheaded moves by drivers talking on cell phones every time I'm on the road. I don't think its going to make the roads any safer though, or if it does, only marginally so. Nevertheless, its a good idea, and I applaud the Legislature for ignoring the cell phone industry lobbyists, and doing the right thing for the citizens of Maryland.
Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114
410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com
Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist
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Rich Iarossi is a full time licensed REALTOR®, working in Crofton, MD. My coverage areas are: Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Howard, Calvert, Queen Anne, and Baltimore City and County. I specialize in residential real estate, working with both buyers and sellers. Use the registration free search on my website at www.RichSellsHomes.com. If you’re not already working with a REALTOR®...I can help. Call me at 443-995-9595 (Cell) or 410-451-6255 (Office).
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I am guilty guilty guitly of doing it..but I have a made a HUGE effort to not hold my cell, text etc while driving. It is SOOO dangerous, I am glad states are making a law. I use my bluetooth which I love, and my next car is sure to have the phone built in. Thanks for the post and Happy Selling!ila
Hey Rich, I am from Ma. but travel to Ct. alot where it is also illegal to use a cell phone unless headset or bluetooth.....I still see numerous drivers still using them....It is a good law but it still doesn't stop the ones who are not responsible people anyway....I guess they know if they see a trooper or town cop they have time to lower the phone until they pass...I do wish all states had it mandatory though and more importantly NO TEXTING.
Oh-oh....time to change my ways. I know it's not smart or safe but I occasionally check my messages when at a stop sign. Slap me on the hands...
hi Richard,
Holding a cell phone or gps while driving is against the law here too....it appears to be making a bit of a difference, however I've still seen many people texting while driving.
Jo
Tara: I've been using a Bluetooth for a while and its still dangerous, but better than holding the cell phone.
Dennis: MD passed a no texting law last year. In a stunningly stupid decision, it doesn't apply to reading text messages while driving, only sending them.
Suzanne: Guilty as well. If I was still in grammar school, the nuns would be hitting my knuckles with a ruler.
Jo Anne: I hope it makes a difference. I'm sure some day it will apply to all States.
Rich...
These are necessary regulations that will save lives. I'm all for them.
We may as well stop now. I like Oprah's No Phone Zone Campaign she has waged with celebrities who sign a pledge.
Using the GPS on a cell phone can cause problems also, its as bad as texting!
Richard - California is nearly two years into the implementation of its cell phone law for drivers. We have seen some improvement, but still see boneheaded drivers occassionally negotiating the roads with a cell to their ear! In the past I've nearly been whacked twice on the road by distracted drivers! Good luck with the law in Maryland!
The only thing against the law here in Colorado so far is teeagers texting... but I'm sure that will change for the better in time.
GOOD MORNING RICH! The secondary offense is strange to me - Tucson has this regarding seatbelts. I have bluetooth as well - only connected through my navigation system. While it is better than holding a phone - I'm with you on this as well - it still is distracting because when "it" rings, a nice visual comes on the screen with buttons to press to answer! --Gab