Distracted Driving Laws: Maryland
Hand-Held Ban?
Yes. Primary law.
Maryland
GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of Maryland. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.
Copy for State Laws
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Maryland
Bike helmets required?
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.
Maryland
Motorcycle Helmet Required?
Universal helmet law enacted 1992.
Maryland
Length of Regular Renewal Cycle
5 years
Maryland
Provisions for Mature Drivers
40 and over: vision test required
Maryland
Rural Interstates: Cars (MPH)
70
Maryland
Rural Interstates: Trucks (MPH)
70
Maryland
Urban Interstates: Cars (MPH)
70
Maryland
Urban Interstates: Trucks (MPH)
70
Maryland
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars (MPH)
55
Maryland
Other Limited Access Roads: Trucks (MPH)
55
Maryland
Increased penalty for high BAC
0.15
Maryland
Administrative license suspension on first offense
180 days for both.08 & .15, for first offense.
Maryland
Limited driving privileges during suspension
Yes, with interlock
Maryland
Ignition Interlocks
Mandatory for all convictions
Maryland
Open container laws
Yes
Maryland
Repeat Offender Laws
Yes
Maryland
Child Restraint Required
Under 8 yrs unless over 57" tall. Rear-facing until age 2 or until they exceed the height/weight specifications of the manufacturer.
Maryland
Adult Safety Belt Permissible
8-15 yrs or under 8 yrs and over 57" tall
Maryland
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction
Midnight - 5 a.m.
Maryland
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)
First 5 months: no passengers under 18 (secondary enforcement)
Maryland
Full Privilege Minimum Age
Nighttime driving: 18 years Driving with passengers: 16 years, 11 months
Maryland
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)
15 / 9
Maryland
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)
9
Maryland
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)
60 (10)
Maryland
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)
16 / 6
Maryland
Type of Law
Primary; Secondary for rear seat occupants
Maryland
Who is Covered?
16 and over
Maryland
In What Seat?
Under 16 yrs: All 16 yrs and over: Front (secondary enforcement in rear seat)
Maryland
Hand-Held Ban?
Yes. Primary law.
Maryland
All Cell Phone Ban? School Bus Drivers
Yes, handheld ban. Primary law.
Maryland
All Cell Phone Ban? Novice Drivers
Drivers under 18. Primary law.
Maryland
Text Messaging Ban?
All drivers. Primary law.
Maryland
Speed Cameras: State Law
Permitted by state law and city ordinance
Maryland
Speed Cameras: Where Permitted
School zones (only during certain hours); Montgomery County residential districts; areas in or near institutes of higher education in Prince George's County; construction zones on expressways or controlled access highways with a speed limit 45 mph or greater
Maryland
Red Light Cameras: State Law
Permitted by state law
Maryland
Red Light Cameras: Where Permitted
Statewide
Maryland
DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs
None
Maryland
Marijuana Possession and Use
Decriminalized and legal for medical and recreational use
Maryland
Marijuana Impaired Driving
None
Speed and Red Light Cameras: Maryland
Speed Cameras
Permitted by state law and city ordinance
Red Light Cameras
Permitted by state law
Work Zone Traffic Laws: Maryland
Violations Affected
Speeding
Enhanced Penalties
Up to $1,000
Workers Must Be Present?
No
Signs Must Be Present?
Yes
Drug-Impaired Driving Laws: Maryland
DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs
None
Traffic Safety Specialist Program
The Traffic Safety Specialist (TSS) program was designed to recognize law enforcement officers for their experience, education, training and proficiency in highway safety and traffic enforcement methods and procedures, and to encourage ongoing professional development in these areas.