MARYLAND DRIVING LAWS


Driving laws exist to help ensure that your teen and other drivers stay safe on the road. Before your teen gets behind the wheel, make sure he or she knows the law and the consequences for breaking them.

Here are some Maryland Laws that should be discussed with your teen driver:

Passenger Restriction Effective October 1, 2005, provisional drivers under the age of 18 are not permitted to carry passengers under the age of 18, except for family members, for the first five (5) months of licensure. Violations may result in a suspension of driving privileges. Cell Phone/Wireless Device Restriction Effective October 1, 2005, provisional drivers under the age of 18 may not operate a motor vehicle while using any wireless communication device (e.g. cell phone or text messaging device) except for emergencies. Violations may result in a suspension of driving privileges. Adult Seat Belt Law Drivers and front seat passengers must be buckled up. A vehicle may be stopped and citations issued solely for violating the seat belt law. Unbelted occupants (older than age 16) of front seats may be fined $25 each. If an unbuckled passenger anywhere in the vehicle is younger than age 16, the driver is responsible and will be fined up to $48. When the driver is a provisional license holder under the age of 18, all the passengers in the vehicle they are driving (regardless of age) must use proper restraints. (Maryland SHA, n.d.) Aggressive Driving Driving aggressively is against the law. The Maryland State Police has an active aggressive driver campaign that primarily focuses on drivers who speed follow too closely, overtake and pass unsafely, illegally pass on the right, weave in and out of lanes, fail to yield the right-of-way, run red lights, ignore other traffic signals and signs Aggressive drivers may be subject to a fine of no more than $500. (Maryland MVA, 2002) Parent Liability Under certain circumstances, parents as well as teens may be held liable for damages that occur as a result of a teen driver's negligence. Parents may be held responsible not only for permitting or encouraging dangerous conduct but also for failing to discourage activities that result in injury or damages (e.g., drinking and driving). (Maryland State Archives, 2003) Consequences for Moving Violations Rookie drivers convicted of moving violations During learners permit phase: must restart 6 month waiting period During provisional license phase: must restart 18 month waiting period 1st conviction: attend driver improvement classes 2nd conviction: 30 day suspension of license 3rd or subsequent conviction: 180 day suspension or revocation of license Parents or legal guardians are notified by mail of minor's moving violations (Maryland MVA, 2005)

Drinking and Driving Maryland has zero tolerance for underage drinking and driving. Teens driving with any alcohol in the body (BAC .02 or higher) may be arrested and/or fined up to $500. Refusing an alcohol test will result in a 120 day suspension of driving privileges. A second refusal will result in a 1 year suspension. (Maryland Department of Transportation, 1998, chap. 4, p. 21) Windshield Wiper Law Headlights must be on whenever windshield wipers are used. Violators may be subject to a fine of no more than $500. (Maryland MVA, 2002) Insurance Law All motor vehicles registered in Maryland must be insured by a company licensed in Maryland. Minimum coverage is required: $20,000 per person for bodily injury, $40,000 for bodily injury of 2 or more persons, $15,000 for property damage. Maryland law fines uninsured motorists $150 for the first month of driving without insurance and $7 each day thereafter. (Maryland State Archives, 2003) Parental Rights as Co-Signers A parent or legal guardian must co-sign a minor's application for a learner's permit and driver's license. A co-signer may have a minor's license suspended by submitting a written request to the Motor Vehicle Administration. The suspension remains valid until the minor turns 18 or until another eligible adult co-signs for the minor. (Maryland Department of Transportation, 1998, chap. 1, p. 2) If Your Teen is involved in a Traffic Crash Maryland law requires that drivers stop; give driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance information; and offer assistance at the scene. If possible, remove your vehicle from travel lanes. (Maryland SHA, n.d.)

For more information about Maryland Driving Laws, please review the Maryland Annotated Code at http://www.mdarchives.state.md.us. Use "Maryland Driving Laws" in the search box and click "go."