Starting today October 1, 2013, changes are made to Maryland’s cell phone and seat belt laws. Maryland’s cell phone law now PROHIBITS a driver from using a handheld cell phone while a motor vehicle is in motion. This is a primary offense. Law Enforcement officers can stop a driver solely for using a handheld cell phone. No other offense is needed.
Just a reminder, that in the State of Maryland texting while driving is still a primary offense and you may be stopped solely for this offense and ticketed.
Maryland has a primary seat belt law for front seat occupants AND a secondary seat belt law for back seat occupants. Tickets can be issued to drivers and front seat passengers even if no other violations are observed. Each person that is not buckled (driver and passenger) may receive a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt.
In the case where any passenger under the age of 16 years of age is not buckled up, the driver may receive a ticket for the offense.
The Towson University Police Department wants all motorists to be safe while on the road. Drive Responsibly!! If you have to use your cell phone, pull over and park your car, and always remember to Buckle Up, day and night, in every seat.
For more information on the Maryland New Law’s, please visit the Maryland State Highway Administration website at:
