| Several new laws regarding motor vehicles will go into effect on October 1st.
-Using a handheld cell phone while driving a vehicle will become a primary offense. Fines for first offense is $83, second offense is $140, and third and subsequent offenses are $160.
-ALL occupants of a motor vehicle must be wearing their seatbelts. Any adult not wearing their seatbelt will receive a ticket, and the responsible adult will receive a ticket for any children under the age of 16 years of age who are not belted. Each ticket is a fine of $83.
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration makes these suggestions:
Park the Phone Before You Drive!
Talking on a handheld cell phone or texting is a leading source of driver distraction.
Manage Your Time.
Driving is not the time to talk or text on a cell phone.
Drive Defensively.
Just because you don't drive distracted doesn't mean that others won't.
Ride Responsibly.
If you are a passenger and a driver is using a handheld cell phone, ask them to pull over or wait until they arrive at the destination. Avoid causing distractions as well.
Buckle Up Every Time, Day and Night, In Every Seat!
-Motorists should buckle up every time they go out, both day and night, and in all seating positions.
-Wearing a seat belt is your best defense against unsafe drivers. Buckling up is the single most important step you can take to save your life in the event of a crash.
-Law enforcement agencies across Maryland are prepared to ticket anyone not buckled up...no warnings and no excuses.
-Set a good example!
Adults who use a handheld cell phone while driving or who don’t buckle up are sending children the message that those behaviors are acceptable. |
