Maryland Statutes
Subtitle 11 - Miscellaneous Rules
Section 21-1124.2 - Communications Traffic Safety Act

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
        (2)    “Handheld telephone” means a handheld device used to access wireless telephone service.
        (3)    “9–1–1 system” has the meaning stated in § 1–301 of the Public Safety Article.
    (b)    This section does not apply to:
        (1)    Emergency use of a handheld telephone, including calls to:
            (i)    A 9–1–1 system;
            (ii)    A hospital;
            (iii)    An ambulance service provider;
            (iv)    A fire department;
            (v)    A law enforcement agency; or
            (vi)    A first aid squad;
        (2)    Use of a handheld telephone by the following individuals when acting within the scope of official duty:
            (i)    Law enforcement personnel; and
            (ii)    Emergency personnel;
        (3)    Use of a handheld telephone as a text messaging device as defined in § 21–1124.1 of this subtitle; and
        (4)    Use of a handheld telephone as a communication device utilizing push–to–talk technology by an individual operating a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in 49 C.F.R. Part 390.5 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
    (c)    The following individuals may not use a handheld telephone while operating a motor vehicle:
        (1)    A driver of a Class H (school) vehicle that is carrying passengers and in motion; and
        (2)    A holder of a learner’s instructional permit or a provisional driver’s license who is 18 years of age or older.
    (d)    (1)    This subsection does not apply to an individual specified in subsection (c) of this section.
        (2)    A driver of a motor vehicle that is in motion may not use the driver’s hands to use a handheld telephone other than to initiate or terminate a wireless telephone call or to turn on or turn off the handheld telephone.
    (e)    (1)    A person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to the following penalties:
            (i)    For a first offense, a fine of not more than $75;
            (ii)    For a second offense, a fine of not more than $125; and
            (iii)    For a third or subsequent offense, a fine of not more than $175.
        (2)    Points may not be assessed against the individual under § 16–402 of this article unless the offense contributes to an accident.
    (f)    The court may waive a penalty under subsection (e) of this section for a person who:
        (1)    Is convicted of a first offense under this section; and
        (2)    Provides proof that the person has acquired a hands–free accessory, an attachment or add–on, a built–in feature, or an addition for the person’s handheld telephone that will allow the person to operate a motor vehicle in accordance with this section.

Structure Maryland Statutes

Maryland Statutes

Transportation

Title 21 - Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road

Subtitle 11 - Miscellaneous Rules

Section 21-1101 - Unattended Motor Vehicle

Section 21-1102 - Limitations on Backing

Section 21-1103 - Driving on Sidewalk

Section 21-1104 - Obstruction to Driver's View or Driving Mechanism

Section 21-1105 - Opening and Closing Vehicle Doors

Section 21-1106 - Riding in Mobile Homes

Section 21-1107 - Restrictions on Persons in Cargo Areas of Vehicles

Section 21-1108 - Coasting Prohibited

Section 21-1109 - Following Fire Apparatus Prohibited; Passing Parking or Backing Emergency Vehicles Prohibited

Section 21-1110 - Crossing Fire Hose

Section 21-1111 - Putting Glass, Injurious Substances, or Refuse on Highway or Bridge or in Waters Prohibited

Section 21-1112 - Turning Off Lights to Avoid Identification Prohibited

Section 21-1112.1 - Obscuring or Modifying Vehicle Registration Plate With Intent to Avoid Identification Prohibited

Section 21-1113 - Placing Traffic Hazard Along Highway Prohibited

Section 21-1114 - Using Roadway Before Opened; Walking on New or Newly Repaired Roadways; Damaging Highway or Construction Materials

Section 21-1115 - Moving or Removing Lights or Guards on Highways Prohibited

Section 21-1116 - Race or Speed Contest Prohibited

Section 21-1117 - Skidding, Spinning of Wheels, and Excessive Noise Prohibited

Section 21-1118 - School Bus Regulations

Section 21-1119 - Snow Emergency Routes

Section 21-1120 - Wearing Earphones, Headsets, etc., Prohibited

Section 21-1121 - Children in Rear of Pickup Trucks

Section 21-1122 - Noise Limitations on Use of Sound Amplification Systems

Section 21-1123 - Prohibition Against Transporting Minors as Passengers by a Minor Holding Provisional Driver's License

Section 21-1124 - Prohibition Against Use of Wireless Communication Device While Driving by Minor Holding Learner's Permit or Provisional License

Section 21-1124.1 - Text Messaging Prohibited

Section 21-1124.2 - Communications Traffic Safety Act

Section 21-1124.3 - Violation of 21-1124.1 or 21-1124.2 or This Section That Causes Accident Resulting in Death or Serious Bodily Injury Prohibited

Section 21-1125 - Limitations on Driving Low Speed Vehicles

Section 21-1126 - Recording Illegal Activity

Section 21-1127 - Operation of Limousine of Certain Size

Section 21-1128 - Dispensing of Motor Fuel Into Dirt Bike

Section 21-1129 - Driving While Video and Electronic Display Equipment Are On

Section 21-1130 - Requirements for Operation of All-Terrain Vehicle or Snowmobile on Public Property

Section 21-1131 - Causing Diesel Emissions to Discharge Onto Another Prohibited; Exceptions

Section 21-1132 - Exhibition Driving in Special Event Zone Prohibited -- Application to Worcester County -- Penalty