QandAs: Autos

What are the Maryland State Driving Laws?

Answer:
Maryland uses a points system to track traffic

violations. Any traffic violation brings points against the individual’s driving record. Some common violations and the points they are assigned are as follows:

·                    Following too closely – 2 points
·                    Speeding – 2 – 5 points (depending on speed)
·                    Reckless driving – 6 points
·                    Fleeing a police officer – 12 points

Points stay on a driver’s record for two years. If a driver earns eight points during those two years, the license will be suspended. An accumulation of 12 points results in a revocation of the driver’s license.

You must always follow the posted speed limit when driving in Maryland. On business roads, you must travel 30 mph. On open country highways the speed limit is 50 mph. If it is a divided highway in the open country, the limit is raised to 55 mph. Most interstates have a speed limit of 65 mph. Failure to follow the posted speed limit will result in points added to your driving record, a fine, and a ticket. Maryland only bans cell phone usage by those with a learner’s permit of intermediate license.

Maryland has a primary seatbelt law. That means that a driver can be pulled over for a seatbelt violation, even if there is no other traffic violation being committed. The law requires that all people in the front seat of the vehicle are wearing their seatbelts. The driver is responsible to make sure that children under 16 years of age are wearing their seatbelts, no matter where in the car they are sitting. If the driver is under 18, all passengers, even those in the back seat, must wear their seatbelts. Children under the age of six or who weigh less than 40 pounds must be in a child’s safety seat. The fine for violating the seatbelt law is $25. The state of Maryland also requires that all people who are on a motorcycle are wearing a helmet.

You must always yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle that has its lights flashing or siren on. If you see one of these vehicles approaching you, you must drive to the closest curb and stop until it has passed. Also, you must not follow a fire truck closer than 500 feet.


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