Helping You Understand Maryland’s Laws and Your Legal Rights
Texting While Driving Prohibited
In October of 2011, Maryland lawmakers tightened legal restrictions for texting while driving. Previously, drivers were banned from talking on a cell phone or typing out texts while driving. As of October 1, 2011, drivers are prohibited from writing, sending, or reading a text message (or other electronic message) while operating a motor vehicle in the travel portion of the roadway. The only permitted exceptions are (1) use of a global positioning system, and (2) contacting a 911 system.
Additionally, police officers were at one time unable to charge drivers for texting unless the driver was pulled over for another offense such as speeding. Drivers can now be pulled over solely for the charge of cell phone use or texting.
What are the Penalties for Texting While Driving in Maryland?
Legal penalties in the form of fines are relatively light, but they increase if the accused contests the charge and loses in court. If a driver receives a citation for texting while driving, and chooses not to contest the charge, the penalties are 1 point and a $70.00 fine, and 3 points and a $110.00 fine if the violation contributed to an accident. If a driver contests the citation in court, and is found guilty, the penalties are 1 point and up to a $500.00 fine, and 3 points and up to a $500.00 fine if the violation contributed to an accident.
Learn More about Distracted Driving Laws
For more information regarding national trends and developments regarding texting and cell phone use while driving, browse the Governors Highway Safety Association website.
Howard County Traffic Ticket Lawyer
If you have been charged with texting while driving, or using a cell phone while driving, and wish to contest the charge or simply learn more about your rights, contact Jonathan Scott Smith of the Smith Criminal Defense Firm.
Jonathan Scott Smith is a former prosecutor and Howard County traffic ticket lawyer with more than 30 years of experience representing drivers in traffic violation cases. Many of our new cases are referred to us by former clients or by other attorneys. He fights hard for his clients. That’s why many satisfied clients think so highly of him. Mr. Smith’s results speak for themselves.
Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results — has earned him the recognition of his peers, with an AV® Preeminent™* Peer Review Rating in the Martindale-Hubbell peer review rating process, and a 10.0 Superb AVVO rating. These are the highest ratings possible for legal skill, ethical practice, lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition. Attorney Smith is considered to be one of the best criminal defense and traffic ticket attorneys in Columbia, Ellicott City, and Howard County.
Contact Our Office
For an appointment, contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101. Put an experienced Maryland traffic violations defense lawyer to work for you. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith represents clients in criminal defense matters, DUI / DWI, MVA Hearings, traffic offenses, domestic violence and child abuse charges throughout Maryland, including the cities of Columbia, Clarksville, Sykesville, Fulton, Elkridge, Frederick, Mt. Airy, Ellicott City, Laurel, Westminster, and Baltimore. Lawyer Smith also provides experienced legal representation for clients in Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Prince Georges (Prince George) County, Howard County and Montgomery County, MD.
