Politics & Government

Report: Cell Phone Ban Could Become 'Primary Offense' While Driving

The ban is expected to pass the Maryland General Assembly.

Drivers in Maryland still using hand-held mobile devices on the road should be prepared to either make the move to hands free or simply keep their cell phones put away.

The Maryland Senate voted 40-6 Monday to approve a bill that makes the use of hand-held electronic devices while behind the wheel a "primary offense," The Baltimore Sun reported.

Currently, drivers in Maryland can only be cited for using a cell phone if an officer pulls them over for committing another offense — such as speeding. If the proposed ban is approved—which, according to reports, is likely—drivers could be pulled over for using their mobile phones without committing another offense.

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Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney A. Katz said he could see where it makes sense to strengthen the ban.

"When someone is driving they should pay the utmost attention to what they are doing," Katz told Patch in an email. "Holding onto a cell phone while driving is certainly distracting."

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A Gaithersburg police spokesperson declined to comment on the pending legislation.

"A dozen states and the District of Columbia have laws banning use of hand-held phones while driving; only Maryland and West Virginia have made it a secondary offense," according to the report.

The bill would also increase the maximum penalty for a violation from $40 to $75 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense and $175 for a third or subsequent offenses, according to the report.

Read the full story on The Baltimore Sun


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