Signed by Governor Martin O'Malley

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits individuals from the using a handheld telephone or messaging device while operating a motor vehicle beginning October 1, 2010.

Highlights:

-Exempts individuals from the prohibition against handheld telephone use while driving if the a call is being made to any of the following (Sec. 1):

-9-1-1 system; -Hospital; -Ambulance service provider; -Fire department; -Law enforcement agency; or -First aid squad.

-Exempts law enforcement personnel and emergency personnel from the prohibition against handheld telephone use while driving, provided they are acting within the scope of their official duty (Sec. 1). -Establishes the following penalties for violating the prohibition against handheld telephone use while driving (Sec. 1):

-A fine of up to $40 for the first offense; and -A fine of up to $100 for the second or subsequent offense.

-Specifies that points may not be assessed for violating the prohibition against handheld telephone use while driving, unless the offense contributed to an accident (Sec. 1). -Specifies that a police officer may enforce this action only as a secondary action when the officer detains a driver for a suspicion of a second violation (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits individuals from the using a handheld telephone or messaging device while operating a motor vehicle beginning October 1, 2010.

Highlights:

-Exempts individuals from the prohibition against handheld telephone use while driving if the a call is being made to any of the following (Sec. 1):

-9-1-1 system; -Hospital; -Ambulance service provider; -Fire department; -Law enforcement agency; or -First aid squad.

-Exempts law enforcement personnel and emergency personnel from the prohibition against handheld telephone use while driving, provided they are acting within the scope of their official duty (Sec. 1). -Establishes the following penalties for violating the prohibition against handheld telephone use while driving (Sec. 1):

-A fine of up to $40 for the first offense; and -A fine of up to $100 for the second or subsequent offense.

-Specifies that points may not be assessed for violating the prohibition against handheld telephone use while driving, unless the offense contributed to an accident (Sec. 1). -Specifies that a police officer may enforce this action only as a secondary action when the officer detains a driver for a suspicion of a second violation (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text