Maryland lawmakers ban hand-held phones while driving
By Chief Officer Jerry Dorsey
April 9, 2010
Maryland became the seventh state in the nation to ban the use of hand-held cellphones behind the wheel when the legislature gave final approval to the prohibition Friday. The House of Delegates voted 125-14 today to pass a measure already approved by the Senate. The legislation now goes to Gov. Martin O'Malley, who plans to sign the bill. Drivers could only use their hands to turn a phone on and off. They wouldn't be allowed to hold a cell phone during the conversation while driving. Drivers could be fined $40 for first violations, under the bill, but could only be pulled over if they are committing another offense as well, such as running a stop light.
