§ 21-1124.2

Maryland § 21-1124.2

• Jurisdiction: Maryland
• Article gtr: Transportation
• Title: 21

Text

(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2) “Handheld telephone” means a handheld device used to access wireless telephone service.

(3) “9–1–1 system” has the meaning stated in § 1–301 of the Public Safety Article.

(b) This section does not apply to:

(1) Emergency use of a handheld telephone, including calls to:

(i) A 9–1–1 system;

(ii) A hospital;

(iii) An ambulance service provider;

(iv) A fire department;

(v) A law enforcement agency; or

(vi) A first aid squad;

(2) Use of a handheld telephone by the following individuals when acting within the scope of official duty:

(i) Law enforcement personnel; and

(ii) Emergency personnel;

(3) Use of a handheld telephone as a text messaging device as defined in § 21–1124.1 of this subtitle; and

(4) Use of a handheld telephone as a communication device utilizing push–to–talk technology by an individual operating a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in 49 C.F.R. Part 390.5 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

(c) The following individuals may not use a handheld telephone while operating a motor vehicle:

(1) A driver of a Class H (school) vehicle that is carrying passengers and in motion; and

(2) A holder of a learner’s instructional permit or a provisional driver’s license who is 18 years of age or older.

(d) (1) This subsection does not apply to an individual specified in subsection (c) of this section.

(2) A driver of a motor vehicle that is in motion may not use the driver’s hands to use a handheld telephone other than to initiate or terminate a wireless telephone call or to turn on or turn off the handheld telephone.

(e) (1) A person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to the following penalties:

(i) For a first offense, a fine of not more than $75;

(ii) For a second offense, a fine of not more than $125; and

(iii) For a third or subsequent offense, a fine of not more than $175.

(2) Points may not be assessed against the individual under § 16–402 of this article unless the offense contributes to an accident.

(f) The court may waive a penalty under subsection (e) of this section for a person who:

(1) Is convicted of a first offense under this section; and

(2) Provides proof that the person has acquired a hands–free accessory, an attachment or add–on, a built–in feature, or an addition for the person’s handheld telephone that will allow the person to operate a motor vehicle in accordance with this section.