Update on Cell Phone Use
As shown in the April 10,2010 of The Sun Paper  , The Cell Phone ban will become law on  Friday October 1,2010.
Maryland would be joining California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Washington would differ from Maryland by making it a primary Offense.The District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands have also enacted such bans
Last year Maryland took the first step adopted a ban on texting while driving.
A bill extending that ban to reading text  messages while driving is pending in the Senate and expected to pass.

The bill would make using a hand-held cell phone- including taking photos or video- while behind the wheel a secondary offense,allowing police officers to pull someone over for a violation only if they observe the driver committing some other offense, such as speeding or following too closely.

A first offense would be punishable by a $40.00 fine, subsequent offenses by $100.00.

The ban would not apply to hands-free technology such as Bluetooth devices, nor would it affect calls taking place while the car is not in motion- for example, at a red light.

                            Remember, this bill will become  law October 1,2010.