House OKs strengthening distracted driving law
Emmanuel Tambakakis/CNN
Posted: 03/21/2013
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -
The Maryland House of Delegates has passed a measure to strengthen laws against distracted driving.
The House voted 106-29 on Thursday to make talking on a handheld cell phone while driving a primary offense. That means a police officer could pull a driver over, if observed talking on a cell phone.
Now, police can only ticket someone for driving while talking on a handheld cell phone if the driver has been pulled over for another offense. The fine under current law is $40 for a first offense, and points may not be assessed against the driver's license unless the offense contributes to an accident.
The fine would be raised to a maximum of $500 under the bill, and points could be assessed.
The measure now goes to the Senate.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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