This week, a law that bans sending text messages while driving will go into effect, and anyone caught violating the law will be subject to a fine of up to $500. Texting behind the wheel will be a primary violation, meaning officers can pull over anyone they see using a wireless device to text while driving.
The Maryland Highway Safety Foundation was an early supporter of the new law. Officials there found that many of the state's roughly 600 fatal accidents last year fell into three categories: drunken driving, aggressive driving and distracted...
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RE: Stephanie - 2009-09-28 15:04:22
The fine will be lowered to $2.50. But you'll still be charged $497.50 in "court costs".
Traffic laws are rarely about safety anymore. They're all about revenue generation.
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Scott S. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Punishment - 2009-09-28 14:27:26
Nothing will happen if you go to court with it anyway. The judges in Anne Arundel county will tell you not to do it again on the 25th violation and send you on your way. Your "$500" fine will be lowered to $2.50.
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Stephanie F. - , - Karma: Excellent
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Ditto - 2009-09-28 11:41:00
Its also not illegal to read text messages while driving. Which is almost as dangerous as texting.
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Rick M. - Laurel, Md - Karma: Excellent
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Poorly thought out - 2009-09-28 10:25:05
Just curious, but how are they going to enforce this? How can an officer tell the difference between someone texting or merely typing in a phone number in order to place a call? All while a vehicle is moving? Many cell phones can send emails as well...does the ban cover emailing with the phone too, or just text messages? Technically they are different types of communication, even though the actions of typing them in are the same. This sounds like another poorly thought out law.
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Scott S. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent
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