Traffic Laws

Non-functioning Traffic Control Devices

Maryland law regarding non-functioning Traffic Control Signals requires that a vehicle approaching a non-functioning traffic light, must stop and yield to other vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection before proceeding through the intersection.

Seat Belts

Seat belts are required for each occupant in the motor vehicle. Every child from eight (8) - 16 years of age, who is not secured in a child safety seat or restraint, must be secured in the vehicle's seat belt.

Child Safety Seats

Child safety laws require children, under the age of 8, to sit in a child safety seat unless they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, regardless of their weight. Children in rear-facing safety seats are prohibited from riding in the front seat of a vehicle with an active airbag; however, it is strongly recommended that children under the age of 13 ride in the back seat.

Approaching Emergency Vehicles

Unless otherwise directed by a police officer or a traffic control device, when an emergency vehicle using any visual signal that meets the requirements of 22-218 of the traffic article is stopped, standing, or parked on a highway, the driver of the motor vehicle shall: 

1. If practicable and not otherwise prohibited, make a lane change into an available lane not immediately adjacent to the emergency vehicle, with due regard for safety and traffic conditions; or
2. If the driver of the motor vehicle is unable to make a lane change in accordance with item (1) of this subsection, slow to a reasonable and prudent speed that is safe for existing weather, road, and vehicular or pedestrian traffic conditions.

Required Signals

Manner of making turn - A person may not turn a vehicle at an intersection, unless the vehicle is in the position required by 21-601 of this   subtitle.

Entering private roads or driveways - A person may not run a vehicle to enter a private road or driveway or otherwise turn a vehicle from a direct course or move it right or left on a roadway or from a shoulder or bikeway onto a roadway, unless the movement can be made with reasonable safety.

Required signals - A person may not, if any other vehicle might be affected by the movement, turn a vehicle until he gives an appropriate signal in the manner required by this subtitle.

Where signals to be given - When required, a signal of intention to turn right or left shall be given continuously during at least the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning; except that a bicyclist may interrupt the turning signal to maintain control of the bicycle.

Stopping or decreasing speed - If there is an opportunity to signal, a person may not stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle until he gives an appropriate signal in the manner required by the subtitle to the driver of any other vehicle immediately to the rear.

Signal lamps - May be used to indicate an intention to turn, change lanes, or start from a stopped, standing, or parked position, and may NOT be flashed as a courtesy or "do pass" signal to the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear.

Text Messaging

An individual may not use a text messaging device to write, send, or read a text message or an electronic message while operating a motor vehicle in the travel portion of the roadway. 

Exceptions - A global positioning system, or a text messaging device to contact a 9-1-1 system. 

Text messaging device means a hand held device used to send a text message or an electronic message via a short message service, wireless telephone service, or electronic communication device.