Using a mobile phone while driving in Maryland (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Maryland bans using the hands to operate a handheld phone while driving, except to start or end a call or turn the phone on or off. Hands-free use is allowed. The fine is up to USD 75 for a first offence, with no points unless the offence contributes to a crash.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed [1] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | 0 points [1] |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Banned for all drivers: you may not use a handheld device to write, send or read a text or electronic message while driving in the travel portion of the roadway. GPS use and contacting 911 are exempt. [2] |
| Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Drivers under 18 may not use a wireless communication device at all while driving, handheld or hands-free (except to call 911); the licence can be suspended for up to 90 days. Learner's permit and provisional licence holders aged 18 or over may not use a handheld phone. [3] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Notes
- A driver of a moving vehicle may not use their hands to use a handheld telephone, other than to start or end a call or to turn the phone on or off. Writing, sending or reading text messages is banned separately by §21-1124.1. Holders of a learner's permit or provisional licence aged 18 or over, and school bus drivers carrying passengers, may not use a handheld telephone at all (subsection (c)). Emergency calls are exempt.
- Use without the hands is not restricted for drivers other than those listed in subsection (c).
- Points under §16-402 may not be assessed unless the offence contributes to an accident.
- Maximum fines for handheld use are USD 75 for a first offence, USD 125 for a second and USD 175 for a third or later offence. The court may waive the first-offence penalty if you prove you have acquired a hands-free accessory.
Sources
- Maryland General Assembly (Department of Legislative Services): Transportation Article, §21-1124.2 (handheld telephone) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Maryland General Assembly: Maryland Code, Transportation § 21-1124.1: Text messaging while driving (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Maryland General Assembly: Maryland Code, Transportation § 21-1124: Use of wireless communication device by drivers under 18 (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Maryland and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | Banned (no hand use) | Hands-free allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | None unless crash |
| District of Columbia | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 100 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Delaware | Banned | Hands-free allowed | USD 100 | No points |
| Pennsylvania | Banned (holding) | Hands-free; one-button only | USD 50 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Virginia | Banned | Allowed | USD 125 | 3 demerit points |
| West Virginia | Banned | Allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | None (3 on third) |
More rules in Maryland
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: 2 plants per household
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (35 divided residential) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 yrs 6 mths (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 yrs 9 mths (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 · Minimum age: 16+ for Class 3
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (permit only; sparklers excepted)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Penknife without switchblade is not a "weapon" · Locking or one-handed knives: Listed weapon; sale or display is banned
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, driver and front passengers · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes; police enforce only as secondary action (16+)
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Any alcohol (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.