The Maryland Vehicle Law Annotated 2010 Edition

Beckford, Blue, Brenner, Howell, Munns, Simms, Webster

ACCIDENTS
 Victims Representative

Whenever there is a fatal accident, a law-enforcement officer must inform a the deceased victims representative of the right to file a victims representation notification form with 20 days after conviction for any moving violation [Transportation Code 12-206.1]

BICYCLES
 Roadway

When there is no bike lane paved to a smooth surface, a person operating a bicycle or motor scooter may use the roadway or the shoulder. [Transportation Code 21-1205.1]  Sidewalk In a place where a person may ride a bicycle on a sidewalk or sidewalk edge, the bicycle may also be ridden from the curb or edge of the roadway in or through a crosswalk to the opposite edge of the curb or roadway. [Transportation Code 21-1103]

CELL PHONES
 Use while Driving
A school bus driver whose vehicle is carrying passengers and in motion or a driver under 18 may not use a handheld telephone while operating a motor vehicle. A driver of a motor vehicle that is in motion may not use a handheld telephone except to initiate or terminate a wireless call or to turn on or off the phone. A first offense is punishable by up to a $40 fine; a second or subsequent offense is punishable by up to a 100 fine.
This is a secondary offense, not a primary offense This section does not apply to emergency calls, or law enforcement or emergency personnel acting within the scope of their official duties. Nor does it apply to phones using push-to-talk technology. [Transportation Code 21-1124.2]

CITATIONS
 Requirements

A traffic citation must contain a notice that, if the citation is a payable violation, the person must comply with one of a list of options within 30 days, including the option to request a trial date at the date, time, and place established by the District Court by writ or trial notice. The notice must also include a statement of the possible consequences if the person fails to comply within 30 days. [Transportation Code 26-201]

DRIVERS LICENSES
 Suspension

The Administration may modify a suspension or issue a restricted license if:

the license is required for the purpose of attending an alcohol education or alcoholic prevention or treatment program; the child or individual is required to drive a motor vehicle in the course of employment; it finds that the individuals or childs employment would be adversely affected because the individual or child has no reasonable alternative means of transportation to or from a place of employment; or it finds that the individuals or childs education would be adversely affected because the individual or child has no reasonable alternative means of transportation for educational purposes. [Transportation Code 16-206]

EMERGENCY VEHICLES
 Failure to Yield

Drivers approaching an emergency vehicle that is stopped, standing, or parked on a highway and using any visual signals must make a lane change into an available lane. [Transportation Code 21405]

EQUIPMENT
 Television Screens

All types of video screens must be out of the drivers line of sight, except as mandated for emergency vehicles and/or navigation systems. [Transportation Code 21-1129] [Transportation Code 22414, 22-414.1]

HAULING
 Hazardous Materials

All vehicles carying hazardous materials are object to rules and regulations set forth in accordance to 49 C.F.R., Part 387. All operators are expected to understand and comply with these rules and regulations. [Transportation Code 25-111.1]  Permits An exceptional hauling permit is now valid in Dorchester County, Somerset County, Talbot County, Wicomico County, and Worcester County. [Transportation Code 24- 113.2]

Highways
 Road Salt

On or before October 1, 2011, the State Highway Administration, in consultation with the Department of the Environment, will develop a policy for the use of road salt that has the least affect on the environment, including road salt run-off. [Transportation Code 8602.1]

HOV LANES
 Plug-In Vehicles

Any plug-in vehicle may be operated in an HOV lane if they receive a permit. [Transportation Code 25-108] person, or $60,000 for two or more people. This covers bodily injury and/or death. [Transportation Code 17-103]

INSURANCE
 The minimum amount of insurance coverage is $30,000 for one

LIMITED SPEEED VEHICLES

 Use on Highways

MOTORCYCLES
 Dirt Bikes

All vehicles operated on the highway must be capable of operating 5 mph over the maximum speed limit. [Transportation Code 21-804] Any vehicle that can operate over 25 mph but less than 55 mph may not be operated on a highway unless a limited speed vehicle emblem is displayed (i.e. a red, reflective triangle with a green center permanently affixed to the rear of the vehicle.[Transportation Code 21-805.1] Fueling a dirt bike at a retail gas pump is illegal in Baltimore City. Doing so is a misdemeanor charge which includes up to a $1,000 fine and/or 90 days imprisonment. [Transportation Code 21-1128, 27-101] All bicycles, Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device (Hover-round type scooters), and scooters have the right of way when operating on a shoulder or in a bike lane. Any vehicle passing must give at least 3 feet of clearance. All drivers must yield to these vehicles if crossing into these lanes [Transportation Code 21-1209]

PASSING

 Bicycles, EPADMs, and Motor Scooters

REGISTRATION


TRAFFIC CONTROLS


Recreational Vehicles The owner of an off-highway recreational vehicle purchased on or after October 1, 2010, must apply for a certificate of title by electronic transmission. [Transportation Code 13-102, 13-104] Temporary Registration On the same day that a dealer issues a temporary registration plate for a vehicle, the dealer must electronically transmit to the Motor Vehicle Administration the vehicle, owner, insurance, and temporary registration information contained on the temporary registration plate application. [Transportation Code 13-602] Records of all temporary registration plates issued by a dealer must be kept for 3 years.[Transportation Code 13-606] Red Lights A vehicle turning right on red must yield to any bicycle lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk. [Transportation Code 21-202] Saddle-Mount and Full-Mount Combinations Saddle-mount and full-mount combinations may not exceed 97 feet in length. [Transportation Code 24104.1] Produce Restrictions on mobile seafood vendors now also apply to mobile produce vendors.[Transportation Code 24-301 24-304]

VEHICLE LENGTH


VENDORS


Michie. (2010). The Maryland Vehicle Law Annotated. Charlottesville: Lexis Nexis.