7 Most Commonly Ignored Traffic Laws in Maryland
Whenever you are driving, there are various rules and regulations that you must adhere to in order to avoid causing an accident or being pulled over by law enforcement. Even if you do your best to follow all traffic laws, there are several traffic laws that Maryland drivers often ignore.
The Law Office of Hillel Traub is a Maryland Traffic offense law firm dedicated to ensuring that motorists are aware of all the different rules and regulations they must follow to avoid being charged with a traffic violation. If you are pulled over for violating a traffic law in Maryland, it’s a good idea to call attorney Hillel Traub as soon as possible to begin working on your defense case.
What Are the Seven Most Commonly Ignored Traffic Laws in Maryland?
The rules and regulations in place for drivers in Maryland are in place in order to keep drivers and pedestrians safe and avoid accidents. While most drivers try their best to adhere to the various laws in place for drivers, there are several traffic laws that are the most commonly ignored by motorists, including:
The “Move Over” Law
For many drivers in Maryland, this traffic violation is often ignored. The law states that a driver must move into another lane for an emergency vehicle or any vehicle that is stopped or parked on the side of the road with flashers on. If you violate this law, it can result in a costly fine or the suspension of your license. If a driver is caught disobeying this law, they may risk being fined up to $110 and receive one point on their driver’s license.
The Minimum Speed Rule
While there is no state-wide minimum speed limit in the state of Maryland, if you see a minimum speed sign for a particular stretch of road, you must move at that speed or faster in order to avoid getting a traffic violation ticket. If a driver violates this rule, they may be fined $90 and receive one point on your license
The Passing on the Left Rule
When passing another vehicle, state law requires you to do so on the left-hand side. Additionally, you must overtake the other car before moving back to the right. If you fail to cut back to the right before safely passing the other vehicle, you may be pulled over and given a ticket. Maryland drivers who violate this rule may face a fine of up to $250.
The Following Too Closely Rule
In order to avoid a rear-end collision, this rule requires you to leave a reasonable distance between the front of your car and the rear of the car in front of you. If you are caught tailgating someone in Maryland, you may face two points on your license if no accident occurs or three points if you cause a collision.
The Hands-Free Driving Rule
In Maryland, drivers may not read, write, type a text message, or email while operating a motor vehicle. The only exception to this rule exists for using GPS or calling emergency services. However, drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone at all except to call emergency services. If you violate this rule you may face a $70 fine and one point on your license if no crash occurred or $110 fine and three points if you cause a crash.
The Four-Way Stop Rule
State law requires that when a driver and another vehicle approach a four-way intersection at the same time, the right-side driver will begin driving again first. The driver to the left must yield the right-of-way to the other vehicle. If you violate this rule in Maryland you may face a significant fine and one point on your license.
The Right of Way Rule
Before making a left-hand turn in Maryland, you must yield the right-of-way to any oncoming traffic that would pose a threat of a potential accident. When a driver violates this rule, they may face a fine of up to $500 depending on the specific details of the case.
If you have been issued a traffic violation in Maryland, it is crucial that you seek the help of a trusted traffic offense lawyer who may be able to assist you in building a strong defense to have the charges against you reduced or dropped.
Get Help From a Maryland Traffic Law Lawyer
Attorney Hillel Traub of The Law Office of Hillel Traub is a former lawyer of MVA and is familiar with Maryland’s many traffic laws and the rules and regulations drivers must follow to avoid being issued a ticket or receiving serious penalties. To discuss your legal options, contact us here or call (410) 580-1100 for a complimentary consultation.