There are some ne laws going into affect for Maryland drivers this week.
Starting tomorrow, it will become a primary traffic offense to use handle cell phones while driving on the state's highways.
Drivers will face a $75 fine for the first offense, but no points will be counted against your driver's license except for involvement in an accident.
Christine Delise with AAA Mid-Atlantic says, "We feel that the stronger law will serve as a real deterrent to motorists and enable police to better enforce the existing law and to help stem the epidemic of distracted drivers in Maryalnd." She added, "Based on 2012 preliminary Maryland crash data approximately 58 percent of total vehicle crashes involve a distracted driver."
Meanwhile, all those riding in the backseat of a car will be required to wear a seat belt.
It will still be a secondary offense, meaning law enforcement will have to pull you over for another violation.
There will be a fine of $50 for the first offense.
As for a grace period, Delise says, "It's really up to law enforcement as to whether they want to issue warnings or begin issuing tickets but we advise motorist to9 be prepared and start obeying the law and not risk they are cited."
