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The statutory deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit in Maryland's courts, and the state's plaintiff-unfriendly "contributory negligence" rule.

After a Maryland traffic accident, if you've been injured or had your vehicle damaged, you may want to consider your options for getting compensation for your losses. In this article, we'll discuss a few Maryland laws that could have a big impact on any car accident claim you decide to make.

The Maryland Car Accident Statute of Limitations

A "statute of limitations" is a state law that sets a strict time limit on your right to bring a lawsuit to court.

As is the case in most states, the statute of limitations that affects car accident lawsuits in Maryland is usually the same as the larger one that applies to almost all personal injury claims. Specifically, Maryland Courts & Judicial Proceedings Code section 5-101 says that a civil lawsuit for personal injury "shall be filed within three years from the date it accrues."

That's just another way of saying that a plaintiff has three years to get the initial complaint filed in court, and the "clock" starts running on the date of the injury. (Note: Keep in mind that if someone dies as a result of the accident and their family wants to file a wrongful death lawsuit, the deadline is still three years, but the "clock" starts on the date of the person's death, which can be different from the date of the accident.)

So, after a crash, the three-year deadline applies to all lawsuits for car accident injuries or vehicle damage, whether the claim is made by a driver, passenger, motorcycle rider, bicyclist, or pedestrian.

(Note: The statute of limitations does not apply to a car insurance claim. Any insurance company, whether your own or the other driver's, is going to require you to make a claim -- or at least give the insurer notice of an incident that could trigger a claim -- "promptly" or "within a reasonable time" after the accident. That usually means a matter of days, or a few weeks at most.)

If you try to file your lawsuit after the applicable time limit has passed, you can count on the defendant (the person you're trying to sue) pointing out that discrepancy to the court as part of a motion to dismiss. The court will almost certainly grant the motion (unless some rare exception applies to extend the filing deadline), and that will be the end of your case. That's why it's crucial to understand how the statute of applies to your situation.

Even if you're confident that your case will be resolved through the car insurance claim process, you'll want to leave yourself plenty of time to file a lawsuit in case you need to -- if for no other reason than that you'll have more leverage during settlement talks. If you think you might be running up against the filing deadline, you may want to contact an experienced Maryland car accident attorney.

Contributory Negligence in Maryland Car Accident Cases

Suppose you're seriously injured in an Maryland car accident, and you take your case to court. The jury, after hearing all the evidence, decides that the other driver was mostly responsible for the accident -- but that you share part of the blame. What happens next? How does this finding affect your right to compensation?

Under Maryland's "contributory negligence" rule, you cannot receive money damages if you are found to have played even the slightest part in causing the accident. You can't recover any compensation at all from the other driver, in other words. (Only a handful of states follow the "contributory negligence" rule. Most states use what's known as "comparative negligence", which allows an at-fault driver to recover some damages as long as he or she is not more than 50 percent responsible for the crash.)

Not only does the contributory negligence rule bind Maryland judges and juries (if your car accident case makes it to court), it will also guide a car insurance claims adjuster when he or she is evaluating your case. A claims adjuster makes decisions based on what is likely to happen in court, so if it looks like you share any amount of blame or the accident, get ready for the adjuster to play hardball during settlement negotiations.

Even though this is a tough rule, don't let it prevent you from pursuing an auto accident settlement or lawsuit. Instead, talk to an Maryland attorney about your situation and your best course of action.

Maryland Car Insurance Requirements

In almost every Maryland car accident scenario, insurance coverage is sure to play a key role, so it's important to understand the state's liability auto insurance requirements and other coverage rules that could affect your car accident claim. Get the details on Maryland's car insurance rules.

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The statutory deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit in Maryland's courts, and the state's plaintiff-unfriendly "contributory negligence" rule. After a Maryland traffic accident, if you've been injured or had your vehicle damaged, you may want to consider your options for getting compensation for your losses.

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The Law Office of Thomas E. Pyles, P.A. - Leonardtown 

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The Law Office of Thomas E. Pyles, P.A. - Leonardtown 

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22660 Washington Street
Leonardtown, MD 20650

Phone: 301-475-0101

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The Law Office of Thomas E. Pyles, P.A. - Waldorf 

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The Law Office of Thomas E. Pyles, P.A. - Waldorf 

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2670 Crain Hwy, Suite 106
Waldorf, MD 20601

Phone: 301-705-5006

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The Law Office of Thomas E. Pyles, P.A. - Laurel 

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The Law Office of Thomas E. Pyles, P.A. - Laurel 

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601 7th Street, Suite 202
Laurel, MD 20707

Phone: 301-723-7076

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What Should I Do After I've Been Hit By a Truck?

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What Should I Do After I've Been Hit By a Truck?

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The Law Offices of Thomas E. Pyles, P.A.

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Waldorf Car Accident Attorney | Available 24/7 | Tom Pyles Law

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If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a car wreck, contact us today. A Waldorf car accident attorney is here to help you get compensation!

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A reader reports he was hit by a car while walking across the street at an intersection. He suffered injuries to his head and face, and will require plastic surgery to reshape injured areas.

The accident victim would like to sue the driver who hit him. But he reports that attorneys he has contacted tell him he could not win a lawsuit against the driver because of Maryland's "1 percent rule." He wants to know why the rule bars compensation for him.

Maryland has a contributory negligence rule that applies to legal actions such as lawsuits against someone whose actions or failure to act may have contributed to another person's injuries. The rule is known as the 1 percent rule. Under it, persons injured in an accident or other incident cannot collect damages if they are in any way to blame for what happened, even if the other person involved was 99 percent responsible and the victim was only 1 percent responsible.

Contributory negligence means that you behaved in some way that created an unreasonable risk to you, such as crossing against a traffic light or stepping out from between two parked cars. Your behavior does not give a driver a license to hit you, but the law regards you as partly responsible if an accident occurs.

Maryland is one of only four states that follow the 1 percent rule. The others are Alabama, North Carolina and Virginia. (Washington, D.C. also follows the 1 percent rule.)

The alternative to contributory negligence is comparative negligence. In a comparative negligence state, compensation could be awarded to accident victims based on the relative share of responsibility borne by each person involved. For example, if the car was speeding, a factor that could make it impossible for the driver to stop before colliding with the pedestrian, but the pedestrian was crossing against a traffic light, the driver would have to compensate the walker, but would not pay as much as he would have if the pedestrian was blameless.

Our injured reader would likely find his case rapidly dismissed. Although he was crossing at a marked intersection, he was cited by the police officer who investigated the accident for crossing the street in the path of an oncoming vehicle. The citation indicates that the officer concluded the pedestrian was at least 1 percent responsible for the accident.

Police issued more serious citations against the driver for striking him, the victim reported. But unless the pedestrian could prove that the police citation was in error and he was not in any way responsible for the collision, he is up against the 1 percent rule.

If our reader had been injured in a comparative negligence jurisdiction, the compensation he could win in a lawsuit would be based on factors such as whether the pedestrian was crossing in daylight, or, if it was dark at the time, whether he had a handheld light or reflective clothing, and whether the car was speeding or whether the pedestrian stepped out when the car was too close to be able to stop.

Donna Engle is a retired Westminster attorney. Her Legal Matters column, which provides legal information but not legal advice, appears on the second and fourth Sunday each month in Life & Times. Email her at denglelaw@gmail.com.

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Legal Matters: If an accident victim is even '1 percent' at fault, chances of winning a lawsuit drop to zero

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Maryland has a contributory negligence rule that applies to legal actions such as lawsuits against someone whose actions or failure to act may have contributed to another person's injuries. The rule is known as the 1 percent rule.

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What is whiplash? Whiplash is an acceleration of the neck and spine area. It's usually caused by a rear-end collision. It can occur through other means, but that's the primary example of how whiplash occurs. Often times, those can lead to very mild pain to very severe and debilitating pain.

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The Law Offices of Thomas E. Pyles, P.A.

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The Ultimate List of Driving Statistics for 2020

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The Ultimate List of Driving Statistics for 2020

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2019 Driving Statistics: The Ultimate List of Driving Stats

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Used vehicles to be registered in Maryland are required by Maryland law to undergo a vehicle safety inspection prior to sale or transfer.

How do I obtain a Maryland Inspection Certification for my vehicle?

To obtain an inspection certification, you must have your vehicle inspected at an authorized vehicle safety inspection station in Maryland. There are approximately 1,600 of these facilities throughout the state. Stations are authorized to inspect certain types of vehicles, some inspect multiple types, see below for the station class you need. Most vehicles on the road are class A vehicles.

Class A - Passenger vehicles, autocycles, limousines, multipurpose passenger vehicles, recreational motor homes and trucks 10,000 pounds and under GVWR, and trailers not equipped with air brakes.

Class B - Any trailer, including those equipped with air brakes.

Class C - Trucks, truck tractors, buses, recreational motor homes, converted buses, and limousines over 10,000 pounds GVWR.

Class M - Motorcycles, 3-wheeled motorcycles, and trailers that are not equipped with air brakes.

Class T - Any trailer not equipped with air brakes.

Class R - Recreational motor homes and converted buses.

To be sure, always inquire whether the station has the proper authorization to inspect your vehicle. To find an authorized vehicle safety inspection station near you use this link Inspection station lookup and click on Find an inspection station tab.and click on Find an inspection station tab.and click on Find an inspection station tab.and click on Find an inspection station tab.

It is best if you make an appointment for the safety inspection before you take the vehicle to be inspected. Ensure that the vehicle is properly registered, either in Maryland or in another state. If you are not able to register the vehicle because it has not yet received a safety inspection, you may qualify for a 30-day temporary registration that will enable you to legally drive the vehicle to the inspection station. It is the vehicle owner's responsibility to legally transport the vehicle to the inspection station.

The Inspector will enter the inspection information into the Maryland Safety Inspection System, which will electronically transfer the information to the MVA if the vehicle meets all Maryland safety standards. To improve customer service, the Automotive Safety Enforcement Division has implemented an electronic vehicle inspection receipt which is emailed to the customer.

If the customer has a temporary vehicle registration, the business day following a passed inspection, the customer can go online: eMVAstore to have the registration card and stickers, valid for two years, mailed to them, eliminating a trip to the MVA.

The Inspection Report will not automatically be emailed to the customer for passed inspections, but will be available for print if needed. All the required information for registration is on the inspection receipt. The Inspection Report will continue to be emailed to the customer for failed inspections which will indicate which vehicle components failed inspection.

Some stations will issue a paper inspection certification. These certifications must be physically taken to the MVA to obtain a vehicle registration.

To determine if a vehicle you are buying has a current vehicle safety inspection certification use this link Maryland inspection lookup and click on the Find an e-inspection tab, then enter the Vehicle Identification Number.

What happens if my vehicle fails the safety inspection?

If your vehicle fails to meet safety standards, the Maryland inspection certification cannot be issued. You must have the problem(s) identified on the inspection report repaired and then have the vehicle re-inspected by the same registered inspection mechanic at the same station. You have the option of fixing the problem yourself, having the inspection station fix the problem, or taking the vehicle to another facility for repairs.

If the vehicle is re-inspected within 30 days of the original inspection date and you have driven it less than 1,000 miles, the inspector will only need to inspect the defective equipment identified during the initial inspection. However, if a new defect is visually observed during the re-inspection, the newly discovered defect must also be repaired and re-inspected. See Maryland regulations for details. Note that the inspection station may charge you at a prorated fee for each re-inspection, unless the repair can be visually verified. If the re-inspection is not completed within 30 days or 1000 miles you will have to pay for a complete inspection. COMAR 11.14.01.10 A(3)

The fee for a vehicle safety inspection varies with the inspection station's labor rate. Maryland regulations regulate the number of labor hours billed by the station for an inspection, but they do not regulate the station's labor rate. The fee charged for a safety inspection must be prominently displayed in each station.

The fee for the re-inspection of a vehicle varies with the inspection station's labor rate and the specific parts or systems that need to be re-inspected. A re-inspection fee is not to be charged if the repair can be visually confirmed, such as an inoperable light. If the re-inspection requires jacking, lifting, measuring, or testing the vehicle, a prorated fee may be charged. Check the station's posted fee information for details.

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Used vehicles to be registered in Maryland are required by Maryland law to undergo a vehicle safety inspection prior to sale or transfer. How do I obtain a Maryland Inspection Certification for my vehicle? To obtain an inspection certification, you must have your vehicle inspected at an authorized vehicle safety inspection station in Maryland.

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ADAPT is an acronym for Aggressive Drivers Are Public T hreats. That may seem a bit extreme but aggressive driving and speeding contribute to one out of every three crashes. When you drive aggressively, your behavior is a danger to you and others. Aggressive driving crashes lead to property damage, injury, and even death.

Think about this: there are rules of the road. Many people follow those rules. They drive the speed limit, stay in their lane, obey stop signs and red lights, give enough space, and yield to other drivers. When this happens, we know how to act and what to expect, and that keeps everyone safer.

When you drive aggressively - things like speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, or running stop signs and red lights - other drivers don't know how to react. This puts you and others in situations where reaction times change. Split-second decisions mean the difference between being safe and getting injured or killed in a crash.

Why do people drive aggressively? Usually it's because they are late or because they're simply being impatient. When people are late, they try to compensate by changing their driving behavior to get "there" as fast as they can. Some also get quite angry with other drivers, which makes them drive even more recklessly. Road rage is never worth it.

ADAPT, Stay Calm, and Stay Safe

Drive safely and obey the speed limits. Leave a few minutes early and take some extra time to get to your destination. While you're driving, also pay attention to whether you're exhibiting any aggressive behaviors. The extra speed might get you there a couple minutes faster, but the more likely outcome is a crash or a ticket. Why take the risk? You're putting lives at stake, including your own.

ADAPT and take control. You'll keep yourself and others safe, and you'll no longer be a public threat.

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Aggressive Driving and Road Rage - Toward Zero Deaths Maryland

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ADAPT is an acronym for Aggressive Drivers Are Public T hreats. That may seem a bit extreme but aggressive driving and speeding contribute to one out of every three crashes. When you drive aggressively, your behavior is a danger to you and others. Aggressive driving crashes lead to property damage, injury, and even death.

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Understanding How Texting and Driving Kills

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Understanding How Texting and Driving Kills

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Texting while driving is so dangerous because it typically involves all three types of distractions:

It is a manual distraction because you have to manually manipulate your phone.

It is a cognitive distraction because you are paying attention to what is on your phone instead of driving.

It is a visual distraction because it requires you to take your eyes off the road.

As you can see, the combination of all three types of distraction can easily lead to a car accident. You cannot see approaching hazards, you aren't thinking about the task at hand, and you have reduced your reaction time by taking your hands off the wheel.

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Understanding How Texting and Driving Kills

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The dangers of texting and driving are well-publicized, and yet it remains a significant danger on our nation's highways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, (NHTSA) 2,841 people died in car accidents in 2018 involving distracted drivers.

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Texting or Using a Telephone While Driving

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Texting or Using a Telephone While Driving

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Reading, Writing, or Sending Text Messages

In Maryland, 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. A "text messaging device" means a hand-held device to send a text message or a electronic message via a short message service, wireless telephone service, or electronic communication network.

The prohibition does not apply to the use of a global positioning system or the use of a text messaging device to contact a 9-1-1 system.

Illegally texting while driving is a primary offense, meaning that a police officer can stop a driver and enforce the law even if the driver is not committing any other offense.

Read the law: Md Code, Transportation § 21-1124.1

Use of Handheld Telephones

The specific rules governing the use of wireless telephones while driving depend on various factors, including the age of the driver.

Drivers under the age of 18

Drivers under the age of 18 may not use a "wireless communication device" (a handheld or hands-free device used to access telephone service) while driving, except to contact 9-1-1. Doing so is a primary offense, meaning that a police officer can enforce this law even if the driver is not committing any other offense.Read the Law:

MD Code, Transportation § 21-1124

Adult drivers: General rule

When a vehicle is in motion, an adult driver may NOT use his/her hands to use a handheld telephone, other than to start or end a call, or to turn the telephone on or off.

Adult drivers: Emergency Use

Adult drivers may use handheld telephones for "emergency use," including calls to 9-1-1, a hospital, an ambulance, a fire department, a law enforcement agency, or a first aid squad.

Adult drivers: Other limitations

The following drivers may not use a handheld telephone at all, except for "emergency use":

The driver of a moving Class H (school) vehicle that is carrying passengers

The adult holder of a learner's permit or provisional driver's license

This law does not apply to certain law enforcement and emergency personnel, or to certain commercial operators using "push-to-talk" technology.

Illegal use of a handheld telephone is a primary offense, meaning that a police officer can enforce this law even if the driver is not committing any other offense.

Read the Law: MD Code, Transportation § 21-1124.2

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Texting or Using a Telephone While Driving

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In Maryland, 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. A "text messaging device" means a hand-held device to send a text message or a electronic message via a short message service, wireless telephone service, or electronic communication network.

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Car Accidents Can Cause Traumatic Brain Injuries

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Car Accidents Can Cause Traumatic Brain Injuries

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Car Accidents Can Cause Traumatic Brain Injuries | The Law Offices of Thomas E. Pyles, P.A.

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Hurt in a Bus Accident? Here’s What You Should Know

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Hurt in a Bus Accident? Here’s What You Should Know

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The Law Offices of Thomas E. Pyles, P.A.

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Hurt in a Bus Accident? Here's What You Should Know | The Law Offices of Thomas E. Pyles, P.A.

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Bus accidents are unique, but help is available. Laurel bus accident attorney Thomas E. Pyles explains what you need to know.

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Dealing With Car Accidents and Delayed Injuries

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Dealing With Car Accidents and Delayed Injuries

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The Law Offices of Thomas E. Pyles, P.A.

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Dealing With Car Accidents and Delayed Injuries | The Law Offices of Thomas E. Pyles, P.A.

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If you have been in a car accident, your injuries may not be immediately apparent. Leonardtown car accident lawyer Thomas E. Pyles explains what you need to know.

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Can You Be Arrested For Boating Under the Influence?

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Can You Be Arrested For Boating Under the Influence?

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As the summer temperatures increase, many people are turning to the water as a means to cool off. A few hours on a boat can indeed be fun and refreshing, but there is always a risk of injury. This is even doubly true if the driver of the boat is under the influence. What started as a fun day in the sun can turn deadly in an instant, and have lifelong consequences for all involved.

Types of Boating Accidents

There are many types of injuries that can occur from boating accidents even when alcohol is not involved. Falling overboard can cause impact from the injuries, and increases the risk of drowning if the person is knocked unconscious or doesn't know how to swim. Slip and fall accidents are common on wet decks. Swimmers in the water can be injured by the propeller or the boat running over them.

Adding alcohol to the mix not only increases the chances of an accident occurring, but also increases the chance that an accident will cause a fatality by 34%. Over half of all boating accidents involve alcohol or drugs. Impaired individuals are also more likely to capsize the boat or hit objects in the water. Not to mention being intoxicated makes water sports like water skiing more dangerous.

The Effects of Alcohol

According to the US Coast Guard, drinking while operating a boat is even more dangerous than while operating a car. Drinking alcohol affects one's physical and cognitive abilities, slowing reaction times and impairing judgment. It also affects vision and coordination, and can increase what is known as "boater's fatigue," a tiredness caused by the sun, wind, and motion of the boat.

What is a BUI?

Just as impaired automobile drivers can be cited for a DUI, a boater can also be cited for Boating Under the Influence (BUI). Law enforcement can pull over a boat like they can a car, and in some states, they don't even need to have probable cause or signs that the boat operator has been drinking. They can even set up BUI checkpoints, especially during busy summer holidays. In many ways, a BUI isn't significantly different than a DUI, and the consequences can be equally severe.

What Are the Penalties For a BUI?

BUI penalties and the maximum blood alcohol content (BAC) vary by state. The penalty for being caught boating under the influence will also depend on whether the behavior led to an accident or injuries. Some of the potential penalties are:

Large fines

Revocation or suspension of boating license

Jail or prison time

Financial responsibility for injuries caused

Criminal charges for a fatality

A BUI charge goes on your criminal record just as a DUI does. And in some cases, it can affect your driver's license as well as your boating license.

Avoiding BUIs

Boating while drinking alcohol can lead to serious consequences, and is best avoided altogether. If the boat operator is going to engage in moderate drinking, it should be done responsibly. This includes having plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, and waiting at least an hour after each drink before operating a boat. Remember that it is common to become tired more quickly while out on the water, so it is wise to keep your boating trip relatively short.

While many understand the dangers of drunk driving, many overlook the fact that a boat is still a potentially dangerous machine. Not only do you risk legal consequences, but you could seriously injure yourself or another. Making responsible choices can prevent a beautiful day on the water from turning into a disaster.

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Can You Be Arrested For Boating Under the Influence?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As the summer temperatures increase, many people are turning to the water as a means to cool off. A few hours on a boat can indeed be fun and refreshing, but there is always a risk of injury. This is even doubly true if the driver of the boat is under the influence.

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Maryland School Bus Laws and Safety Tips

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Maryland School Bus Laws and Safety Tips

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Maryland School Bus Laws and Safety Tips - Zero Deaths Maryland & Vision Zero - Maryland Highway Safety Office

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Maryland School Bus Laws and Safety Tips - Zero Deaths Maryland & Vision Zero - Maryland Highway Safety Office

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School Bus Accidents in Maryland: What Are Your Rights If Your Children are Injured and How to Keep Them Safe

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School Bus Accidents in Maryland: What Are Your Rights If Your Children are Injured and How to Keep Them Safe

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School Bus Accidents in Maryland: What Are Your Rights If Your Children are Injured and How to Keep Them Safe - The Law Offices of Thomas E. Pyles, P.A.

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If your child has been injured in a school bus accident, help is available. Speak to a knowledgeable Laurel school bus accident attorney today.

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What is the primary cause of motorcycle crashes?

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What is the primary cause of motorcycle crashes?

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What is the primary cause of motorcycle crashes? | Law Offices of Thomas E. Pyles

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Maryland Motorcycle Safety Laws - Zero Deaths Maryland & Vision Zero - Maryland Highway Safety Office

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Motorcycle operators are subject to all the same basic rules of the road as other drivers. Motorcyclists must follow all traffic signals, obey the speed limit, and adhere to the…

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Motorcycle Accidents and Contributory Negligence

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Motorcycle Accidents and Contributory Negligence

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The Law Offices of Thomas E. Pyles, P.A.

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Motorcycle Accidents and Contributory Negligence - Waldorf Injury Lawyer

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The Waldorf motorcycle accident lawyers from the Law Offices of Thomas E. Pyles explain how contributory negligence can affect your claim.

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How To Handle a Maryland Car Accident Injury

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How To Handle a Maryland Car Accident Injury

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How To Handle a Maryland Car Accident Injury

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Maryland is an at-fault state for car accidents, which means the person who caused the accident is responsible for paying for damages.

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What Out-of-State Drivers Need to Know About Maryland Accident Laws

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What Out-of-State Drivers Need to Know About Maryland Accident Laws

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Maryland Accident Laws: Out-of-State Drivers Need to Know

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Are you an out-of-state driver who got into an accident in Maryland? This article explains Maryland’s laws on contributory, and more.

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Minor accidents can be very common. Learn how you can avoid a fender bender such as monitoring your own driving approach.

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Fender Benders: Do You Need a Lawyer? - The Law Offices of Thomas E. Pyles, P.A.

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Our car accident attorney discusses why minor accidents cause serious injuries, lists injuries, and explains how an attorney can help.

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Maryland’s 6 New Traffic Laws Target Speeding, Vintage Plates & More

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Maryland’s 6 New Traffic Laws Target Speeding, Vintage Plates & More

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Driving through Maryland soon? Be aware of several new laws

Maryland has introduced a plethora of new traffic laws that took effect on October 1, increasing penalties in key areas for non-commercial and commercial drivers, helping residents display their disability status on their license, and introducing changes to the state's traffic camera enforcement. Additionally, Maryland altered how tow companies can inform drivers of a towed vehicle's location and brought back a specific vintage reproduction plate.

Maryland cracks down on reckless and aggressive driving with strengthened penalties

Driving 30 mph or more over the speed limit is now labeled reckless driving in Maryland, and penalties can include up to 60 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, and six license points. Negligent driving penalties have also been increased to a $750 maximum fine, two license points, and more consequences if a crash is involved, according to Herald-Mail Media.

The list of offenses for aggressive driving, which is classified as a minimum of three traffic violations during a single, continuous driving period, has been expanded in Maryland to include:

Driving on the left in a no-passing zone

Failing to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk

Overtaking and passing a car stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk

Overtaking and passing a school vehicle stopped with active alternating lights

Skidding or spinning wheels and excessive road noise

Diesel emissions discharged onto another vehicle

A motorcycle overtaking and passing another car in the same lane

Motorcycle line riding

Maryland increases offenses for impaired driving and leaving crash scenes

Regarding commercial drivers, Maryland's MVA must now suspend commercial driving privileges for at least one year if a party - either with a full commercial license or permit - is convicted of driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of at least 0.04 behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle or at least 0.08 while operating a non-commercial vehicle. Repeat violations can result in a lifetime ban, and penalties may increase if a driver is transporting hazardous materials.

The MVA also now revokes the license of any motorist who either drives impaired and causes a crash or leaves the scene of a collision that results in a fatality or life-threatening injury to another person. Those convicted can reapply for a license after five years, or two years if they meet strict criteria.

Maryland ups the ante on its speed camera laws

Previously, Maryland charged speed camera violators a flat fee of $40, but now, convicted drivers face a sliding scale ranging from $50 for traveling 12-15 mph over the limit to $425 for speeding by 40 mph or more.

Webster University adjunct professor William Hall said, "There have been lots of court decisions and many statutes relating to how, when, and where automated cameras can be used to catch traffic violators. The courts in some jurisdictions, like Missouri, have found automated citations to be unconstitutional. However, most courts, including courts in Maryland, that have addressed challenges to red light and speed cameras have found they did not violate the constitutional rights of drivers," Newsweek reports.

Vintage license plate enthusiasts receive positive news

While many of Maryland's new driving laws taking effect October 1 increase penalties, the state is also reintroducing the approval of 1910 vintage reproduction license plates for qualifying vehicles, which are available as vanity and handicap plates. Qualifying vehicles are Class A, E, L, M, and N - and the plate's appeal is rooted in a classic black-on-yellow design reflecting Maryland's early automotive history. The initial plate costs $100, with annual registration running $25.

Maryland drivers' licenses gain an optional hidden disability symbol

Marylanders can now reflect their hidden disability status by adding a butterfly symbol to their driver's license, moped permit, or ID card. The symbol aims to mitigate unnecessary stress and miscommunication that can occur between police and those with hidden disabilities during routine traffic stops.

Getting your vehicle towed is stressful, and not knowing where it went inevitably makes the situation worse. However, starting October 1, Maryland has granted towing companies and police the ability to inform drivers of their towed vehicle's status electronically via the MVA. Previously, towing companies had to notify drivers of their vehicle's location via mail within seven days, slowing the process.

Final thoughts

Maryland is the latest example of how many U.S. states are taking action to reduce the likelihood of reckless, negligent, and impaired driving. Additionally, federal road safety organizations, such as the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), are suggesting some of the exact changes Maryland is making. In August, the IIHS advocated that the U.S. follow Canada's lead by expanding the use of traffic enforcement cameras and increasing the stringency of laws related to BAC levels, distracted driving, and other issues. Despite differences between Canada and the U.S., the IIHS studied traffic fatalities in both countries from 2007 to 2021 and found that U.S. fatalities began increasing after 2011, while Canada maintained a declining trend.

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Maryland's 6 New Traffic Laws Target Speeding, Vintage Plates & More

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