In 2009, there have been many updates by Congress to existing laws that affect Americans. Some laws that have been updated in 2009 are: credit card laws, teen driver's laws, cell phone laws and DUI (driving under the influence) laws. Check your state's website or contact your state representative to find out how the updates to these laws affect you. Here are some updates to these laws for Maryland residents.
The updates to the Teen Driver Laws in the state of Maryland are:
1. The minimum age a teen can obtain a provisional driver's license or driver's license requires fingerprinting and a criminal history records (background check) check and authorizes a driver improvement program for young drivers.
2. A learner's permit can be issued to a teen who is 15 years and 9 months of age.
3. A provisional driver's license can be issued to a teen who 16 years and 6 months of age.
4. A driver's license can be issued to a teen who is 17 years and 9 months.
The updates to the DUI Laws in the state of Maryland as of October 1, 2009:
1. The Motor Vehicle Administration will suspend the driver's license of a person who has been convicted of drunk driving within a specified time period after a previous drunk driving conviction but does allow a restricted license upon request to a person who participates in the Administration's Ignition Interlock System Program. The program uses an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) that is installed on the driver's dashboard which tests for alcohol on a driver's breath. The driver has to blow into a small handheld alcohol sensor. The driver's car will not start if the breath alcohol level is above a certain level usually .02 to .04.
2. Any person who is convicted of a DUI violation is subject to a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than 2 months or both.
Congress is changing the way you drive. The updates to the cell phone laws in the state of Maryland are:
1. An individual cannot write or send a text message while operating a motor vehicle or in the travel portion of the roadway. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor of the new text messaging law you will receive a fine of up to $500. However, the new law does not apply to emergency situations for texting 911 or global positioning systems (GPS).
2. The cell phone laws also prohibits drivers including those with a driver's license or provisional drivers license under the age of 18 from using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. This also includes usage of hands free devices.
3. The law can only be enforced as a secondary offense and a driver must be pulled over for another primary violation such as speeding or running a red light to be ticketed for the cell phone violation.
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