The laws on text messaging while driving are getting even tougher in Maryland.

Continue reading

Starting Saturday, it is now illegal for the driver of a vehicle to engage in any sort of text messaging while behind the wheel.

This includes checking and reading text messages while at a stop light or while the vehicle is stopped for any reason.

The texting ban will also become a primary offense, meaning an officer can pull you over solely if you're caught text messaging and driving. Previously, the law was classified as a secondary offense; under that guideline, a police officer had to cite you for another offense, such as speeding, before enforcing the texting ban.

Two other new regulations - one imposing stricter penalties for convicted drunk drivers and another allowing police to install security cameras in school buses - are also taking effect.