Drivers are reminded that text messaging while driving is against the law in the neighboring state of Virginia effective July 1 and that the law banning texting while driving takes effect in Maryland on October 1.

“While the law does not take effect in Maryland until October, I urge all citizens to stop texting while driving now,” said Commissioner President Francis Jack Russell.

Texting is a proven distraction for drivers and is most common among younger motorists. Texting is an increasingly popular but dangerous practice of shooting off short messages from cellphones and other electronic devices while behind the wheel. A study last year by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that about half of drivers ages 18 to 24 said they texted behind the wheel at least occasionally.

The Maryland law makes the activity a misdemeanor crime of driving while using a text messaging device to write or send a text while operating a motor vehicle in the travel portion of the roadway.  A civil penalty will be imposed and a fine of not more than $500 can be enforced if convicted.

“Driving is a full time job; it requires full time attention,” said AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesman Lon Anderson. “Any activity that requires you to take your eyes off the road and type is not compatible with safe driving. No time is the right time to text and drive.”

For more information, contact your local Community Traffic Safety Program Coordinator Ms. Jacqueline Beckman at (301) 475-4200 ext. 1850 or email jbeckman@stmarysmd.com