Maryland Traffic Law



Information on Maryland traffic law and Maryland driving law...

Driving a motor vehicle in Maryland is a privilege and not a "right". Your driver’s license grants you the privilege to operate a motor vehicle on the roadways of Maryland safely and responsibly.

Obeying Traffic Laws

You must obey every Maryland traffic law. You have a responsibility to obey road signs, traffic signals, lane markings, the orders of police officers, and in emergency situations, the direction of firefighters.

General Laws

You must know the general laws:

  • You commit a misdemeanor when you disregard any traffic law or fail to do something required by the law.
  • You must obey the instructions of a police officer even though they may be contrary to laws, signs, signals, and markings. Such instructions are necessary occasionally to keep traffic moving safely.
  • You must not try to evade a traffic signal or road sign by leaving the road and traveling across private property.

Aggressive Driving

Under Maryland traffic law, a person is guilty of aggressive driving if he or she commits 3 or more of the following offenses at the same time or during a single and continuous period of driving:

  • Traffic lights with steady indication
  • Overtaking and passing vehicles
  • Passing on right
  • Driving on laned roadways
  • Following too closely
  • Failure to yield right-of-way
  • Exceeding maximum speed limit


Reckless Driving

In accordance with Maryland traffic law, a person is guilty of reckless driving if he drives a motor vehicle:

  • in wanton or willful disregard for the safety of people or property; or
  • in a manner that indicates a wanton or willful disregard for the safety of people or property.

Negligent Driving

A person is guilty of negligent driving if he or she drives a motor vehicle in a careless or imprudent manner that endangers any property or the life of any individual.

Drag Races

Maryland driving law states that you must not engage in any vehicle race, speed exhibition, or speed contest including those commonly known as drag races on any public street, road, or highway.

Crashes

In accordance with the Motor Vehicle Law and Maryland traffic law, there are certain duties to be performed when you are involved in a crash. The main duties of any driver involved in a crash are to:

  • Stop: Stop as close to the scene as possible and remain until you have aided any injured person and identified yourself. If possible, move your car away from the line of traffic.
  • Aid any injured person: You must render assistance to any person injured in the crash. Depending upon the extent of the injury, assistance in most instances is accomplished by calling for an ambulance. Normally, you should not attempt to move a person who is unconscious or seriously hurt.
  • Identify yourself: Drivers involved in crashes must give their name, address and the registration number of the vehicle they are driving. Upon request, show your Driver’s License to other person(s) involved in the crash. If no one is in condition to receive the information and no police officer is present, you must, as soon as possible, report this information to the nearest police department.
  • Provide insurance information: You must give the name and address of your insurance company, the name and address of the local agent or local office, and your policy number or other identifying number.
  • Leave written notice: If an unattended vehicle or other property is damaged, an attempt must be made to locate the owner. If the owner cannot be located, a written notice giving the identifying information listed above must be left in or on the damaged vehicle or property in a conspicuous and secure place.
  • Make required report: If any person is injured or killed, a written report must be filed with the Motor Vehicle Administration within 15 days unless the police investigate the crash. A crash report is not required to be filed when there is only property damage.
  • Any motor vehicle crash in which you are involved should be reported to your insurance company.

Duty of a Motorist Striking a Domestic Animal with a Motor Vehicle

If you should strike and injure a domestic animal with a motor vehicle, Maryland traffic law requires you to immediately notify the police department having jurisdiction in the area where the crash occurred. The police will contact the proper agency to obtain medical care for the animal.

For more information on Maryland traffic law, please visit the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.

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