New Texting Laws to Take Effect This Week

Maryland joins the states which have outlawed texting while driving, effective October 1st, 2009.  http://www.maryland-law.com/blog/226.cfm  To be technically accurate Maryland vehicle operators are forbidden to send or write text messages while operating a motor vehicle on a public roadway. There is an exception for 911 messages.

The maximum penalty is a $500.00 fine.
 
While the program or its equivalent has been said to be highly successful in Orange County, Califonia, civil libertarians question some aspects of the new law.

Specifically, drivers are still permitted to use their cellphones to see incoming texts and to play games. The obvious question of course is if the police pull a driver over for texting while driving, how will they prove it?

We will see but it could be a source of considerable controversy