Driving in Maryland 2026 — Speed Cameras Everywhere & Strict Phone Law

Driving in Maryland

Driving in Maryland (MD) means navigating humid summers and moderate winters with occasional snow. The state capital is Annapolis, and the road network ranges from busy urban freeways to remote rural two-lanes. Handheld phone use behind the wheel is banned.

Speed Limits in Maryland

Rural interstates posted at 65-70 mph. Urban interstates around Baltimore and DC area posted at 55 mph.

Speeding fines in Maryland escalate quickly. School zones and construction zones carry extra penalties, and some areas use automated speed enforcement.

Traffic Laws in Maryland

Cell Phone Law: Hands-free required for all drivers. Handheld use prohibited while driving. Fines for violations in Maryland can be substantial, and points may be added to your licence.

Seatbelt Law: Primary enforcement for all occupants. Buckle up every trip in Maryland — no exceptions.

Right Turn on Red: Legal in Maryland after stopping fully. Check for “No Turn on Red” signs at individual intersections.

Move-Over Law: When you see emergency vehicles stopped with flashing lights in Maryland, move over one lane or slow down significantly.

Headlights: Required from sunset to sunrise and when windshield wipers are in use due to weather.

Child Restraints: Children under 8 must be in an appropriate child restraint system unless they are 4 feet 9 inches or taller. Children 8-15 must use a seatbelt.

DUI Laws in Maryland

The legal BAC limit in Maryland is 0.08% for drivers 21 and over. For drivers under 21, the limit is 0.02%. Commercial vehicle drivers face a nationwide 0.04% limit.

First-time DUI penalties in Maryland include fines, potential jail time, mandatory alcohol education, and licence suspension. Repeat offenders face escalating consequences including ignition interlock devices and extended licence revocation.

Tyre Requirements in Maryland

Maryland does not mandate winter tyres, but appropriate tyres for the conditions are always your responsibility. Chains are permitted when road conditions warrant.

Studded Tyres: Allowed November 1 through March 31.

Minimum Tread: The legal floor in Maryland is 2/32" (0.0625 inches). You can check with a US penny: insert it head-down into the tread groove. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread is worn past the safe minimum.

For Maryland’s winters, tyres rated M+S or bearing the 3PMSF snowflake symbol provide measurably better cold-weather grip than summer tyres.

Insurance and Equipment in Maryland

Liability insurance is mandatory in Maryland. Carry proof of insurance at all times — driving without it in Maryland can result in fines, licence suspension, and vehicle impoundment.

Required vehicle equipment in Maryland: functioning headlights, brake lights, turn signals, at least one rearview mirror, a horn, windshield wipers, and valid registration plates. Check Maryland’s specific window tint limits before adding aftermarket tint.

Licence Requirements for Visitors to Maryland

Visitors from other US states can drive in Maryland with their valid home state licence. International visitors should carry both their home licence and an International Driving Permit (IDP) obtained before travelling. The IDP is a translation, not a replacement — carry both documents.

If you relocate to Maryland, you will need to obtain a Maryland driver’s licence within the state’s residency grace period. This typically involves a vision test, written knowledge test, and sometimes a road test.

Toll Roads in Maryland

Toll facilities in Maryland increasingly use cashless electronic tolling. Rental cars may come with a transponder option, but the daily fee adds up quickly. Consider getting your own transponder if driving extensively in Maryland.

Seasonal Driving in Maryland

Driving conditions in Maryland are shaped by humid summers and moderate winters with occasional snow.

Seasonal preparation for Maryland:

• Winter: carry an ice scraper, snow brush, jumper cables, and a bag of sand or cat litter for traction. Keep an emergency blanket and extra warm layers in the vehicle
• Summer: check tyre pressure and coolant levels before long drives
• Year-round: keep an emergency kit with water, torch, phone charger, first aid, and snacks
• Check Maryland’s DOT website for real-time road conditions and travel advisories

Renting a Car in Maryland

The minimum rental age in Maryland is typically 21, though drivers under 25 pay a surcharge. Some agencies rent to 18-20 year olds with an additional fee. International visitors should confirm that their licence and IDP are accepted by the agency.

Inspect the rental car thoroughly before driving away. Document scratches and dents with photos. Familiarise yourself with the controls — headlights, wipers, hazard lights — before you leave the lot. Confirm the fuel type (most US rental cars use regular unleaded gasoline).

Check whether your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental cars in Maryland. International visitors without US coverage should purchase the agency’s liability and collision options.

Emergency Contacts in Maryland

Dial 911 for any emergency in Maryland — police, fire, or medical. For non-emergency roadside assistance, contact the Maryland State Police.

After a crash in Maryland: stop, call 911 for injuries, move out of traffic if possible, exchange information with the other driver, take photos, and file a police report if required. Never admit liability at the scene.

For breakdowns in Maryland: move to the shoulder, turn on hazards, and call roadside assistance or 911. On high-speed roads, staying inside the vehicle is safer than standing outside it.

Driving Tips for Maryland

Tips to keep you safe on Maryland’s roads:

• Obey posted signs. Speed limits, stop signs, and no-passing zones are enforced across Maryland. Some areas use automated enforcement.
• Yield to pedestrians. Maryland law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Give cyclists at least three feet of clearance.
• Signal your intentions. Use turn signals well before turning or changing lanes in Maryland.
• Stay alert. Long drives across Maryland can be tiring. Stop every two hours or 100 miles to rest.
• Wildlife hazard: deer in suburban areas and on rural routes.
• School zones. Slow down in Maryland school zones during school hours. Passing a stopped school bus with flashing lights is a serious offence in every US state.