1. What legislative measures have been taken to improve teen driver safety in Maryland?

In Maryland, lawmakers have passed a number of legislative measures to improve teen driver safety. These measures include:

• Graduated Driver Licensing Law, which requires teens to complete a period of supervised driving before receiving their license. This includes a learner’s permit phase, an intermediate phase, and a full licensing phase.

• A nighttime driving restriction, which prohibits teens from driving between the hours of 12:00am and 5:00am.

• A passenger restriction, which limits the number of passengers under the age of 18 that a teen driver can have in the car at any one time.

• A cell phone ban, which prohibits teens from using their cell phones while driving.

• A texting ban, which prohibits teens from texting while driving.

• A zero tolerance for drug and alcohol use, which makes it illegal for teens to drive with any amount of alcohol or drugs in their system.

2. How does Maryland measure up against other states in terms of teen driver safety?

Maryland ranks in the top 25 in teen driver safety compared to other states. The state has a number of laws that are designed to protect young drivers, including graduated licensing requirements, restrictions on nighttime driving, and a ban on cell phone use for all drivers under the age of 18. Additionally, teens must pass both a written and driving test in order to obtain a license. Maryland also requires that all passengers under the age of 18 wear a seat belt at all times while in the car. These laws help make Maryland one of the safer states for teen drivers.

3. What are the most common causes of teen driver fatalities in Maryland?

The most common causes of teen driver fatalities in Maryland are inexperience, speeding, and alcohol/drug use. Other common factors include distracted driving, failing to wear a seat belt, and nighttime driving.

4. What proactive steps can parents in Maryland take to ensure their teens are safe drivers?

Parents in Maryland can take the following steps to ensure their teens are safe drivers:

1.Enforce graduated licensing laws. Maryland has graduated licensing laws which limit the number of passengers, nighttime driving, and cellphone use for new drivers. Parents should ensure that their teens understand and abide by these restrictions.

2. Attend driver’s education classes. Driver’s education classes can provide teens with essential safety information that can help keep them safe behind the wheel.

3. Monitor driving habits. Parents should periodically review their teen’s driving records to check for any violations or unsafe practices.

4. Discuss dangers of distracted driving. Teens should be briefed on the potential dangers associated with distracted driving, such as texting and talking on the phone while behind the wheel, so that they understand the importance of keeping their focus on the road.

5. Set a good example. Teens tend to imitate their parents’ behaviors, so it is important for parents to set a good example with their own driving habits.

5. Does Maryland have any teen driver education programs in place?

Yes, Maryland offers several driver education programs for teens, including the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration’s Driver Education Program, which offers classroom-based instruction and online courses, as well as the Maryland Safety Council’s Teen Driver Education Program, which provides classroom instruction and an online course.

6. Are there any laws in Maryland that require teens to complete driver education courses?

Yes, Maryland requires all new drivers under the age of 18 to complete a driver education course prior to applying for a provisional license. This includes a 30-hour classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training.

7. What are the primary laws governing teen driving in Maryland?

The primary laws governing teen driving in Maryland are:

1. Teens must have a valid learner’s permit for at least six months before they can apply for a full driver’s license.

2. Teens must complete a Maryland approved driver’s education program prior to applying for a full driver’s license.

3. Teens must complete at least 40 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours of night time driving, before they can apply for a full driver’s license.

4. Teens must adhere to the restrictions of the provisional driver’s license. This includes not carrying more passengers than the permit allows and not driving between certain hours.

5. Teens must pass a vision and road test before they can be issued a full driver’s license.

8. What are the current penalties for teen drivers who violate driving laws in Maryland?

In Maryland, teen drivers who violate the law can be subject to a variety of penalties. These penalties depend on the severity of the offense and could include: fines, points on their driving record, license suspension or revocation, or community service.

9. Does Maryland have any restrictions on when and where teenage drivers may operate a vehicle?

Yes, in Maryland, teenage drivers must observe certain restrictions when operating a vehicle. These include:

• A passenger limit of no more than one person under the age of 18 (unless the passenger is an immediate family member or a licensed driver 21 or older).

• A night driving curfew between the hours of 12 am and 5 am (unless the driver is accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older).

• No cell phone use while driving.

• No driving in any part of Maryland interstate highways.

10. What are the consequences for teens who violate distracted driving laws in Maryland?

In Maryland, the consequences for teens who violate distracted driving laws vary depending on their age and the offense. Drivers under the age of 18 may have their license suspended for the first offense, and be fined up to $500. For subsequent offenses, they may be fined up to $500 and/or be sentenced to up to 90 days in jail. Drivers over the age of 18 may be fined up to $500 for their first offense and up to $1000 for any subsequent offenses.

11. Does Maryland require a minimum number of supervised driving hours for teen drivers?

Yes. Maryland requires teens to complete at least 60 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours of nighttime driving, before they can apply for a provisional license.

12. Are there any restrictions on the number of passengers that teens can carry while driving in Maryland?

Yes. In Maryland, anyone under the age of 18 is not permitted to transport more than one passenger under the age of 18, unless those passengers are family members or part of a carpool. There is an exception for new drivers who are participating in the Maryland Graduated Licensing Program, who are allowed to carry three passengers in addition to family members.

13. What is the minimum age for teens to get a learner’s permit in Maryland?

In Maryland, a teen must be at least 15 years and 9 months of age in order to obtain a learner’s permit.

14. Are there any laws in Maryland that require teens to wear seat belts while driving?

Yes, Maryland law requires that all drivers and passengers, regardless of age, wear a safety belt or use a child car seat system.

15. Does Maryland have any nighttime restrictions for teenage drivers?

Yes, Maryland does have nighttime restrictions for teenage drivers. Between the hours of 12:00 a.m. (midnight) and 5:00 a.m., teen drivers with a learner’s permit or provisional license may not drive without an adult who is at least 21 years of age in the vehicle or a licensed driver who is at least 18 years of age and has at least one year of driving experience.

16. Does Maryland allow teens to use cell phones or other electronic devices while driving?

No. Maryland prohibits all drivers, including teens, from using a handheld communications device while driving, which includes texting and talking on a cell phone. This applies to all drivers regardless of age.

17. How can parents and guardians help their teens become better drivers in Maryland?

Parents and guardians can help their teens become better drivers in Maryland by having conversations about driving safety, setting a good example by following traffic laws and driving safely, encouraging their teens to practice driving with a certified driving instructor, and monitoring their teen’s driving habits. Parents should also discuss the Maryland Graduated License Program and its restrictions with their teen and help them understand the consequences of not following the rules. Finally, parents should ensure that their teen obtains proper driver’s education and completes the necessary paperwork to receive a license.

18. Is there any available data on teen driver fatalities in Maryland over the past 5 years?

Yes, the Maryland Department of Transportation provides statistics on teen driver fatalities from 2011-2018. The data is available on their website here:
https://data.maryland.gov/Public-Safety/Teen-Driver-Fatalities-2011-2018/tv4n-gx4v

19. Are there any state-funded incentives available to encourage responsible teen driving in Maryland?

Yes, there are state-funded incentives available to encourage responsible teen driving in Maryland. The Maryland State Highway Administration’s Safe Teen and Novice Driver Education Program provides funds for educational programs designed to help teens become safe and responsible drivers. The program provides funding for classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, as well as hands-on driving simulations and activities. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration also offers a Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP) to reward young drivers for good driving habits. The program rewards young drivers with discounts on their auto insurance premiums if they meet certain requirements, including completing an approved driver education or safety course.

20. Does Maryland have any programs that provide discounts on auto insurance for teen drivers?

Yes, Maryland has a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program that provides discounts on auto insurance for teen drivers. The program consists of stages that teens must progress through in order to become fully licensed drivers. During each stage, teens may be eligible for discounts on their car insurance. Additionally, some insurers offer discounts for taking driver education courses or completing other safety-related activities.