Md. Assembly may ban hand-held cell phone use while driving; House vote expected Friday

Md. may ban hand-held phone use while driving

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland House of Delegates is expected to vote on a measure that would require drivers to use handsfree devices to talk on cell phones while behind the wheel.

The House voted Thursday to give initial approval to a bill that already has been passed by the Senate. A vote is set for Friday.

Drivers could only use their hands to turn a phone on and off. They wouldn’t be allowed to hold a cell phone during the conversation.

Drivers could be fined $40 for first violations, under the bill, but could only be pulled over if they are committing another offense as well, such as running a stop light.