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Maryland Phone Use While Driving Laws (2026)

Restricted: Maryland bans handheld use for all drivers while in motion — hands-free only.

RestrictedVerified Jun 18, 2026

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Maryland bans handheld use for all drivers while in motion — hands-free only. Under Md. Transp. 21-1124.2 you may not use your hands to use a handheld phone, except to start or end a call.

Official source: mgaleg.maryland.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Phone Use While Driving in states bordering Maryland

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

DelawareRestricted
Delaware bans handheld electronic device use for all drivers and requires hands-free use instead. See 21 Del. C. 4176C.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: delcode.delaware.gov · Full Delaware rule →
District of ColumbiaRestricted
The District of Columbia requires hands-free driving: you can't use or hold a mobile phone or other wireless device while driving unless you have a hands-free accessory (DC Code 50-1731.04).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: code.dccouncil.gov · Full District of Columbia rule →
PennsylvaniaRestricted
Under Paul Miller's Law, Pennsylvania bans handheld use of any interactive mobile device for all drivers and requires hands-free use instead. The law took effect June 5, 2025 with warnings only in its first year, and $50 fines began June 5, 2026 (75 Pa.C.S. 3316.1).
Verified Jul 13, 2026 · Source: pa.gov · Full Pennsylvania rule →
VirginiaRestricted
Virginia requires hands-free driving: it is unlawful to hold a handheld personal communications device while driving. The rule has been in place since 2021 (Va. Code 46.2-818.2).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →
West VirginiaRestricted
West Virginia requires all drivers to go hands-free: you may not physically hold or support a device, and you may not make handheld calls (WV Code 17C-14-15).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: code.wvlegislature.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

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