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Pass on the Left.
It's legal in Maryland to pass on the left or right
on multi-laned highways. Whenever possible, passing on
the left is preferable.
Merge With Caution.
Always check for an opening early whenever you are
merging onto a roadway. Do a head check first, to find a
spot? Keep checking the traffic in front of you to make
sure it is not slowing or stopping. Check your spot
again, and merge into the traffic. The "yield" sign means
exactly that, you must yield the right of way to the
through traffic and stop if necessary. The through
traffic is not required to yield to any entering traffic.
Courtesy and responsibility is expected of all who use
Maryland's roadways.
Do Not Drive Aggressively.
Maryland law is tough on aggressive drivers, with
tickets, tough fines and points, particularly for
speeding, running red lights and stop signs, tailgating,
and unsafe lane changes. Regular police stings on roads
are coordinated with the District of Columbia and
Virginia.
Drivers can receive a five-point penalty on their driving
record if convicted of aggressive driving. Maryland is
also tough on drunk drivers. If a driver is pulled over
and has a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher,
he or she will be arrested for drunk driving. The .08
level can translate into just a drink or two depending on
one's height and weight. Refusing a breath test is
admissible as evidence in Maryland courts, too.
Yield the Right-of-Way to Bicyclists.
Bicycles are treated as vehicles in Maryland. Motorists
must yield the right-of-way to bicyclists. Do not attempt
to share the lane with bicyclists. If you are unable to
safely pass them, reduce your speed, and follow the
bicycle at a safe distance. Wait for a safe opportunity
to pass, allowing adequate clearance, about three feet
from the side of your vehicle, and return to your lane
when you can clearly see the bicyclist in your rear view
mirror.
A
bicycle is not restricted to the right side of the road.
Share the road and do not use your horn. The bicyclist
can usually hear an approaching vehicle and loud noises
can startle the bicyclist and may cause an accident.
Maintain Current Auto Insurance.
Maryland law penalizes uninsured motorists $150 for the
first month of driving without insurance and $7 each day
thereafter. To ensure insurance coverage, motorists
should never cancel insurance on any sold or disposed of
vehicle until after the license plates have been returned
to the MVA. The MVA will give the motorist a receipt when
the license plates are returned. It is the motorist's
best proof the law of Maryland has been followed.
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