Seat belts and texting laws in Maryland

Yesterday, 1 October, there were new laws brought in in Maryland. If you’re gabbing on your cell phone while driving, you’ll either have to hang up or face the possibility of a ticket once you cross the border into Maryland.

In Virginia, only Intermediate license holders — teen drivers — are banned from using cell phones while driving. Why only them? Why not everyone? Je ne comprends pas.

The cell phone change is the biggest of Maryland’s driving laws. Drivers caught driving while using a hand-held mobile phone can be fined $75 for a first-time offense, up from $40 under current law, but more if you get caught again.

Text no more!

Another law taking effect will require all passengers to wear seat belts while traveling in the backseat of any vehicle. The new law is a secondary offense and carries a $50 fine. Also, drivers will no longer be allowed to have more passengers than seat belts in a car.

I’m going to be honest here – why so late for these laws? Really, I would have thought that these were pretty basic safety laws.

Yes, I’m guilty of the phone thing – not texting, but I’m pretty sure writing a response to you blog post counts….

Anyway, it interested me because the rear seat belt law came into effect in the UK in 1991. That’s 22 years ago….. And the texting law in the UK? 2007, apparently.

Yet again, I can’t get my head round different state laws in the USA. Confused, I am.

Furlough

Furlough – this is a new word in my dictionary. With all the government shenanigans, furloughing took on a whole world of its own last night as furloughed government employees took advantage of the situation to fend of the glumness.

In the United States, involuntary furloughs concerning federal government employees may be of a sudden and immediate nature – as we currently know.

With the federal government shut down, local bars are trying to make sure unpaid workers don’t go hungry and thirsty.

Specials for Furloughs!

These were some of the things on offer for the unhappy furloughed….

Art and Soul: Art and Soul will extend happy hour for an hour – meaning it ends at 8 p.m. instead of 7 – for anyone with a government ID during the shutdown. Deals include $4 regional draft beers, $5 small plates and $7 cocktails and wine by the glass. The bar will also pick up the tab for your second drink.

Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken: Federal or District government workers with a sweet tooth can get a free doughnut with any doughnut or chicken purchase if they show their employee ID.

Mockingbird Hill: Through Thursday, all government employees receive one free glass of sherry when they show a federal ID.

And my favourite…

The Daily Dish: Any government employee can grab a free cup of coffee at the Daily Dish during the shutdown – just show ID. Members of Congress pay double for theirs.

😉