Maryland Driving Laws 2026: Speed Limits, DUI BAC Limits and MVA Road Rules for the Written Test

What is the default speed limit in Maryland when no sign is posted in a residential area? Maryland sets 30 mph on undivided highways in residential districts and 35 mph on divided highways in residential districts; limits above 55 mph may be established only on interstates or expressways and may not exceed 70 mph. The MVA knowledge test is 25 questions. Maryland treats a BAC of 0.08% or more as DUI per se; a BAC of at least 0.07% but below 0.08% is prima facie evidence of DWI. Headlights are required whenever persons and vehicles are not clearly discernible 1,000 feet ahead, including when windshield wipers are continuously used because of inclement weather. Drivers of moving vehicles generally may not use their hands to operate a handheld phone except to initiate or terminate a call or turn the phone on or off; drivers under 18 face a stricter wireless-device ban.

1. Speed Limits & Fatal Crash Data

Maryland relies almost entirely on posted signs to communicate speed limits, the MVA handbook emphasizes that the posted limit is the maximum under ideal conditions, and Maryland law requires driving at a reasonable speed accounting for actual hazards. The handbook also includes a specific fatality comparison by speed:

Key test point: Marylands handbook includes NHTSA fatality statistics by speed: crashes on roads with speed limits of 65+ mph are more than twice as likely to cause death as crashes on roads with 45-50 mph limits, and nearly five times as likely as crashes on roads with limits of 40 mph or lower. Maryland law also requires driving at a reasonable and prudent speed for actual conditions. In a posted highway work zone, the State or local authority may reduce the speed limit when necessary for safety; the reduced limit is effective when posted.

2. Right-of-Way: Who Goes First

Marylands MVA knowledge test emphasizes right-of-way for vulnerable road users, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. In Maryland, bicycles are legally considered vehicles on public roads, which means cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Right-of-way is always yielded, never seized. Maryland funeral processions also have a special right-of-way rule: if the first vehicle entered an intersection before the signal changed from green to red, the procession may continue through the red while using headlights and flashing warning lamps, and other traffic must yield as required by law.

4-way stop (all arrive at once)

Driver to the right

4-way stop (one arrives first)

Driver who arrived first

Roundabout / traffic circle

Vehicles already inside the circle

Emergency vehicles (lights/siren)

Emergency vehicle, pull to the right and stop

Pedestrians in crosswalk

Pedestrians always

T-intersection (no signs)

Through road traffic; drivers on the dead-end must yield

Yield sign

Cross traffic and pedestrians always

Merging onto a highway

Traffic already on the highway

3. Turns: Signal Before You Arrive

Maryland law requires a turn signal continuously during at least the last 100 feet before a turn. The handbook also instructs drivers to signal before reaching the turning point. Right turns on red are permitted after a full stop unless prohibited:

Right turn on red

Permitted after a full stop unless a sign prohibits it. Yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.

No right turn on red

When posted, you must wait for a green light before turning right.

Left turn on red

Only allowed from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a full stop.

Left turn from two-way street

Start from the left lane; end in the left lane of the cross street.

Right turn

Stay as close to the right curb as possible; end in the right lane.

U-turns

Legal where not prohibited by a sign; must not interfere with traffic. Illegal in Maryland in many situations, Marylands handbook notes U-turns are not legal everywhere and can be extremely dangerous. Always check if U-turns are allowed before attempting one; turn on your left signal and yield before executing.

4. Lane Rules & Line Markings

Marylands divided highways, I-95, I-270, US-50 to the Eastern Shore, have specific rules about where you must drive. Where "Stay Right" signs are posted, Maryland law requires driving in the right lane unless passing. Heres the full breakdown of lane markings tested on the MVA exam:

Center turn lane (CTSL)

Used only to prepare for or make a left turn into or from the roadway, or a permitted U-turn; not for through travel or merging. Use the lane only the shortest distance practicable before or after the turn.

Solid white line

Do not cross; marks the edge of the road or a lane that should not be changed.

Solid yellow line (your side)

No passing allowed.

Broken yellow line

Passing allowed when safe.

Solid + Broken yellow centerline

Passing allowed only on the broken-line side.

5. Passing Rules

Marylands handbook gives a specific cue when passing a large truck or bus: move back into the lane only when you can see both headlights of the truck or bus in your rearview mirror. Maryland law separately requires a driver using the oncoming lane to return to the proper lane before coming within 200 feet of approaching traffic. Heres the full set of Maryland passing rules:

• Only pass on the left, using the oncoming lane, when it is safe and legal.
• Do not pass using the left side of the roadway within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad crossing, or where a crest, curve, bridge, viaduct, or tunnel blocks the required view. Look for the No Passing Zone pennant sign.
• The vehicle being passed must not speed up while you are overtaking.
• When overtaking a bicycle, EPAMD, or motor scooter, Maryland generally requires at least 3 feet of passing clearance.
• When passing a large truck or bus, move back only after you can see both headlights of the truck or bus in your rearview mirror.
• Never pass a stopped school bus with flashing red lights, this applies in both directions on undivided roads.
• You may pass on the right when the vehicle ahead is turning left, on an unobstructed roadway wide enough for two or more lawful same-direction lines of traffic, or on a one-way roadway wide enough for two or more lines of moving vehicles, but only when it is safe. A paved shoulder may be used to pass a vehicle turning left if you do not leave the paved surface.

6. Following Distance: 3 to 4 Seconds

Marylands MVA recommends a minimum of 3 to 4 seconds following distance under ideal conditions, slightly more generous than the single 3-second rule. Most rear-end crashes in Maryland are caused by following too closely. On the Capital Beltway and I-95 during peak hours, maintaining that gap takes active discipline.

7. School Buses & Emergency Vehicles

Maryland law sets the school bus stop distances at 20 feet from the back and 20 feet from the front of a stopped school vehicle displaying flashing red lights.

School Buses

• When a school bus stops with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, all traffic in both directions must stop on undivided roads.
• On roads with a true median or physical barrier, only traffic behind the bus must stop, oncoming traffic may proceed.
• A center turn lane does not count as a divider. On 4+ lane roads without a raised median or barrier, all directions must stop.
• You must remain stopped until the school vehicle resumes motion or the flashing red lights are deactivated.
• Maryland requires stopping at least 20 feet from the back and at least 20 feet from the front of a stopped school bus with flashing red lights. A conviction for failing to stop is subject to a fine of up to $1,000 and is assessed 3 points.
• Railroad crossings: A school vehicle carrying any passenger must stop within 15 to 50 feet of the nearest rail and check for trains before proceeding.

Emergency Vehicles

• When you see or hear an emergency vehicle (police, fire, ambulance) with lights or siren: pull to the right edge of the road and stop. Do not block intersections.
• Move Over Law (Maryland): When approaching from the rear a stopped vehicle covered by Maryland law—including emergency, service, tow, certain roadside-assistance and waste/recycling vehicles using authorized warning lights, or any stopped vehicle displaying hazard lights, flares, cones, or other caution signals—move to a nonadjacent lane when practicable and safe. If you cannot change lanes, slow to a reasonable and prudent speed for conditions.

8. DUI and DWI Laws

Maryland sets higher statutory penalties when an impaired-driving offense occurs while transporting a minor. Drivers under 21 are subject to Maryland alcohol-restriction rules, and a BAC of 0.02% or more is prima facie evidence of violating an alcohol restriction. Separate MVA administrative action can also follow a failed or refused alcohol test before a court case is resolved.

9. Seat Belts & Child Seats

Maryland requires the driver and each occupant under age 16 to be restrained, and passengers age 16 or older must also use a seat belt in the front outboard seat and rear seats. The child safety seat rule uses a specific threshold: under age 8 must use a child safety seat unless the child is 4 feet 9 inches or taller. A child under age 2 must remain rear-facing until reaching the child-seat manufacturer's rear-facing height or weight limit.

10. Where You Cannot Park

Marylands parking law prohibits parking on a curve or hill where solid lines on the roadway indicate a no-passing zone, along with specific distance restrictions near hydrants, crosswalks, traffic controls, and railroad crossings. Always park in designated areas, set your brake, and check for traffic before opening your door:

• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
• Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, except that this statewide restriction does not apply in Baltimore City
• Within 30 feet of a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal
• Within 50 feet of a railroad crossing
• On a sidewalk, in front of a driveway, or on a bridge
• In a no-parking zone or alongside a curb painted yellow or red
• Double parking (alongside a vehicle already parked at the curb)
• Headed downhill: turn wheels toward the curb. Headed uphill with a curb: turn wheels away from curb. Uphill without a curb: turn wheels toward the shoulder.

11. Driving in Bad Weather

Maryland weather ranges from humid coastal conditions along the Chesapeake Bay to heavy lake-effect-style snow in Garrett County. The Bay Bridge closes in high winds, summer thunderstorms create instant standing water on Baltimores urban grid, and black ice forms on the Western Maryland mountains every winter. Heres what the MVA handbook says:

• Headlights required in Maryland when using windshield wipers in inclement weather (Maryland law), and anytime you cannot clearly see 1,000 feet ahead.
• In heavy fog, use low beams, high beams reflect off fog and reduce visibility.
• If you start to hydroplane, ease off the gas gently. Do not brake hard or turn sharply.
• In icy conditions, brake gently well in advance. Start slowing earlier than normal. Leave extra following distance.
• If your car goes into a skid, steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Do not overcorrect.
• Never use cruise control on wet, icy, or slippery roads.

12. Points & License Suspensions

Marylands MVA uses points to track violations and issue penalties. Points can lead to a warning, driver improvement requirements, suspension, or revocation depending on the total accumulated. Heres how Marylands system works:

Note: Marylands MVA point system leads to suspension or revocation when points accumulate. Drivers with points may be required to attend a driver improvement program. For full point values by violation, visit mva.maryland.gov.

13. Headlights: 1,000-Foot Visibility Rule

Maryland combines two headlight triggers: headlights are required when you cannot clearly see 1,000 feet ahead, and when windshield wipers are operated continuously because inclement weather impairs visibility. The dimming rule is 500 feet for oncoming and 300 feet when following:

Key test point: Marylands headlight trigger is when you cannot see 1,000 feet ahead, a higher visibility threshold than most states. Continuous wiper use because inclement weather impairs visibility requires headlights by law. Dimming distances: 500 feet oncoming, 300 feet following.

14. Night Driving

Marylands MVA handbook notes that night driving is more risky than daytime driving, it is harder to judge how far away other vehicles are and how fast they are moving. On the Bay Bridge at night, on rural Eastern Shore roads with no streetlights, and on I-695 in Baltimore with heavy glare, overdriving your headlights is a constant temptation.

15. Cell Phones: Under-18 Total Ban

Maryland restricts handheld phone use while a vehicle is in motion and separately prohibits writing, sending, or reading text or electronic messages while operating a vehicle, subject to statutory exceptions. Under-18 drivers may not use a wireless communication device at all while driving, even hands-free, except for a 911 emergency call. Marylands handbook also dedicates significant attention to drowsy driving, listing specific warning signs of driver fatigue.

Key test point: Maryland restricts handheld telephone use while a vehicle is in motion, and under-18 drivers cannot use any wireless communication device while driving, including hands-free, except for 911. The MVA exam also tests drowsy driving recognition: yawning repeatedly, eyes going out of focus, missing exits, and unintentionally drifting lanes are all signs you need to stop and rest immediately.

16. Railroad Crossings

Marylands rail network, including MARC commuter rail, Amtrak, and CSX freight, crosses public roads throughout the state. The MVA manual covers stop distances and vehicles that must stop at railroad crossings. Never drive around a gate or barrier regardless of whether you see a train.

Key test point: Never drive around or under a lowered crossing gate, it is illegal and extremely dangerous. Wait until gates are fully raised and all tracks are clear.

17. How to Drive a Roundabout

Maryland has been replacing dangerous intersections with roundabouts across the state, particularly in Montgomery County, Howard County, and on US highway corridor improvements. The MVA manual covers roundabouts directly. Entering traffic must yield to vehicles already circulating inside.

Key test point: Entering traffic must yield to traffic already inside the roundabout.