Maryland lawmakers approve distracted driving monitoring system with $40 civil penalties

On February 13, 2025, the Maryland Judicial Proceedings Committee convened to discuss Senate Bill 613, a proposed measure aimed at combating distracted driving through the implementation of automated monitoring systems. The bill seeks to impose a civil penalty of $40 on drivers whose attention is diverted from the primary task of driving, particularly due to the use of handheld electronic devices like cell phones.

The urgency of this legislation is underscored by alarming statistics from the Maryland Department of Transportation, which reported that distracted driving was responsible for 203 fatalities in 2023, accounting for 34 percent of all roadway deaths. Additionally, over 50,000 crashes were attributed to this behavior, representing 46 percent of all collisions in the state. The bill aims to deter distracted driving by capturing de-identified images of drivers using their phones, while ensuring privacy protections by blurring identifiable features.

Support for the bill was voiced by various stakeholders, including law enforcement officials from Montgomery and Prince George's Counties, who highlighted the need for innovative solutions to address the growing issue of distracted driving. Assistant Chief Dave McMahon of the Montgomery County Police Department noted that traditional traffic enforcement has declined due to workforce reductions, making automated systems a necessary alternative for maintaining road safety. He reported that pilot programs using automated cameras had captured approximately 2,500 violations daily, indicating a significant prevalence of distracted driving.

Wade Holland, the Vision Zero coordinator for Montgomery County, emphasized the need for proactive measures, stating that the rise of smartphones has led to an increase in roadway fatalities. He urged the committee to support the bill as a means to pilot new technology that could help keep drivers focused on the road.

The technology proposed in the bill utilizes advanced computer vision to detect handheld cell phone usage while driving. It is designed to differentiate between legitimate phone use, such as making emergency calls, and violations. However, concerns were raised regarding the technology's ability to accurately discern between various types of phone usage, as well as the potential for privacy infringements.

Committee members expressed a desire for a phased implementation of the program, suggesting that initial citations could be issued without fines to educate the public about the new enforcement measures. This approach aims to foster understanding and compliance before penalties are enforced.

In conclusion, the discussions surrounding Senate Bill 613 reflect a growing recognition of the dangers posed by distracted driving and the need for effective enforcement mechanisms. As the committee deliberates on the bill, the potential for automated monitoring systems to enhance roadway safety remains a focal point, with advocates urging swift action to prevent further loss of life on Maryland's roads.