As of October 1, 2011, new texting laws will go into effect for drivers of motor vehicles.

In 2009, laws were enacted that while your car was moving, you had to have hands free headset and could not text while your car was in motion.

The biggest change is that now you may not EVEN READ A TEXT at a stoplight — or anywhere in the roadway if you are in the driver’s seat. You may not read, type, or any sort of distraction with your phone while you are in the roadway. Emails, texts, facebook updates, etc, cannot be made even if you are sitting still at a light or in traffic. For full details of the changes, visit the Hands Free Info website.

Please be mindful of the new law. Violators can be fined up to $500 for each offense.

Be careful on the roads out there, Baltimore!