Bill MD SB613 was introduced on January 28th by Senator Jeff Waldstreicher (D–Montgomery County, District 18) and Senator Michael Jackson (D-Prince George’s County, District 27) to establish a pilot program that permits the use of video cameras in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County to enforce specific prohibitions related to the use of mobile devices while operating a vehicle.
If approved, the new bill would kick off a pilot program for distracted driving monitoring systems in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County. This initiative would roll out automated camera systems designed to catch drivers who use their phones while behind the wheel, but has been met with harsh criticism regarding privacy in the past.
In 2019, then-Montgomery County Councilman Tom Hucker asked Maryland Sen. Jeff Waldstreicher to file a bill that would allow the county to use automated cameras to catch distracted drivers and issue tickets, according to a CBS News article. At the time, John Townsend– public affairs manager at AAA Mid-Atlantic, which represents 1 million motorists in Maryland– said “This technology is creepy to me in a Peeping Tom type of way.”
The two counties would be able to set up monitoring systems that snap photos of drivers who are distracted by their electronic devices. Before that, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties would need to get the green light from their governing bodies, hold public hearings, and put up warning signs to keep everyone in the loop.
If this is approved and you’re caught in the act, the system would send a civil citation to the vehicle owner, with a max penalty of $40, which can be contested in District Court. Each citation will come with a detailed breakdown of what went down, including the date, time, location, and images.
The individuals operating these systems will have to undergo proper training from the manufacturer, conduct daily checks, and get an annual calibration by an independent lab. If approved, this pilot program would run from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2028, and by December 1, 2027, the participating counties will have to report back on how well these distracted driving monitoring systems are helping to keep roads safe. The citations would not add points to your driving record, wouldn’t affect insurance, and would be treated like parking violations.
According to the People’s Law Library (PLL), “In Maryland, an individual may not use a text messaging device to write, send, or read a text message or an electronic message while operating a motor vehicle in the travel portion of the roadway. A “text messaging device” means a hand-held device to send a text message or an electronic message via a short message service, wireless telephone service, or electronic communication network.” with other specific rules governing the use of wireless telephones while driving depend on various factors, including the age of the driver. Additional information can be found here.