Every few months, a meme or social media post goes viral claiming that it’s “illegal to curse while driving in Maryland.” Often the explanation is vague and incomplete. Today, we’re here to clarify the facts.
There is no Maryland law that specifically makes swearing/cursing while driving illegal. However, if your language is used to incite violence, threaten someone, or contribute to disorderly or aggressive driving, you could face charges under other related statutes. In typical circumstances, simply cursing wouldn’t be illegal.
In 2016, Geico published an article about traffic rules that may surprise you, referencing Rockville, MD– a city in Montgomery County. The article stated that if a pedestrian hears a driver using profanity, it’s considered a misdemeanor. According to the law, a person “may not profanely curse and swear or use obscene language upon or near any street, sidewalk or highway within the hearing of persons passing by.”
This regulation can also be found on the aroxkville section of the Municode Library website under Article III, Sec. 13-53, confirming that such behavior is a misdemeanor in the city. A City of Rockville police officer we spoke with confirmed that while it is technically a misdemeanor, it is rarely, if ever, enforced. The officer couldn’t recall any instances of the law being applied.
In summary, while there is a law regulating profane language in certain public spaces in Rockville, it isn’t specifically aimed at driving, and enforcement is minimal. So if a curse word slips out while you’re driving in Maryland– or even in Rockville– you’ll likely be just fine…but this certainly isn’t legal advice.