Maryland Driver Safety & Law: Vehicle, BAC, and Age Regulations

Minimum stopping distance required for a school bus with flashing red lights?

At least 20 feet

Safe distance to sit away from your steering wheel/airbag?

10 to 12 inches

Age limit requiring children to ride in a child safety seat (unless 4'9" or taller)?

Under age 8.

Age limit for a rear-facing child safety seat?

Younger than age 2.

Bicycle white headlight night visibility distance requirement?

At least 500 feet.

Bicycle red rear reflector night visibility distance requirement?

At least 600 feet.

Minimum clearance required when passing a bicycle?

At least 3 feet.

What Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is the legal DUI limit for adults in Maryland?

0.08 or higher (Zero tolerance / any amount if under 21).

Fine for driving without vehicle insurance?

Up to $2,500 per vehicle each year.

Move Over Law fine for a violation that causes a crash?

$150 fine and 3 points.

Move Over Law fine if the violation results in death or serious injury?

$750 fine and 3 points.

Penalty for leaving the scene of a crash resulting in a serious injury?

Felony; up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Penalty for leaving the scene of a fatal crash?

Felony; up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Provisional license nighttime driving restriction hours for minors?

12:00 midnight to 5:00 a.m. (unless driving for work, school, volunteering, or athletics).

Minimum age requirement to act as a supervising driver?

At least 21 years old (licensed for at least 3 years).

Penalty for a first moving violation offense with a provisional license (minor)?

Must complete a driver improvement program.

Penalty for a second moving violation offense with a provisional license (minor)?

30-day suspension followed by a 90-day employment/educational restriction.

Within how many months must a heart condition have caused a loss of consciousness to be reportable to the MVA?

Within the past 6 months.

Minimum visual acuity standard required to drive without reporting to the MVA?

20/70 in at least one eye (and a binocular field of vision of at least 110 degrees).

Are you legally allowed to drive wearing earphones or headphones in both ears?

No (prohibited in both ears; hearing aids are allowed).

What age group requires a mandatory helmet while riding a bicycle?

Anyone under age 16.

Provisional license passenger restriction timeline for minors (under 18)?

First 151 days (no passengers under 18 unless immediate family).