State laws vary for cellphone use behind the wheel

WASHINGTON — The risks of distracted driving are real. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that more than nine people are killed and more than 1,150 injured each day in crashes in which distracted driving is suspected.

Cellphone use is at the top of the distracted driving list — especially texting, which can take a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel and mind off driving.

New Hampshire has become the 15th state in the nation to ban hand-held cellphone use while driving, joining Maryland and the District of Columbia.

MSN.com has compiled a list of the states with laws and fines for using hand-held cellphones while driving.

The fine for a first offense in Maryland is $40. If a hand-held cellphone contributes to a crash on a Maryland roadway, three points could be added to the driver’s license.

Virginia is among the more than 30 states that don’t ban cellphones while driving.  Others include Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Dick Uliano

Whether anchoring the news inside the Glass-Enclosed Nerve Center or reporting from the scene in Maryland, Virginia or the District, Dick Uliano is always looking for the stories that really impact people's lives.

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