Maryland Driving & Vehicles Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for driving & vehicles in the state of Maryland. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 8 different categories.
Driving Barefoot
LEGALMaryland law does not prohibit driving barefoot. The Maryland Transportation Code does not specify any footwear requirements for drivers.
State Law
None
Practical Considerations
None
Penalties
N/A
Lane Splitting (Motorcycles)
ILLEGALMaryland Transportation Code §21-309 prohibits motorcycles from lane splitting or lane sharing. Motorcycles must operate within a single lane and may not pass between lanes of traffic except when overtaking another vehicle.
Lane Splitting Rules
No specific rules related to lane splitting possession.
Lane Filtering Rules
No specific rules related to lane splitting sale or purchase.
Penalties
Violations may result in fines and points on the operator's driving record.
License Requirements
None
License Plate Covers
ILLEGALMaryland law prohibits the use, sale, or advertisement of any license plate covers, including clear ones. Violations can result in fines up to $500.
Usage Rules
Illegal — all covers prohibited
Purchase & Sale
Illegal to sell any license plate covers
Penalties
Traffic violation with fines up to $500; citations issued for any cover, including clear ones
Age Restriction
N/A
Radar Detectors
LEGALRadar Detectors are legal in Maryland. Maryland law prohibits radar detectors only in commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds.
Passenger Vehicle Use
Legal in private passenger vehicles; illegal in commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds.
Commercial Vehicle Rules
No restrictions on sale or purchase.
Penalties
N/A for private vehicles; fines for commercial vehicle violations.
Age Restriction
None
Radar Jammers
ILLEGALRadar jammers are federally illegal in all states including Maryland under FCC regulations. There have been no recent legislative changes in Maryland regarding laser jammers.
State Law
Radar jammers: federally illegal. Laser jammers: legal
Federal Law
Laser jammers may be sold; radar jammers illegal
Penalties
Federal penalties for radar jammers. Laser jammers are unregulated.
Age Restriction
N/A
Right Turn on Red
LEGALRight turn on red is legal in Maryland after coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic, unless a sign prohibits it at a specific intersection. In September 2025, Montgomery County began enforcing a ban on right turns on red in designated downtown and town center areas.
General Rule
Legal after complete stop
Exceptions & Restrictions
N/A
Penalties
Traffic violation if sign prohibits it at specific intersection.
Driver Requirements
N/A
Studded Snow Tires
RESTRICTEDStudded snow tires are permitted in five specific counties in Maryland from November 1 to March 31. Outside these counties or outside this time frame, their use is illegal.
Usage Rules
Legal to possess; use restricted by county and season
Seasonal Restrictions
Legal to sell
Penalties
Traffic citation and fines for illegal use
Age Restriction
N/A
Window Tinting
RESTRICTEDMaryland requires front side windows to have at least 35% VLT, rear side and back windows may be tinted darker. Windshield tinting is allowed only above the AS-1 line. These rules are in Maryland Transportation Code § 22-406.
Tint Limits (VLT %)
Possession of illegal tint is not prohibited but vehicles must comply when driven.
Medical Exemptions
Sale of tint films not meeting state standards is prohibited.
Penalties
Fines and orders to remove illegal tint.
Age Restriction
None