When can you legally use a cell phone while driving in Maryland?

In Maryland, the law permits the use of a cell phone while driving only if you are using a hands-free device. This means that you can make or receive calls without having to physically hold the phone, allowing for safer driving practices by minimizing distractions. Using a hands-free device helps keep your hands on the wheel and your attention on the road, significantly reducing the risk of being involved in an accident due to distracted driving.

The other situations described are not permissible under Maryland law while driving. Being parked typically means the vehicle must be stationary and not on or near the roadways. Emergency use refers specifically to situations where immediate communication is necessary for safety reasons, but this does not grant general permission to use a phone freely while operating a vehicle. Therefore, the requirement for hands-free operation plays a crucial role in promoting safer driving practices in the state.