The Maryland State legislature presently has in the works House Bill 818, which proposes that the current laws regarding the use of turn signals while driving be expanded to include changing lanes, as well. This means that drivers must signal the intent to change lanes before they can do so, or be faced with a citation and a fine. The bill also includes using a turn signal when moving from the shoulder or a bikeway into a lane. The House passed this bill, moving it on to the Senate.
Aside from the obvious benefits in increasing safety on Maryland roads, HB 818 also has the potential to increase state revenue. For example, if the number of tickets issued because of turn signal violations doubled under the proposed law, then the state could potentially collect an additional $187,560 in the next fiscal year and $250,110 on an annual basis thereafter, based on 2014 numbers.
HB 818 is sponsored by Delagates Fraser-Hidalgo, Pena-Melnyk, Barkley, Carr, Morales, and Smith. If signed into law, this would take effect October 1, 2015.
