The Bizarre Law Tourists Will Want To Know Before Road Tripping In Maryland

Whether you're passing through on your way to another state or visiting a site like the underrated Civil War town of Frederick, you might find yourself driving in Maryland during a road trip. And like with any state, it's important to familiarize yourself with the local road rules before getting behind the wheel. Often, this means learning the speed limits and whether you're allowed to turn right on a red — an unusual traffic light fact to know before your next road trip. But in Maryland, there's another surprising law to keep in mind while driving.

In the East Coast state — specifically in the town of Rockville — people are forbidden from cursing while driving. The law states that you "may not profanely curse and swear or use obscene language upon or near any street, sidewalk or highway within the hearing of persons passing by, upon or along such street, sidewalk or highway." If you're caught having a potty mouth, you can be charged with a misdemeanor by police.

Of course, you probably won't actually end up behind bars or slapped with a fine just for using a four-letter word. And, as long as your windows are up, no one will know what explicit lyrics you're singing along to or what foul-mouthed comments you're making about your least favorite coworker. Still, keep in mind that yelling profanities at other drivers can be considered road rage, something you should try to avoid no matter what town you're in.

Don't let aggressive driving ruin your trip

One of the most dangerous mistakes you can make while driving on your next road trip is becoming consumed with road rage, especially in Maryland. According to ConsumerAffairs, the Old Line State has higher than average levels of road rage compared to other states in the country. Nearly half of Maryland traffic accidents and fatalities in 2022 were attributed to aggressive or careless driving. Additional research from Forbes Advisor found that Maryland ranks 10th in the U.S. for having the most confrontational drivers.

To avoid starting a fight at the wheel — and to reduce your risk of hurting someone on the road — always keep your cool and abide by Maryland's aggressive driving laws. This includes biting your tongue and not yelling profanities, as well as a few other no-nos. For instance, avoid cutting off other vehicles, passing on the right, tailgating, and blocking merging drivers.

No matter how tired or frustrated you feel during your road trip, don't intentionally do anything that could threaten others on the road. If your blood starts to boil, or if you encounter another dangerous driver, disengage and find a safe place to stop until you've had time to calm down. If you believe you might be in danger, contact police from your vehicle once it's safe to do so.