Traffic Laws, Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings
Speed and right of way
When no sign is posted, Maryland's default limits are 30 mph in residential and business districts and 55 mph on undivided highways; posted limits always control. Right-of-way rules never give anyone an absolute right - they say who must yield. At an uncontrolled intersection the first vehicle to arrive goes first; if two arrive together, the driver on the left yields. A vehicle turning left across traffic yields to oncoming vehicles and to pedestrians.
Turns and signals
A right turn on red is legal in Maryland after a complete stop unless a sign prohibits it, and you must yield to pedestrians and cross traffic. Left on red is allowed only from a one-way street onto another one-way street. Signal well before the turn - roughly 100 feet in town, more at highway speed - and cancel the signal afterward.
Special situations
Stop for a school bus with flashing red lights on an undivided road; on a divided highway, traffic on the far side of a median does not stop. The Move Over law requires you to change lanes or slow down for stopped emergency, tow, and service vehicles with lights flashing. Graduated licensing begins with a learner's permit at 15 years 9 months, held nine months with 60 supervised hours (10 at night), then a provisional license at 16 years 6 months.
Traps
Questions love the difference between a flashing red (full stop, then proceed when clear) and a flashing yellow (slow down and proceed with caution). Another favorite is points: 8 points in 12 months or 12 points in 24 months brings a suspension.
Rule of thumb: at a four-way stop when two cars arrive together, the driver on the left yields - and a complete stop means wheels stopped, behind the line.