surae chinn says beware because it will cost you! >> reporter: aren't we all so distracted while driving these days between turning up the radio, changing stations here, oh, and turning up the heat because it is getting colder and don't forget, dealing with the gps and finding out where you're going. we're doing so many things except actually driving the car and being good defensive drivers. the last thing we should be doing is making calls or texting on our phone. lawmakers are now closing the loophole with this new law taking effect, prohibiting texting or sending messages. now you can no longer read or receive those messages and this applies all the time while you're driving or stopped at a red light. and now this becomes a primary offense. no longer does an officer have to find another violation to stop you before giving you a ticket. and by the way, if you bake break the law, it will cost you. the first offense is $70 and one point on your driver's license but if police determine that it actually caused a traffic accident, it ju

those gaps will be closed with some new laws that take effect tomorrow. 9news now reporter surae chinns live in silver spring with details. good morning, surae. >> good morning, andrea. we're so distracted these days with everything. we're fiddling with the radio. we're dealing with the heater in the next couple of days that, will be something we'll be fiddling with. there is, of course, the gps. the last thing we should be doing is holding and touching our phone in any way while we are driving. and that's really what maryland's law is focusing on starting tomorrow. before, you couldn't text and send messages but now, the new law says you can't read or receive the messages and this applies while you're stopped at a light or while you're driving. this now becomes a primary offense. instead traffic violations or police officers looking for something else to pull you over. now, it can be a primary offense and they'll find you. also, some of these numbers that are very disturbing, distracted driving accidents in maryland in 2008, the latest numbers here for the motor vehicle administration

surae chinn joins us from route 29 and 495 in silver spring with more. good morning, surae. >> good morning, andrea. good morning, mike. listen up, everyone. maryland is really cracking down on texting while driving and they mean business. no more holding your phone and doing anything with this, texting other otherwise. it really closes this loophole. no gray areas. no walking a fine line here. before, the language in the law said you couldn't text and you couldn't send messages. now, it is very specific, adding that you cannot send. you cannot receive and you cannot read these messages and of course, you can't text while driving. this means at all times. whether you are driving or at a stoplight. but if you do, it will cost you! the fines reach about $70 and one point on your driver's license and if police determine that texting caused an accident, that fine jumps $110 and 3 points on your record. >> really? when you get right down to it, texting and driving is just stupid. it is begging to be in a crash. and you know, maryland has tightened up that law.