Watch Your Mouth! The Marylands Where Cursing While Driving Is Against the Law

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Watch Your Mouth! The Marylands Where Cursing While Driving Is Against the Law

No, cursing while driving isn’t broadly illegal across Maryland, but Rockville has a narrow local ordinance against profane language audible near streets or highways.

Rockville Ordinance

Rockville City Code Sec. 13-53 prohibits “profanely curs[ing] and swear[ing] or us[ing] obscene language upon or near any street, sidewalk or highway within the hearing of persons passing by.” This misdemeanor (up to $100 fine or 90 days jail) could theoretically apply to swearing from a vehicle if overheard by pedestrians, but police confirm it’s rarely enforced.

Statewide Context

No Maryland state law targets driving-specific cursing; broader disorderly conduct or road rage statutes apply only if it incites harm or aggression. The “swearing while driving” meme exaggerates this obscure Rockville rule.

Practical Advice

Windows up? No issue. Yelling profanities at others risks road rage charges anywhere, not just Rockville.​

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