ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland will become the eighth state where drivers can't talk on a handheld cell phone under a new law that takes effect this week.

Maryland transportation and law enforcement officials will gather Tuesday to explain the new law.

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Drivers could be fined $40 for first violations and $100 for subsequent ones. It's a secondary offense, so drivers can only be pulled over if they are committing another offense as well, such as running a stop light.

Like Washington, D.C., Maryland will allow courts to waive a penalty on a first offense, if a driver can provide proof that he or she has purchased a handsfree accessory or device for the person's handheld telephone.

The new law takes effect on Friday, October 1.