ANNAPOLIS, MD - Have a bunch of fuzzy dice on hanging on your rearview mirror? You may want to take them down this weekend if they are getting in the way of your view through the windshield.

Starting Sunday, it's no longer permitted to have any "object, material or obstruction hanging from the rearview mirror." While police cannot pull drivers over for this offense alone, it is a secondary violation that can be added to the list if a driver is suspected of another offense. That is just one of many new policies taking effect on Oct. 1. Changes in definitions of crimes such as rape and animal cruelty will also become law, and people with marijuana and assault charges may be eligible to have their records expunged.

Below are some highlights of laws taking effect Sunday, Oct. 1. See the full list of new laws from the Maryland Department of Legislative Services.

Vehicles

Drivers may pass on the right shoulder if a vehicle is making a left turn ahead and the driver does not leave the paved surface. Bicyclists and unicyclists are provided the same protections as pedestrians in crosswalks.