Speed cameras have become a common sight on many Maryland roads and are playing a bigger role than ever in traffic enforcement. With the state’s push for increased road safety, automated speed enforcement has expanded, leading to more drivers receiving speeding tickets by mail.
If you drive in Maryland, it’s important to understand how speed cameras work, the rules, and what steps you should take if you get a speed camera citation.
Where Are Speed Cameras Set Up in Maryland?
Speed cameras are set up in places like school zones, neighborhoods, construction areas, and on some highways. For example, you’ll find them on Route 210 in Prince George’s County and Montgomery County neighborhoods.
These cameras automatically capture images and videos when a car exceeds the speed limit. They also monitor for things like running red lights or skipping tolls.
How Speed Cameras Work
Maryland speed cameras are built to catch cars going more than 12 miles per hour above the posted speed limit.
When a vehicle exceeds this threshold, the camera takes a clear photo. This photo shows important details like the date and time, the vehicle’s speed, and the license plate number. Authorities use this information to look up the car’s registered owner and mail them a ticket.
Fines and Penalties
If you receive a speed camera ticket, you will likely be required to pay a fine. For most violations, the fine typically ranges from $40 to $100. The exact cost depends on where the camera caught the violation and how much the speed limit was exceeded.
These tickets are usually handled as civil violations, not criminal offenses, so they do not add points to your driver’s license and won’t directly affect your insurance rates. However, if you do not pay or contest the ticket, additional fees or registration problems can occur.
Challenging Speed Camera Tickets
If you believe you received a speed camera ticket by mistake in Maryland, you have the right to challenge it. Here is how the process works:
Request a Court Date
When you get your ticket in the mail, it includes instructions on requesting a court hearing. You must usually do this within 30 days. If you miss this deadline, you may lose the chance to fight the ticket, and extra penalties could apply.
Prepare Your Defense
Gather any evidence that supports your case. This could include photos or witness statements proving that you weren’t driving the car at the time of the violation. You might also check if the ticket has mistakes, such as the wrong license plate number or vehicle description.
Attend Your Hearing
On the day of your hearing, you can typically discuss your case before a judge or magistrate. You will have a chance to explain why you think the ticket is wrong and present your evidence. You are allowed to represent yourself or bring an attorney if you prefer.
After the hearing, the judge will decide if you still owe the fine or if the ticket should be dismissed.
Contact the Criminal Defense Attorneys at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys in Maryland for Help Today
For more information, contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a confidential consultation with a criminal defense attorney. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, and Waldorf.
We proudly serve Prince George’s County, Frederick County, Montgomery County, Charles County and the surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Lanham
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste 201 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 262-7005
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Frederick
25 E Patrick St #200 Frederick, MD 21701
(301) 381-1993
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Rockville
11140 Rockville Pike 550-J Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 364-3195
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Waldorf
8 Post Office Rd, Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 857-4771