Photo Enforced Tickets in Maryland
Photo enforced tickets in Maryland are issued when a vehicle passes by a fixed camera location while going at least 12 miles above the speed limit. The cameras in Maryland work by taking a photograph of the passing car, including the license plate. The photograph of the license plate will then be reviewed to identify the owner of the vehicle. The owner will then be mailed a copy of the violation including photographs and the speed the vehicle was traveling.
The cameras have been positioned across the state, primarily in high-traffic and notoriously dangerous sections of roadway. Places with a high risk of speeding drivers or that have received substantial complaints from the public are prime examples of places where such cameras can be located. Another spot favored by photo enforced cameras are school zones.
While it’s true the cameras are supposed to be finely calibrated, that does not mean that those who drive past a camera going slightly above the speed limit have to worry about getting a ticket. Given that speed can vary a few degrees during normal driving conditions, the cameras in Maryland were set to only record those incidents where drivers are going twelve or more miles per hour over the posted speed limit.
Violators must pay a fine of $40 which can increase substantially if it is not paid on time. Given that such speed camera tickets are viewed as civil violations rather than criminal matters, drivers do not need to fear having points put on their drivers license. Another good thing to note about such speed camera tickets is that insurance providers are not notified of violations.
Just because the photo enforced cameras take a picture does not mean it tells the whole story. For instance, you may not have been driving the car at the time or you may think the camera improperly recorded your speed that day. If so, you are allowed to challenge the citation, so long as you contest the ticket at least five days before the due date of the fine. Such challenges will be conducted din Maryland District Courts and specific details about how to challenge such tickets are listed on the back of each citation.
Need help with a Maryland traffic ticket? Call me at 301-563-9575 or 1-877-566-2408 for a free consultation. I’m an experienced Maryland traffic ticket lawyer and I’d be happy to help. I practice traffic law throughout the entire State of Maryland.
