Speed Cameras Rake in $64 Million for the State of Maryland
Speeding tickets not only interrupt our commutes, they often go too far and force us to deal with a citation for actions that put no lives at risk. Fines for speeding in Maryland can be steep, and paying them can add points to our driver’s licenses. Could the State be issuing unnecessary speeding tickets to make more money?
Recently, the AAA Foundation found that the State of Maryland made $64 million dollars from drivers who received speeding tickets. In 2018, AAA found that 1.6 million drivers triggered speed cameras, which delivered fines that enriched the State. AAA also ranked which municipalities and counties received the largest share of the total ticket revenue from speed cameras that year. According to their findings, some of the State’s most populated areas received the most funding from speeding tickets.
2018’s Top Most Lucrative Speed Camera Systems in Maryland
A total of 40 jurisdictions in Maryland employ special systems for monitoring drivers’ speeds in specific locations. Many of these jurisdictions exist within the State’s most populous regions. Last year, Montgomery County, the City of Baltimore, Prince George’s County, Baltimore County, and College Park received the biggest cuts of the total ticket revenue.
Speed Camera Revenue per Jurisdiction
- Montgomery County: $15,954,868
- City of Baltimore: $9.6 million
- Prince George’s County: $6.9 million
- Baltimore County: $5.7 million
- College Park: $2.7 million
These five areas accounted for more than 60% of the State’s revenue from speed cameras in 2018. Of all the tickets issued, approximately one-third were issued to drivers caught traveling at just one mile per hour over the posted speed limit. According to AAA, most of the people ticketed ended up paying their tickets on time.
To acquire this data, the AAA Foundation analyzed information from the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission, the comptroller’s office, the Department of Legislative Services, local police departments, and the state Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
Consequences of Excessive Speeding in Maryland
Speed camera tickets in Maryland cost about $40 per infraction; however, speeding can cost much more if you’re physically pulled over by a local police officer. You could face significant penalties, especially if you’re convicted of going 10 or more miles per hour over the limit.
Traffic courts in Maryland take excessive speeding quite seriously. Considering this offense causes approximately 25% of crash fatalities nationwide, the State has an enormous incentive to curb this behavior. Police officers do this by carefully monitoring moving traffic and issuing citations as needed. They also routinely set up traps where drivers are most likely to speed.
Excessive speeding is defined as going over the speed limit by at least 15 miles per hour. Whether police clock you at 45 in a 30 MPH zone or 90 in a 75 MPH zone, you could be cited for excessive speeding, which could lead to a heavy fine and points on your license.
Penalties for Driving 10-19 MPH Over the Limit
If police flag you for traveling 10 to 19 miles per hour over the speed limit, you could get a $90 fine and 2 points against your license.
Penalties for Driving 20-29 MPH Over the Limit
If the police catch you driving 20-29 miles per hour over the limit, the fine increases to $160, and you can receive 2 points on your license.
Penalties for Driving 30-39 MPH Over the Limit
By going 30-39 miles per hour above the speed limit, your fine may increase to $290, and you can receive 5 points against your license.
Penalties for Driving 40+ MPH Over the Limit
Finally, if you drive at least 40 miles per hour over the limit, your fine will increase to $560, and you will receive 5 points on your license if you’re convicted.
What to do After Receiving a Speeding Ticket in Baltimore
Excessive speeding is a serious traffic violation, meaning you could also face a license suspension if you accumulate enough points. It’s crucial to work with a skilled speeding defense lawyer who serves the people of Baltimore and surrounding areas to keep your driving record clean.
Attorney Hillel Traub of The Law Office of Hillel Traub is that attorney. He has more than 20 years of experience fighting speeding charges throughout Maryland and can work with you to develop a strategic defense. Before you pay an outrageous fine or accept points against your license, learn about your options for mitigating the charges against you and the possible penalties you could face. Make the right decision by working with a knowledgeable lawyer.
For personalized and dedicated legal representation, call (410) 580-1100 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.