Speeding is a bad habit, but more importantly; is against the law. That safety risk can end up in fatalities. And this is exactly why Maryland is modifying the regulations on the road.
Starting on October 1, the old $40 fixed speeding tickets will be replaced with a new system that will decide on the price of the fines according to the driver’s speeding violation. The House Bill 182, was passed by the Maryland General Assembly. This system relies on automated camera technology to capture violations more consistently across the state.
These changes come with more severe consequences of course, like higher fees and even jail time, for reckless, negligent, and aggressive driving.
As the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns, “Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. It would be equivalent to driving a football field at 55 mph while closing your eyes.”
Maryland’s update goal is to match the danger with the consequences so risky behavior will be completely discouraged before it causes harm to others.
How the House Bill 182 works
Maryland’s had a $40 fine, and it was a fixed numer. Now, from October 1, this is replaced by a speed-based scale under House Bill 182. Which means that the statewide penalties will look like this:
- $40: 12–15 mph over the seep limit.
- $70: 16–19 mph.
- $120: 20–29 mph.
- $230: 30–39 mph.
- $425: 40 mph or more over the limit.
The faster the limit is crossed, the bigger the potential harm and the severity of the consequences.
The law is specifically allowing more use of automated camera technology to help in detection. These systems reduce the number of incidents that can happen on the road, with monitor corridors all around the drivers are push to follow the rules or deal with the consequences. Although they cannot take the place of officers, cameras do establish a certain order. People actually slow dow when they know there’s a camera nearby.
According to law enforcement and policymakers road safety is out of control lately, and there’s a growing number of victims caused on by distractions and speeding. The new penalties in Maryland seek to transform that risk into a real incentive, because up until now, having to pay something similar to a parking ticket, is no stoping anyone to cross the limit.
Tougher penalties for dangerous behavior
Speed is only part of the problem. The state is also tightening consequences for behaviors that put others at risk:
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Reckless driving: Before, this used to be a fine-only offense, now, you can get convicted with fines up to $1,000 and up to 60 days in jail.
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Negligent driving: Getting caught carries a fine of up to $750.
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Aggressive driving: Drivers who are caught intimidating people or promoting illegal activity may be fined up to $1,000.
The intention is not to surprise drivers, but to set limits that are easy to understand and difficult to ignore.
Most people adapt when the rules are clear and the penalties are significant (or very expensive). The goal is to prevent crashes and minimize what could put on danger the lives of drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and families.
Safer roads through clearer rules
Maryland’s strategy looks to firmly and visibly reinstate that balance so that all users of the road can experience safer and more pleasant travel. And they’re not the only ones taking actions, all around the country, safety road rules are changing, some states are changing the seep limits, some are adopting zero tolerance in using a phone while driving, and most of them, like Maryland, are increasing the penalty fees.
For drivers, the takeaway is more than easy; if you don’t want to get fined, know the limit, keep your eyes up, and slow down.