In Octubre, Maryland will change the way they fine drivers that go faster that they should. The new law, House Bill 182, signed in May by Governor Wes Moore, leaves behind the $40 standard fine and brings a tiered penalty system (fines that increase depending on how much your exceeding the limit). The idea is simple: the faster you go, the more you pay.
Those who support the measure say that it will increase with safety in Maryland roadways, especially near schools and housing areas. There will also be speed cameras in dangerous zones, and the Maryland State Highway Administration will create a group to monitor how the whole thing is working out.
It’s all part of a 2025 traffic reform that is looking for a more responsible driving by applying clearer state laws to stop the speeding in the state.
What’s changing with the new fining system?
With the prior law, anyone could exceed the limit at any speed and would get a fine for $40. With House Bill 182, the tiered penalty system adjust the sanction to the fault. The scale looks like this:
- 12–15 mph above the limit: $40
- 16–19 mph above the limit: $70
- 20–29 mph above the limit: $120
- 30–39 mph above the limit: $230
- 40 mph above the limit or more: $425
The change goal is safety road, but they’re taking in account that is not the same a little oversight than going to a speeding extreme.
By linking the punishment to the risk, they hope people will choose to be responsible behind the wheel. Furthermore, the law allows using more cameras where it could be difficult for the police to check for themselves, like long avenues or zones with a too much traffic.
Cities around the U.S. are also joining to the cause and adjusting speed limits on highways nearby of busy areas, or adding rules that forbid you to even touch your phone while on the car to avoid crashes, all under state laws.
How the new Bill will be applied
The majority of those who supported House Bill 182, did it for road safety. Senator Charles Sydnor proposed to increase the fixed fine from $40 to $50, thinking and reminding that the objective is not to “punish” but to prevent speeding. Even though, the tiered penalty system, was the chosen one. From the community, Francine Terry highlighted that the change is coming from too many “almost accidents” caused by speed excess.
To evaluare the results, the Maryland State Highway Administration will have a study group on speed and law enforcement.
What it means for the citizens of Maryland
If you drive in Maryland (and anywhere else), you have to respect the speed limits. They are there for a reason: to protect you, and those around you. With the House Bill 182, and the new tiered penalty system, traffic fines will in fact go up depending on how fast you are going. And this should be enough to make road safety better in Maryland roadways.
I guess we will have to wait and see if a $425 speed ticket stops the fastest driver. But usually it takes one fine to know you don’t want another one.
The objective for the 2025 traffic reform is quite clear: more responsible driving, more speeding cameras, more safety on the roads and less risks and accidents. The states remembers too that some violations and sanctions can not only cost you money but give you a free ride to jail for 60 days when the risk is serious.
If you don’t want find yourself paying speeding tickets the solution is simple: do not exceed the speeding limit. You will be taking care of you and everyone else around.
And for those who already drive safe, great! Keep on doing it.