U.S. one state named as Maryland has introduced a tough new speeding law to tackle dangerous driving, especially targeting so-called “super speeders.” This law, which came into effect on October 1, replaces the flat $40 speeding fine with a tiered penalty system. The faster you go over the speed limit, the heavier the fine you’ll face—even up to around $425.
New Tiered Speeding Fines in Maryland
Earlier, if a speed camera caught you, you’d pay a flat $40 fine—no matter how fast you were going. But now, Maryland has introduced five different fine levels, depending on how much a driver exceeds the speed limit:
- Up to 15 mph over limit: $40 fine
- 16 to 19 mph over limit: $70 fine
- 20 to 29 mph over limit: $120 fine
- 30 to 39 mph over limit: $230 fine
- 40 mph or more over limit: $425 fine
These fines are automatically issued through speed cameras and sent directly to the vehicle’s registered owner. That means, even if you’re not driving, you could still receive the ticket if your vehicle was caught speeding.
How Speed Cameras Work Under the New Law
The updated system uses speed cameras that snap a picture of the vehicle along with its license plate. The ticket is then mailed to the address of the registered vehicle owner. Here’s why this matters:
- You may not know you’ve been fined until the ticket arrives in the post.
- The registered owner gets the ticket, not necessarily the person driving.
- If someone else is driving your car—like a friend or family member—you’ll still be responsible for paying the fine unless you can prove otherwise.
New Penalties for Reckless and Negligent Driving
Alongside the tiered speeding system, Maryland has also tightened laws around reckless and negligent driving:
- Reckless Driving: If you’re caught going 30 mph or more above the speed limit, you could face:
- Up to 60 days in jail
- A fine up to $1,000
- Six points on your driving license
- Negligent Driving: The rules have been updated and are stricter now. Penalties include:
- Fines up to $750
- Two points on your license
This means just speeding a bit too much can now land you not just a fine, but also license points or even jail time.
What Drivers in Maryland Need to Know
If you live in Maryland or plan to drive through, here are a few key takeaways:
- Always check your speed – Even slightly going over the limit could now cost you more.
- Be cautious about lending your car – You’ll be responsible if the driver gets caught speeding.
- Keep an eye on your mail – You may not know you’ve been fined until a ticket shows up.
Table: Speeding Fine Tiers in Maryland
| Speed Over Limit | Fine Amount |
|---|---|
| 1–15 mph | $40 |
| 16–19 mph | $70 |
| 20–29 mph | $120 |
| 30–39 mph | $230 |
| 40+ mph | $425 |
The new system is designed to send a strong message to drivers who take speed limits lightly. With automatic cameras, higher penalties, and even jail time for reckless speeds, Maryland is clearly getting serious about road safety.
Whether you’re a daily commuter or an occasional driver, following speed limits isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about keeping everyone on the road safe.
FAQ
Q1. What is the new speeding fine system in Maryland?
Maryland now uses a tiered system where speeding fines range from $40 to $425, depending on how far over the speed limit you were driving.
Q2. Who receives the speeding ticket if someone else is driving my car?
The ticket is sent to the registered owner of the vehicle, even if they weren’t the one driving.
Q3. How are speeders caught under the new law?
Speed cameras automatically take photos of speeding vehicles and issue fines based on the license plate registration.
Q4. What counts as reckless driving under the new rules?
Driving 30 mph or more over the speed limit can now be considered reckless driving, which may lead to jail time and license points.
Q5. Can I go to jail for speeding in Maryland now?
Yes, if you’re caught driving 30 mph or more above the limit, you could face up to 60 days in jail along with a fine and points on your license.
