Caught on a Speed Camera in Maryland? Here’s What Happens Next.

In Maryland, drivers need to be aware that the counties in the state have the authority to regulate speed through the use of automated systems/camera systems. Each county must pass its own rules. The speed cameras generally monitor speeding in school zones, residential areas, and work zones where the speed limit is 35 mph or slower.

The penalties for infractions include fines. Points are not added to a driver’s driving record. Infractions should not affect a driver’s insurance premiums. The aim of the camera system is to protect school children, pedestrians, and road construction workers. Our Annapolis speeding ticket lawyer fights for drivers in Anne Arundel and Howard County who are charged with any type of speeding ticket, including automated camera tickets.

Speed cameras in Anne Arundel County (home to Annapolis)

In Anne Arundel County, the speed camera program is called the Anne Arundel County Automated Traffic Enforcement Speed Program. The program uses portable cameras at various locations throughout the county. You can view the location of these cameras online through the above link.

Please know that the police can also cite drivers for speeding through their own observations. If the police issue a speeding ticket, you can be charged with violating Maryland traffic laws. Unlike speed camera infractions, speeding ticket infractions can result in fines, an assessment of points, loss of driving privileges, and increased insurance rates.

How does the speed camera program work in Anne Arundel?

Cameras in school zones are in operation from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday-Friday. The cameras at school zones work during the summer and when school is not in session because schools may conduct summer school sessions, sports programs, and other school or community activities. Cameras in residential locations operate around the clock (24/7).

For each new camera location, drivers will only receive a warning during the first 15 days of the program’s operation. After that, drivers who travel 12 mph or more over the posted speed limit will be cited. Citations carry a $40 fine.

The camera takes a picture of the driver’s license plate. The camera also records the date and time of the incident and the driver’s speed. The citation is then mailed to the address of the registered owner of the vehicle with images of the infraction. A driver can then pay the fine, request an appeal, or send written correspondence to the address displayed on the citation. Registered owners will not be able to renew their vehicle’s registration unless they pay the fine, or unless they successfully contest the citation. “Insurance companies are not allowed to access speed camera violation information.”

Speed cameras in Howard County (home to Ellicott City)

The speed enforcement program in Howard County is similar to the program in Anne Arundel County.

Cameras can be authorized for any of Howard County’s 70 public or more than 30 private schools. The cameras at schools operate Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. The cameras use LASER technology that creates a “three-dimensional representation of each vehicle on the roadway and tracks that vehicle for an extended period of time. At the end of the tracking period, the system determines the average speed of the vehicle during the tracking period.”

The fine in Howard County for violations is the same as for Anne Arundel County – $40.

For the week of June 9, 2025, there were cameras at the following Howard County locations:

• 5300 blk High Tor Hill
• 6500 blk Guilford Rd
• 9300 blk Mellenbrook Rd
• Burntwoods Rd @ Glenelg High School
• Centennial Ln @ Culverene Rd
• Columbia Rd @ Smokey Wreath Way
• Gray Rock Dr
• Kilimanjaro Rd @ Macomber Ln
• Old Annapolis Rd @ Whitworth Way
• Old Frederick Rd @ Marriotts Ridge High School
• Rogers Ave @ Patapsco Valley Dr
• Stevens Forest Rd @ Stevens Forest Elementary School
• Whiskey Bottom Rd @ Phillips School

Can you contest a camera speeding violation in Maryland?

Yes. Even sophisticated camera technology may be invalid. The camera equipment may not be properly calibrated. The images may not fully show your car. The speed on the ticket can still be inaccurate.

Schools, residences, and construction sites should have signs that indicate the proper speed limits. If these signs are missing, not visible, or not placed near the school or other targeted locations; you may be able to contest the validity of the citation.

In order to contest a camera speeding ticket, you should speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Attorney Drew Cochran understands what legal, technical, and factual defenses you can assert. In order to contest the citation, you (or with Drew’s help) will need to formally request a hearing by following the directions on the citation. Generally, you must request a hearing within 30 days from the date of the citation (not from the date you receive the citation).

Even if the ticket is accurate, you may be able to assert other defenses, including:

• There may be procedural flaws, such as the citation does not include the correct relevant information, or you did not receive the ticket in a timely manner.
• There may be witnesses who can support your claim that you were traveling slower than the speed listed on the citation.
• There may be legitimate reasons for speeding, such as to avoid an emergency situation or a medical emergency.
• You can show that you were not in the designated area at the time of the violation.

Registered vehicle owners who fail to pay the fine or successfully contest the citation can be charged additional fines and fees. The local court can also summon you to court to explain your failure to respond to the citation. In addition to being unable to renew your registration, car owners may lose their ability to legally operate their vehicle because of registration holds and other court penalties.

Call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. Maryland criminal defense attorney Drew Cochran aggressively defends speeding tickets and other criminal charges.

“And remember — Keep Calm, and Call Drew.”