Caught by a Red-Light Camera in Maryland? Here’s What You Need to Know

You’re driving through an intersection in Towson or Glen Burnie, maybe just trying to beat the yellow. A few days later, you get something in the mail: a red-light camera citation. Just like that, you’re staring at a $75 fine and wondering what your options are.

Red-light cameras aren’t new in Maryland, but over the years, they’ve become more common and more controversial. If you’ve been ticketed by one, you probably have questions. Are these things even legal? Can you fight it? Will it go on your driving record?

Let’s walk through what Maryland law actually says about red-light camera violations and what you can do if you’re one of the unlucky ones caught on camera.

What are red-light cameras, and how do they work?

Red-light cameras are automated enforcement tools placed at intersections where accidents caused by drivers running red lights are common. They’re connected to traffic signals and activated by sensors in the road surface.

Here’s what happens:

• The light turns red.
• A sensor triggers if a vehicle enters the intersection after the light turns red.
• A high-resolution camera snaps two or more images of the vehicle.
• Some systems also capture a short video clip.
• If a violation appears to have occurred, the footage is reviewed by a law enforcement officer.
• A citation is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.

It sounds straightforward, but real-world situations often aren’t. That’s where legal help can make a difference.

Are red-light cameras legal in Maryland?

Yes. Under Maryland Transportation Code §21–202.1, jurisdictions are allowed to use red-light cameras to issue civil citations for running a red light.

Here’s what the law allows:

• A fine of up to $75 for each violation
• No points added to your license
• No impact on your insurance
• Citations issued to the registered owner, not necessarily the driver
• Right to request a court hearing to challenge the citation

Baltimore County, for example, has red-light cameras at intersections all over Towson, White Marsh, and Parkville. You’ll find them on busy roads like Pulaski Highway, Liberty Road, and York Road.

You can view an updated list of locations on the Baltimore County Police Department’s Traffic Camera page, which is worth checking if you’re trying to figure out where you got nailed.

How do you know you’ve been cited?

The citation usually arrives in the mail within two weeks of the alleged violation. It’ll include:

• The date, time, and location of the incident
• Color photos of your vehicle in the intersection
• The amount due and the due date
• Instructions for paying or requesting a hearing

If you ignore the citation, the fine can increase, and your ability to renew your vehicle registration may be blocked.

What are your options if you receive a red-light camera ticket?

You’ve got a few choices:

1. Pay the fine

If you know you were in the wrong and don’t want to fight it, you can pay the $75 online, by mail, or in person. This doesn’t go on your driving record, and your insurance company won’t typically find out. However, by paying, you waive your right to contest it.

2. Request a court hearing

You have the right to request a court hearing. This is where a Maryland traffic ticket lawyer like me can step in. We can review the evidence, look for weaknesses, and argue your side before a judge.

3. Submit a written defense

Some jurisdictions allow you to submit a written explanation instead of appearing in person. While this may sound convenient, it’s rarely as effective as showing up with an attorney who knows how to challenge the system.

Can you beat a red-light camera ticket?

Yes, but it depends on the circumstances. These cameras are not infallible. There are multiple angles to challenge, including:

You weren’t the driver

Maryland law allows the registered owner to be ticketed, even if they weren’t behind the wheel. But if someone else was driving your car, you may be able to submit a sworn affidavit identifying them and have the citation reassigned.

The light was yellow, or the stop line was unclear

If the photos or video don’t clearly show that the light was red when you entered the intersection or if the stop line was poorly marked, we can argue the violation wasn’t valid.

You were making a legal right turn on red

This is one of the most common defenses. If you came to a full stop before turning right on red, and the camera only captured the turn, you shouldn’t be penalized. But there’s a catch: if you didn’t fully stop, the citation might stick.

The citation was issued too late

Under Maryland law, the ticket must be mailed within two weeks of the violation. If it wasn’t, the ticket can be thrown out.

The image is too blurry to identify your vehicle

Sometimes the plate is hard to read or the car in the picture isn’t even yours. We’ve seen situations of mistaken identity.

Are red-light camera tickets criminal charges?

No. A red-light camera citation is a civil offense, not a criminal one. That means:

• No jail time
• No points on your license
• No criminal record

However, just because it’s “civil” doesn’t mean it’s harmless. If you let the fine go unpaid, it can affect your credit, result in collections, and prevent you from renewing your registration.

What if you weren’t the driver?

This is a big one. If your kid, roommate, friend, or coworker was driving your car and triggered the red-light camera, you’re still the one who’ll get the citation.

That’s because the law holds the registered owner liable, not the actual driver unless you take action. To dispute liability, you’ll need to:

• Submit a sworn affidavit naming the actual driver
• Provide their full name and address
• Do this before the court date listed on the citation

If you don’t know who was driving, or don’t want to name them, your options are more limited, but we can still explore defenses around signage, timing, or image clarity.

Should you fight a red-light camera ticket?

If $75 is no big deal and you know you ran the light, it might not be worth the trouble.

But if:

• You weren’t the driver
• You’ve got multiple tickets
• The photos/video are unclear
• You have reason to believe the citation is wrong
• You want to protect your clean driving record

Then yes, you should consider fighting it, especially if the citation was issued in error or under questionable circumstances.

Why work with a Maryland traffic lawyer?

Even though red-light camera tickets are civil, they can still be complicated. You only get one shot in court, and once you pay the fine, the case is closed.

A seasoned traffic lawyer can:

• Review the evidence for flaws
• Challenge the accuracy of the photos or sensor data
• Appear in court on your behalf
• Argue for dismissal or reduced penalties
• Help you avoid escalating fines or registration issues

The right path forward

If you’ve been caught on camera, don’t panic. You have rights and options. Whether it’s a simple mistake or a technical error, there may be a way to challenge the ticket and we’re here to help you do it.

At Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law, we know how Maryland’s traffic enforcement system works because we’ve helped drivers just like you beat unfair citations for years.

Contact us today and let’s talk about your red-light camera ticket before it causes bigger problems down the road.