Maryland Camera Tickets: Payment Methods And Procedures

If you've been caught speeding by a camera in Maryland, you don't have to panic. You have a few options for how to proceed. You can pay the fine, which is an admission of guilt, or you can request a hearing. You can pay online, by mail, by phone, or in person. If you want to contest the ticket, you'll need to provide evidence that you were not the driver or that there was an error with the citation.

How to pay a camera ticket in Maryland online

If you have received a camera ticket in Maryland, you have several options for how to respond. Firstly, it is important to note that you must respond within 30 days of receiving the citation.

You can pay the fine and plead guilty. This can be done online at the Online Payment Website, at your nearest District Court, or by using the Maryland Uniform Traffic Citation Payment Kiosk at your local Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. There is a non-refundable convenience fee for online payments. Credit card payments made in person at a District Court will also incur a service charge.

Alternatively, you can request to enter into a payment plan if you have at least $150 in total outstanding fines. To do this, check "request a Payment Plan" on the ticket, sign and date it, and mail it to the address shown.

You can also request a waiver hearing to plead "guilty with an explanation". To do this, check the "Request a Waiver Hearing" box on the ticket, sign and date it, and mail it to the District Court Traffic Processing Center at P.O. Box 6676 Annapolis, MD 21401.

Finally, you can request a trial to plead "not guilty". Check the "Request a Trial" box on the ticket, sign and date it, and mail it to the same address as above.

If you do not respond within 30 days, the Motor Vehicle Administration will be notified and may suspend your driver's license. Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense.

Paying by mail

If you are paying a camera ticket by mail in Maryland, you will need to send a check or money order made payable to the relevant authority. This will either be Montgomery County, MD, or the District Court of MD, depending on the type of violation and the county in which it occurred.

For a safe speed camera ticket or a red light camera ticket in Montgomery County, make your payment out to Montgomery County, MD. Write the citation number and license plate number on your check or money order to ensure proper credit. Send your payment to:

> Automated Traffic Enforcement

> P.O. Box 10549

> Rockville, Maryland 20849

Do not send cash. If your check is returned, it will be subject to electronic redeposit for the face amount and a fee of $35.00.

For other types of camera tickets in Maryland, such as those for running a red light or failing to stop for a school bus, you may also have the option to pay by mail. Send a check or money order for the amount of the fine to:

> District Court of MD

> PO Box 6676

> Annapolis, MD 21401

Again, write the citation number and license plate number on your payment, and do not send cash.

Paying in person

If you receive a payable traffic ticket in Maryland, you have the option to pay in person. To do this, you must take action within 30 days of receiving the ticket by following these steps:

Option A: Pay the Fine and Plead Guilty

• Locate your nearest local District Court or Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office.
• Visit the office in person and pay the full fine, which is an admission of guilt.
• Be prepared to provide your citation number to expedite the process.
• Note that if you choose to pay with a credit card, a service charge will be added to your fine.

Option B: Request a Payment Plan

• Check the "Request a Payment Plan" box on the ticket for each violation where a payment plan is requested.
• Sign and date the ticket at the bottom.
• Mail the form within 30 days to the address shown on the ticket as soon as possible.
• Keep in mind that this option is available if you have at least $150 in total outstanding fines and meet the qualifications for a payment plan.

Option C: Request a Waiver Hearing to Plead "Guilty with an Explanation"

• Check the "Request a Waiver Hearing" box on the ticket.
• Sign and date the ticket.
• Mail the ticket to the District Court Traffic Processing Center at the following address:

District Court Traffic Processing Center

P.O. Box 6676

Annapolis, MD 21401

During the waiver hearing, you can request the judge to reduce or waive your fine or grant you probation instead of a conviction.

Option D: Request a Trial to Plead "Not Guilty"

• Check the "Request a Trial" box on the ticket.
• Sign and date the ticket.
• Mail the ticket to the District Court Traffic Processing Center at the following address:

District Court Traffic Processing Center

P.O. Box 6676

Annapolis, MD 21401

It may take several weeks to receive a trial date, and you will need to appear in person on that date.

Payment plans

If you receive a payable traffic ticket in Maryland, you have four options: pay the full fine and plead guilty, request a payment plan, ask for a waiver hearing, or request a trial. Here is some detailed information about payment plans:

Eligibility

To be eligible for a payment plan, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must owe at least $150 in outstanding traffic fines to the District Court of Maryland.
• You must agree to make monthly payments of 10% of the total fine amount.
• You must inform the clerk if you change your address during the term of the payment plan.

How to Apply

• Complete the request form: Request for Traffic Violation(s) Payment Plan (DCA-131) form. You can obtain this form from a District Court clerk or online at: mdcourts.gov/district/forms. Include the citation number, court date, and fine amount for each offence for which you are requesting a payment plan. Read the notices on the request form, then sign it, acknowledging that you understand and agree to the terms.
• File the request: File the Request for Traffic Violation(s) Payment Plan for District Court cases in District Court. You can find District Court locations at mdcourts.gov/district/directories/courtmap.
• Receive notification: The clerk will notify you if your request is approved or denied, based on whether your outstanding fines total at least $150.
• Make payments: Your first payment is due 30 days after the clerk approves your request, and then once a month for the following nine months on the date noted in the agreement. You can make payments in person or by mail to the court address where your plan was approved. Payments can also be accepted at any District Court location. Payments cannot be made online, on the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system, or at MVA kiosks.

Please note that red light, speed monitoring, work zone, vehicle height, school bus camera, toll, and parking citations are not eligible for payment plans. Parking citations issued on a statewide DR 49 Traffic Citation are eligible.

Contesting a ticket

If you receive a camera ticket in Maryland, you have the option to contest it. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to do that effectively:

Check the Ticket for Inaccuracies:

First, carefully review the ticket for any inaccuracies or mistakes. Verify the date, time, and location of the violation, as well as the photo evidence to ensure that the vehicle in question is, in fact, yours. Any discrepancies on the ticket may serve as grounds for dismissal.

Decide to Contest:

If you choose to contest the ticket, you must actively decide to take that course of action. This usually involves submitting a request for a hearing or trial, which can often be done by mail, online, or by phone. Be sure to make this request within the specified timeframe, which is typically within 30 days of receiving the citation.

Gather Evidence:

Start building your case by collecting relevant evidence. This may include photographs of the location where the violation occurred, maintenance records of the speed camera, and statements from passengers or witnesses who can support your version of events. The more evidence you have to support your claim, the stronger your case will be.

Prepare Your Defense:

Familiarize yourself with Maryland traffic laws, especially those pertaining to your specific violation. Consult with an attorney who specializes in traffic violations, as they can provide valuable guidance and improve your chances of a successful outcome. Prepare any written statements and practice presenting your arguments clearly and concisely.

Understand the Hearing Process:

During the hearing, the judge will examine the evidence presented by both you and the prosecution. They may ask questions to clarify any points, so be prepared to provide additional information or context if needed. After reviewing all the evidence, the judge will make a decision to either uphold the ticket, reduce the fine, or dismiss the ticket entirely.

Be Mindful of Consequences:

It is important to understand the potential consequences of contesting a camera ticket in Maryland. If you are unsuccessful, you may be required to pay the fine and any associated court costs. Additionally, you may face points on your driving record, which could lead to increased insurance premiums. In some cases, ignoring the ticket or failing to pay the fine may result in the suspension of your driver's license.

Know Your Rights:

Remember that you have the right to contest a camera ticket and challenge the validity of the evidence presented against you. Speed cameras, like any technology, can produce errors due to calibration issues or technical problems. By understanding your rights and the possible defenses available, you can make an informed decision about how to navigate the ticket.

Frequently asked questions