Fight Traffic Camera Tickets: Maryland's Laws And Your Rights

If you've received a traffic camera ticket in Maryland, you may be wondering if it's worth contesting it. The decision to contest a ticket can depend on several factors, including the validity of the evidence, the accuracy of the camera, and your driving record. In this paragraph, we will explore the considerations for contesting a traffic camera ticket in Maryland and provide an overview of the process and potential outcomes.

Contesting a ticket without going to court

If you want to contest a traffic ticket in Maryland without going to court, you may be able to do so under certain circumstances. While the rules of procedure in traffic court in Maryland do not explicitly state whether an individual can fight a traffic ticket without appearing in court, there may be some flexibility if you have a valid reason for your absence, such as a health emergency or other urgent situations. In such cases, you may be able to employ the services of a legal representative, and the court will decide whether to accept your absence.

However, it's important to note that contesting a ticket typically requires a court appearance. If you receive a payable traffic ticket, you usually have the option to pay the fine and plead guilty without going to court. But if you want to contest the ticket, you will generally need to request a trial or a waiver hearing, which requires your presence in court.

If you have a valid reason for not being able to appear in court, here are some steps you can take to contest the ticket:

• Contact the ticketing agency: You can try calling the agency that issued the ticket and speaking to a representative. They may be able to review the footage or evidence and determine if there was a mistake.
• Provide evidence: If you have clear evidence that the ticket is incorrect, such as photos or videos showing that the vehicle or license plate doesn't match yours, you can submit this evidence along with an explanation.
• Contact the media: If you feel your case has been unfairly handled, you can try contacting local media outlets or reporters, as they may be able to bring attention to the issue and prompt a response from the authorities.
• Seek legal advice: Consider consulting a traffic ticket lawyer or attorney who can guide you through the process and advise you on your options. They may be able to represent you in court or help you explore alternative dispute resolution methods.

Remember, the information provided here is general in nature and may not cover all specific scenarios. It's always advisable to review the details of your traffic ticket, understand your rights, and make informed decisions based on your particular circumstances.

Reasons to contest a ticket

While receiving a traffic ticket in Maryland can be frustrating, it's important to know that you have the right to contest it. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider fighting your ticket instead of simply paying the fine:

• Exercise Your Right to Due Process: Contesting a ticket allows you to present your case in court and challenge the accuracy of the evidence presented against you. You can scrutinize procedural errors or mistakes in ticket issuance, and in some cases, tickets may be dismissed due to these procedural flaws.
• Challenge the Accuracy of Speed Cameras: Speed cameras, like any technology, can make mistakes. Calibration issues or technical problems may result in erroneous speed recordings. By contesting the ticket, you can request maintenance and calibration records to verify if the camera was functioning correctly.
• Signage Issues: For speed camera tickets to be valid, proper signage must be in place to inform drivers of speed limits and the presence of cameras. If the signs were missing, obscured, or placed incorrectly, you have grounds to contest the ticket. Ensuring compliance with legal standards for signage is crucial.
• Avoid Fines and Insurance Increases: While speed camera tickets in Maryland don't add points to your driving record, accumulating multiple tickets can still impact your insurance rates. Contesting the ticket can help you avoid fines and prevent a potential increase in your insurance premiums.
• Maintain a Clean Driving Record: Even though speed camera tickets don't add points to your license, maintaining a clean driving record is important. Contesting the ticket helps you avoid any negative marks, preserving your driving history and potentially avoiding future complications.
• Incorrect Vehicle Identification: In some cases, the camera may capture the wrong vehicle. If you have evidence that you were not driving the vehicle in question or were not in the area at the time of the violation, you can gather proof to support this claim and contest the ticket.
• Procedural Errors: Errors in the citation, such as incorrect information or improper issuance practices, may provide a basis for contesting the ticket. Review your citation carefully and identify any inconsistencies or inaccuracies.

Steps to take when contesting a ticket

If you receive a traffic ticket in Maryland, you have the option to either accept the charges or reject them. If you choose to contest the ticket, here are the steps you can take:

Review Your Options:

Payable traffic tickets can usually be resolved by paying a fine, while non-payable tickets require a mandatory court appearance. If you decide to fight the ticket, you will need to enter a not-guilty plea.

Gather Evidence:

Collect any evidence that supports your case, such as photographs of the location, maintenance records of the speed camera, or statements from witnesses. This evidence will be crucial in presenting your defence.

Request a Hearing:

Check the "Request a Trial" box on the ticket, sign, and date it. You will typically need to mail the ticket to the District Court Traffic Processing Center within a specified timeframe, often within 30 days of receiving the citation.

Prepare Your Case:

You may choose to hire a lawyer to represent you or appear in court yourself. Organise any witnesses and supporting evidence, and prepare a clear and concise presentation of your arguments.

Attend the Hearing:

At the hearing, the issuing officer will testify, and you will have the opportunity to present your side of the case. The judge will review the evidence and arguments from both sides before making a decision.

Appeal if Necessary:

If you are found guilty, you have the right to appeal the decision within 30 days of the trial date. Keep in mind that there are non-refundable court costs associated with filing an appeal.

It is important to carefully consider your options and gather as much information as possible when contesting a ticket in Maryland. The process may require time and resources, but it can be worthwhile to exercise your rights and challenge the evidence presented against you.

Evidence to support your case

When contesting a traffic camera ticket in Maryland, it is important to gather solid evidence to support your case and increase your chances of a favourable outcome. Here are some key strategies to build a strong defence:

• Challenge the accuracy of the speed camera: Request maintenance and calibration records to verify if the camera was functioning correctly at the time of the alleged violation. Speed cameras, like any technology, can produce inaccurate results due to calibration issues or technical glitches. Obtaining the camera's records can help identify any discrepancies.
• Address signage issues: Ensure that all signage related to speed limits and camera notifications comply with legal standards. Check if the signs were clearly visible, properly placed, and not obscured or missing. Take photographs of the current signage configuration to support your argument.
• Prove mistaken identity: If you believe the camera captured the wrong vehicle, gather evidence to disprove your presence at the location during the time of the violation. This may include providing alibis, such as statements from employers or medical professionals, or demonstrating that your vehicle does not match the make and model shown in the camera footage.
• Highlight procedural errors: Scrutinise the citation for any procedural flaws, such as incorrect information or improper issuance practices. Even minor errors on the ticket or in the issuance process can lead to the dismissal of the ticket.
• Collect supporting documentation: Gather all relevant documents, including the ticket, vehicle registration, and any related correspondence. This documentation can provide crucial details and help strengthen your case.
• Obtain witness statements: Reach out to passengers or witnesses who can provide testimonies supporting your version of events. Their statements can offer additional perspectives and corroborate your defence.
• Present photographic evidence: Take photographs of the area where the violation allegedly occurred. These photos can be compared with the camera footage to identify any inconsistencies or factors that may have impacted the accuracy of the speed reading.

By following these steps and gathering robust evidence, you can effectively challenge the validity of the traffic camera ticket and protect your rights as a driver. Remember to act promptly and request a hearing within the specified timeframe to avoid additional penalties or fees.

Consequences of ignoring a ticket

Ignoring a speeding ticket in Maryland can have several negative consequences and is not advisable. Here are some reasons why you should address a ticket promptly:

• Accumulation of Additional Penalties: The initial fine for a speeding ticket in Maryland is typically $40. However, if you ignore the ticket, additional fees and penalties may be added to the original fine, significantly increasing the amount you owe. Late fees can also accumulate over time, making it more costly to settle the violation later on.
• Legal Action: Failing to respond to a speeding ticket can lead to legal consequences. You may receive a court summons requiring your appearance in court to address the violation. Ignoring a court summons can result in a default judgment, meaning you will be automatically found guilty, and the fines and penalties will stand.
• Impact on Vehicle Registration and Driving Privileges: The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) may place a hold on your vehicle registration if you have unpaid speeding tickets. This prevents you from renewing your registration until the fines are settled. In some cases, failure to pay speeding fines can even result in the suspension of your driver's license, affecting your ability to drive legally.
• Financial and Credit Implications: Unpaid speeding fines may be turned over to a collection agency, leading to persistent collection efforts and additional fees. Unpaid fines that go to collections can also negatively impact your credit score, affecting your ability to obtain loans, credit cards, and other financial services.
• Suspension of Driving Privileges and Vehicle Registration: If you do not pay the fine or request a hearing, your driving privileges and/or vehicle registration may be suspended. This can happen even if the warning letter from the MVA is sent to the wrong address or goes unnoticed.
• Arrest Warrant: In some cases, failing to pay your traffic ticket by the due date could lead to a warrant for your arrest.

It is important to understand the potential consequences of ignoring a speeding ticket in Maryland to make an informed decision. While it may seem inconvenient or costly to address the ticket, the repercussions of inaction can be more severe and impact your finances, legal standing, and driving privileges.

Frequently asked questions