Baltimore Camera Tickets: Points And Insurance Surcharges?

Baltimore's speed and red-light camera system has been a source of controversy for years, with the previous system discontinued in 2013 due to erroneous tickets. The new network of cameras, launched in February, aims to improve road safety, particularly in school zones, by reducing speeding and red-light running. While these cameras can result in tickets with fines, they do not carry points or insurance surcharges. This is because they are considered civil violations, and insurance providers are not notified. However, failure to respond to a ticket can lead to additional penalties. Vehicle owners can contest tickets in court and may be presented with photo and video evidence of the violation.

Baltimore's speed cameras are installed in school zones and accident-prone areas

The placement of speed cameras in school zones is strategic, targeting areas where traffic data and citizen complaints indicate a speeding problem. Notably, these cameras operate during the school year and summer months, from Monday to Friday, 6 am to 8 pm, to ensure motorists adhere to speed limits even when schools are not in session.

In addition to school zones, speed cameras are also installed in accident-prone areas. The Baltimore City Department of Transportation (BCDOT) implements the Automated Traffic Violation Enforcement System (ATVES) to improve road safety. Through ATVES, BCDOT evaluates traffic accidents, violations, and vehicle volume to identify locations that would benefit from traffic cameras. This proactive approach aims to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities, making Baltimore's roads safer for all users.

The installation of speed cameras in Baltimore is a well-thought-out process, taking into account the needs and concerns of residents. By focusing on school zones and accident-prone areas, these cameras effectively deter speeding and encourage safer driving habits. This initiative is further strengthened by the collaboration between the BCoPD and BCDOT, ensuring that Baltimore's roads are safer and that motorists adhere to speed limits, particularly in areas where vulnerable road users, such as children and pedestrians, are present.

Tickets from speed cameras don't result in points against your license

Baltimore County uses speed cameras to encourage motorists to slow down in school zones and other areas where speeding is a problem. The Safe Speed Automated Enforcement Program was authorized by the Maryland General Assembly under Maryland Transportation Article 21-809, and Baltimore County Council passed legislation authorizing the use of speed cameras in 2009.

The use of speed cameras is a contentious issue, with some residents arguing that they are an invasion of privacy and an unfair way to generate revenue for the city. However, supporters of the program argue that speed cameras enhance public safety and are an effective tool for slowing down motorists, especially in areas where children are present.

While speed cameras may be seen as a nuisance by some, it's important to note that tickets from speed cameras in Baltimore do not result in points against your license. These citations are considered civil violations, and vehicle insurance providers are not notified. The fine for a speed camera violation is typically $40, and failure to respond to the ticket can result in additional fees and penalties.

In Baltimore, speed camera citations can be contested in Maryland District Court. Vehicle owners have the right to appeal and request a review of their citation if they believe it was issued in error. If you were not the driver at the time of the violation, you must provide a signed affidavit and corroborating evidence to contest the ticket.

It's worth noting that while speed camera tickets don't carry license points, other types of traffic violations, such as speeding tickets issued by police officers, may result in points and affect your insurance rates. These "payable" or "must appear" violations can have more serious consequences and may require a court appearance.

Insurance companies are not notified of speed camera tickets

In Baltimore, speed camera tickets are treated as civil violations, and as such, no points are assigned to your license. This also means that vehicle insurance providers are not notified of speed camera citations. The only consequence of a speeding ticket from a speed camera is the fine you'll need to pay.

Speed cameras in Baltimore are installed and used to encourage motorists to slow down in school zones and other community safety zones where traffic data and citizen complaints show that speeding is a problem. These cameras are an effective tool to enhance public safety, especially for children.

When a speed camera is triggered, a ticket is issued to the registered owner of the car based on the license plate in the photo. Because there is no way for the camera to capture an image of the specific driver at the time of the incident, the offense goes against the plate of the car rather than the person driving it. Since the ticket is not issued to a specific driver, the offense cannot be reflected on any individual's record, and therefore, it cannot impact insurance premiums.

This is in contrast to traditional speeding tickets issued by a police officer, where the ticket is given to the driver, and the offense is reflected on their record, potentially impacting their insurance.

You can contest a ticket in court and present mitigating information

If you've received a ticket from a speed or red light camera in Baltimore, you may be wondering if there will be any points or insurance surcharge consequences. The good news is that these types of tickets are considered civil violations in Maryland, so you won't receive any license points and your insurance provider will not be notified. Each ticket will come with a fine, which is $40 for speed camera violations and $75 for red light camera violations. However, you do have the option to contest the ticket in court if you believe it was issued in error or if you were not the driver at the time of the violation.

Contesting a Ticket in Court:

When it comes to contesting a ticket in court, you have a few options to consider:

• Request a waiver hearing: In a waiver hearing, you admit guilt but explain the circumstances that led to your ticket to a judge. The judge can then decide to reduce your fine or grant probation before judgment, which keeps the ticket off your driving record. This option still requires you to pay the fine and associated court fees.
• Request a trial: Requesting a trial means pleading "not guilty" to the traffic violation. The state will then have to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the judge finds you not guilty, the ticket will be dismissed. If found guilty, you will proceed to sentencing, just as you would with a waiver hearing.
• Hire a traffic violation defense lawyer: Fighting a ticket with the help of a lawyer is your best chance to avoid points against your license, steep fines, and increased insurance rates. They can guide you through the process and ensure you make informed choices.

Presenting Mitigating Information:

When you contest a ticket in court, whether through a waiver hearing or a trial, you will have the opportunity to present any information that challenges or mitigates the violation. This could include explaining the circumstances that led to the violation, providing evidence, or presenting witnesses' testimony. The court will also present their evidence, which includes photographs or videos of the violation. After reviewing all the evidence, the court will make a decision.

It's important to act promptly when dealing with a ticket, as you typically have only 30 days to decide how to respond. If you fail to respond within the given timeframe, additional fees and penalties may apply, and your driver's license could be suspended.

Failing to respond to a ticket may result in additional penalties

• Pay the full fine and plead guilty
• Request to enter into a payment plan
• Ask for a waiver hearing to plead "guilty with an explanation"
• Ask for a trial to plead "not guilty"

If you do not respond within 30 days to one of the four options, the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will be notified and may take action to suspend your license. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense for which you could be incarcerated.

If you contest your ticket in court, you will be presented with photographs of the violation. You will have the opportunity to present any information that challenges or mitigates the violation, just as you would for a speeding ticket issued by a police officer. After reviewing all of the evidence, the court will make a decision.

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