Alexandria, VA asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes and Traffic Tickets for Maryland

Q: Can speed cameras be used to charge someone with reckless driving in Maryland?

The Maryland government website says there’s a flat fee of $40 for anyone caught by a speed camera driving 12mph or more over the limit. My sister (a VA driver, if that matters) believes she may have been going 25mph over. Completely on accident — was distracted and didn’t realize she’d entered a work zone while on the highway. No incidents prior to this. Could she be charged with reckless driving? Someone told me that only happens if an officer issues you the ticket.

1 Lawyer Answer
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Rockville, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: No. Speed cameras can only issue citations for speed, and in any event, speed alone (unlike in VA and DC and some other states) cannot be he sole basis for charging reckless driving in Maryland. FYI, payment of the fine does not result in points and cannot be considered by an insurance company in setting premiums or deciding whether to issue or cancel an insurance policy.

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