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Maryland Traffic Tickets Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Insurance Defense for Maryland on
Q: Is citation TA-21-405(e(21)) correct and how will it impact insurance?

I received a citation from a Maryland State Police officer for failure to make a lane change, with citation number TA-21-405(e(21)). I can't find this specific citation in the Maryland code. During the incident, traffic was very heavy, and a convoy of trucks prevented me from safely moving... View More

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on May 10, 2025

This is a moving violation. I believe it is 1 point unless it was an accident in which case it is 3 points. You should request a trial and not a waiver hearing and go to court. If the officer does not appear, you will be acquitted. If the officer is present, you can decide whether to have a trial... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Insurance Defense for Maryland on
Q: Is citation TA-21-405(e(21)) correct and how will it impact insurance?

I received a citation from a Maryland State Police officer for failure to make a lane change, with citation number TA-21-405(e(21)). I can't find this specific citation in the Maryland code. During the incident, traffic was very heavy, and a convoy of trucks prevented me from safely moving... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on May 11, 2025

This is a 3 point offense. Requests a trial, not a waiver hearing.

The correct citation is Transportation Code, Section 21-405(e)(2)(i):

(e)

(1) This subsection applies to a stopped, standing, or parked vehicle that is:

(i) 1. On a highway;

2. Using a visual...
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2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Civil Rights for Maryland on
Q: Do I need to hand over my driver's license during a traffic stop in Maryland?

If I am pulled over in Maryland by the police, do I have to physically hand over my driver's license, or can I simply display it through the car window?

Lee Eidelberg
Lee Eidelberg
answered on May 5, 2025

The real question is why, provided there was an articulable basis for conducting the stop, you would be hesitant to provide the license? Regardless, the police take physical custody of your license to run your information through their on board computer to verify your identity, determine your... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Maryland on
Q: Can I contest a speeding ticket given without radar?

I received a speeding ticket while driving a tractor-trailer. The officer passed me, turned around, and pulled me over at a stop light, claiming I was speeding without using radar. I had a passenger with me, and there were no other traffic violations or previous offenses. Can I contest the ticket... View More

Lee Eidelberg
Lee Eidelberg
answered on Apr 28, 2025

Yes, you have the right to plead not guilty and contest the citation. However, if the Officer testifies that he conducted a "pace" of your vehicle for a specified distance and that his vehicle's speedometer was properly calibrated and found to be accurate prior to his measuring your... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Maryland on
Q: Am I at fault for turning right on a red light without signs prohibiting or requiring a stop?

I received a traffic ticket for allegedly violating Maryland State Law Transportation Article Section 21-202.1 by making a right turn at a red light without stopping. The intersection at New Hampshire Ave and Holton Ln did not have any signs prohibiting turns on red or requiring a stop before... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Mar 26, 2025

Yes, you are at fault. ALL red lights require a full stop, even those where by law you are allowed to make a right turn. The right turn is allowed after you stop. You were treating a right turn on a red light as if you had a green right turn arrow. That isn't the law.

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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Maryland on
Q: Is it legal to drive with historical tags on weekends in MD?

I'm in Baltimore County and considering historical tags for my 2001 Chevy Cavalier. Is it legal to drive the car on weekends for activities like grocery shopping and commuting to my part-time job if I'm the only person in the car? I want to ensure I follow the laws and avoid any violations.

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Feb 26, 2025

Historic vehicles cannot be used for general transportation or to transport passengers or property on highways. They cannot be used to go to work or school. They can only be used in exhibitions, club activities, parades, yours, occasional transportation, and other similar uses. Thus, you cannot use... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Municipal Law for Maryland on
Q: What is the law regarding someone parking in front of your mailbox and blocking it for days at a time ?
Lee Eidelberg
Lee Eidelberg
answered on Jan 23, 2025

It depends where you live, particularly if the mailbox is located on your personal property. I suggest you call your local police precinct to report the incident - if there is an applicable law, an Officer can issue a Citation, but that doesn't necessarily mean the car will be moved.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Traffic Tickets for Maryland on
Q: In maryland if you were driving a moped without a license and your on probation is it a technical or non technical vop

Apparently I have to reward this question. The only answer I got was from someone who apparently does not know Maryland state law or not enough to know to answer the question. So I ask anyone who Answers. this question to actually be versed. In Maryland state traffic laws, Maryland code... View More

Lee Eidelberg
Lee Eidelberg
answered on Dec 3, 2024

a Moped is a motor vehicle in Maryland and the operator must be licensed. A motor vehicle violation, if one is convicted, may trigger a violation of probation, but that depends on the terms of the probation order. You would be best to consult with a qualified traffic attorney who can evaluate the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Maryland on
Q: Can we fight a citation for Failure to attach vehicle registration plates at front and rear?

My son’s license plate holder was broken so we had to put the plate in the front window. He was stopped and issued a citation “Failure to attach vehicle registration plates at front and rear”. This is incorrect because his rear license plate was attached correctly. Can we take this to trial?... View More

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Sep 5, 2024

Maryland law requires plates be attached to both the front and back. Therefore, he did violate the statute.

However, he can request a trial and go to court. If the police officer does not appear, he will be acquitted. Even if the police officer is there, the judge may reduce the fine if he...
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1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Traffic Tickets for Maryland on
Q: How long of a delay does a traffic stop add to your overall time to get a License In Maryland?

So I went in today to renew my Provisional Driver License to a Regular Driver License due to me being 21 now and my Providional Driver License being expired. They renewed it for me and when I got back home and looked at the paper, it says that they renewed my Provisionals DL for an additional 6... View More

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Aug 24, 2024

You should get a certified copy of your driving record and probation before judgment record. It will show all convictions and PBJ's. Only moving violations should reset the provisional license. If you have no moving violations, go back to the MVA and speak with a supervisor.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Maryland on
Q: My daughter received a camera citation for not completely stopping before making a right turn. She was not the driver; I

was the driver; now the traffic police is asking her to snitch on a transfer of liability ; is there a law in MD that re butts this transfer of liability " snitching?"

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Aug 22, 2024

The Maryland statute states that it is a defense to a camera ticket that you were not the driver, but that you then need to identify the driver. See Md. Ann. Code, Trans. Art., Sec. 21-202.1.

The ticket only carries a $75.00 fine and does not carry points.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets, Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for Maryland on
Q: under transportation article 26- 302

under M.D., transportation article 26- 302 if my tags are not on my car but park in front of my house can the officer toe my vehicle?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 3, 2024

Under Maryland's transportation article 26-302, if your car is parked in front of your house without tags, an officer can tow it. The law allows for towing of vehicles that are not properly registered or do not display valid license plates, even if they are parked on a public street.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Car Accidents for Maryland on
Q: I had citation # TA-21-707(a). I couldn't stop at a red light because it was raining and the asphalt was wet, and as a

My car is SEMI TRUCK. commercial vehicle. Driver licenses located VA. Accident location MD HARFORD COUNTY

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Mar 10, 2024

You should request a trial and not a waiver hearing and go to court. If the police officer does not appear, you will be acquitted. If the police officer appears, you can have a trial. If you are convicted, the judge can offer probation before judgment which avoids the points. Note that a PBJ counts... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI and Traffic Tickets for Maryland on
Q: I am over seas for the DOD and my Drivers license has expired. I have a mark on my license due to DUI. What can I do?

My Drivers license is from Maryland. The DMV said I need an Ignition Interlock Device for 1 year in the US to have it taken off my license. I haven’t lived in the US for about 5 years, due to my work.

Is there anything I can do to get it removed so I can get my license again. It’s been... View More

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Feb 28, 2024

You would need to discuss with your lawyer the reason the ignition interlock is required. If it was ordered by a judge or you blew .08 or above or refused a breathalyzer test, then you must do the interlock. There are no exceptions.

If the Medical Advisory Board has ordered the interlock...
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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Maryland on
Q: can I get my speeding ticket thrown out if the officer wrote the ticket to my old license.

My provisional license has a different identifier number to my drivers license. So in theory can the ticket get thrown out if the officer recorded my license number incorrectly.

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Feb 21, 2024

No, this is not a defense to the charge. However, I would still recommend that you request a trial and not a waiver hearing. Sometimes the police officer does not appear. Even if the police officer does appear and you are convicted, the judge can offer probation before judgment which avoids the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Maryland on
Q: Can another state site me for an vehicle equipment violation that is not a violation in the state I live in?

Example - driving a car from Florida, where it has legal but dark tint, through a state like PA, where no addition tint is aloud.

Would it make a difference if your driving on an interstate highway? vs. local roads?

PA laws are typically written. No vehicle shall operate... or no... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Feb 7, 2024

Unless Pennsylvania has adopted a policy not to issue citations to out-of-state registered vehicles with legal equipment that would be illegal in PA, then you may have to fight it all the way to the US Supeme Court, and test the application of the law to you under the Equal Protection Clause, the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Maryland on
Q: I parked my car in a legal area, I woke up in the morning to a citation left at 4:00 AM on my windshield for $100

Violation as listed: “Not displaying attached front and/ or rear tag”. Although the officer listed in the notes: “Front plate not attached on public roadway. photo taken”. I keep my front tag in my windshield but last night When it was cleaning before entering the house, i placed it in my... View More

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Nov 29, 2023

Maryland law requires that you affix tags to the front and back of your vehicle. You can request a timely request for a trial and request that the officer that issued the ticket be present. If they fail to appear, you should win. If you are convicted, the judge may cut you a break.

You...
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2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Maryland on
Q: I parked my car in a legal area, I woke up in the morning to a citation left at 4:00 AM on my windshield for $100

Violation as listed: “Not displaying attached front and/ or rear tag”. Although the officer listed in the notes: “Front plate not attached on public roadway. photo taken”. I keep my front tag in my windshield but last night When it was cleaning before entering the house, i placed it in my... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Nov 29, 2023

I agree with Mr. Scherr. Either pay the ticket as written, or request a trial (not a waiver hearing; that's the same as pleading guilty, athough you can still request a reduction of the fine). Paying the fine results in a conviction of the offense, which will appear on your driving record.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI, Traffic Tickets and Criminal Law for Maryland on
Q: On probation for 2nd DUI, caught driving on revoked license, should I hire a lawyer?

I am currently on probation for a second DUI, and my license has been revoked and suspended. I've been caught driving on a revoked license three times. The first instance resulted in a probation violation and postponement; the second also led to a postponement. For the third violation in... View More

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on May 5, 2025

You need a lawyer. Either retain private counsel or go to the Public Defender. You are looking at jail time for the new charge as well as the probation violation.

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2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Maryland on
Q: Received a $250 school bus safety ticket; video proves it's false. How to contest?

I received a $250 ticket for school bus safety violations at Dogwood Elementary in Lanham, MD. I can prove through video evidence that the ticket was falsely generated, as it shows the bus was parked and the video reflects what actually happened. I haven't responded to the ticket yet. What... View More

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Apr 9, 2025

Follow the instructions to request a trial and go to court and fight the ticket. There is a time deadline to request a trial. You can appear in court to contest the ticket.

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