Maryland Speed Limits
Generally:
- Drivers may not operate a vehicle in excess of lawful limits [TR §21-801.1]
- Maximum speed limit on most highways in the State of Maryland is 55 miles per hour. On specially designated highways, the maximum speed limit is 65. [TR 21-801(e)(2)]
- Maximum speed limit for streets, divided highways, business districts, and residential districts is defined by statute [TR 21-801.1(b)]
- Drivers prohibited from willfully operating at a slow speed as to impede normal movement of traffic [TR 21-804(a)]
- Many violations of speed limit are treated as a misdemeanor [TR 27-101]
- Currently, fines for most violations of speed range between $60 to $520, though can be higher based on severity of violation [TR 27-101(b)]
- Fines for excessive speed in a school zone are doubled [TR 21-803.1(d)]
- Citations issued to residents, generally, carry points assessment against driving record [TR 16-402]
- Citations issued to non-residents may be assessed against home state driving record. (Maryland is a member of the Driver License Compact) [TR 16-703]
- Maryland State Police use various methods to detect speed violations including [Art. 88B §3]:
- RADAR (radio detection and ranging)
- VASCAR (visual average speed computer and recorder)
- LASER (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation)
- ASEP (aerial speed enforcement)
- PACING (Certified calibrated speedometer used to match speed of violators vehicle)
- Enforcing agency need only demonstrate proper maintenance of equipment and competent operator to validate violation [CJP 10-301 & 10-304]
Maryland Driving Laws/Info
First Maryland DUI Offense
- Jail – Up to 1 Year
- Jail – Up to 2 Years (If Transporting Minor)
- License Suspension – 6 Months Minimum
- Fine - Up to $1,000
- Fine - Up to $2,000 (If Transporting Minor)
- Jail – Up to 2 Months
- Jail – Up to 6 Months (If Transporting Min or)
- License Suspension – 6 Months Minimum
- Fine - Up to $500
- Fine - Up to $1,000 (If Transporting Minor)
Second Maryland DUI Offense
- Jail – Up to 2 Years
- Jail – Up to 3 Years (If Transporting Minor)
- License Suspension – 1 Year (If Within 5 Years of Previous)
- Ignition Interlock Program Possible (After 45 Days of Suspension)
- Fine - Up to $2,000
- Fine - Up to $3,000 (If Transporting Minor)
- Jail – Up to 1 Year
- License Suspension – 1 Year Minimum
- Fine - Up to $500
- Fine - Up to $2,000 (If Transporting Minor)
Third Maryland DUI Offense
- Jail – Up to 3 Years
- Jail – Up to 4 Years (If Transporting Minor)
- License Suspension – 18 Months Minimum
- Fine - Up to $3,000
- Fine - Up to $4,000 (If Transporting Minor)
MD License Point System:
Demerit Point Schedule
Three to four points over the course of a two-year period will result in the MVA issuing a written caution. The warning is just a friendly heads-up that accruing another infraction will result in more stern measures.
Amass five to seven points in a two-year period and the MVA will insist you sign up for a Points System Conference (PSC) and/or attend a Driver Improvement Program (DIP). The programs are offered by various third-party providers across the state and the fees vary with each.
When you tally eight to 11 points in a two-year time frame, you might start questioning whether you are becoming a detriment to the road. You will have plenty of time to ponder because, at this point, the MVA will suspend your license.
Hitting the high-water mark, or accruing at least 12 points in a two-year period, will result in the MVA sending out a "notice of revocation." You will be asked to relinquish your license to an MVA office and once the revocation period expires you'll have to apply for a new license.
Top Points per Offense
Most moving infractions that do not cause an accident are assessed one point. Maryland has a comprehensive list of offenses and the points attached to them, but here is a quick overview of the most frequent:
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