Speed Cameras
Baltimore County uses speed cameras to encourage motorists to slow down in school zones where traffic data and citizen complaints show that speeding is a problem.
The use of speed cameras in Maryland - called the Safe Speed Automated Enforcement Program - was authorized by the Maryland General Assembly under Maryland Transportation Article 21-809. The Baltimore County Council passed legislation, Baltimore County-Bill 61-09, in 2009 authorizing the use of 15 speed cameras in school zones. In 2011, the Baltimore County Council amended this legislation (Bill 1-11 PDF) to allow additional cameras.
Police Chief Jim Johnson supports speed cameras for one reason: Public Safety. Every day, citizens demand safe streets in Baltimore County, especially for the benefit of children. Speed cameras are an effective tool for slowing motorists.
Speed Camera Locations
Speed cameras currently are installed at the following 17 schools:
- Perry Hall High School, 4600 block Ebenezer Road (both directions), beginning May 1
- Johnnycake Elementary School, 5900 block Craigmont Road (northbound), beginning May 1
- Middle River Middle School, 800 block of Middle River Road (both directions)
- Eastern Technical High School, 1100 block of Mace Avenue (southbound)
- Catonsville High School, 400 block of South Rolling Road (southbound) and 500 block South Rolling Road (both directions)
- Arbutus Middle School, 1200 block of Sulphur Spring Road (eastbound)
- Woodlawn High School, 1700 block of Woodlawn Drive (southbound)
- Woodlawn Middle School/Woodmoor Elementary School, 3000 block of Essex Road (northbound)
- Milford Mill Academy, 3800 block of Washington Avenue (southbound)
- Wellwood International School, 2900 block of Smith Avenue (eastbound)
- Old Court Middle School, 4600 block of Old Court Road (eastbound)
- Rodgers Forge/Dumbarton Middle School, 200 block of Stevenson Lane (eastbound)
- Halstead Academy, 7500 block of Hillsway Road (southbound)
- Padonia Elementary School, 9800 block of Greenside Drive (northbound)
- Dulaney High School, 200 block of Padonia Road (southbound)
- Parkville High School, 2700 block of Putty Hill Avenue (eastbound)
- Dundalk Middle School/Dundalk Elementary School, 7000 block of Dunmanway (westbound)
Cameras may be added or moved at the discretion of the Police Chief based on a review of traffic data, citizen complaints and a location's accident history.All speed camera zones are marked with signage.
Hours of Operation
In compliance with state law, Baltimore County's speed cameras operate Monday through Friday between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Speed cameras remain in use during these hours throughout the summer months and on other weekdays when school is not in session. The need for motorists to drive carefully in school zones exists even when schools are not in session because school sites are used for summer school, recreation and parks activities, summer athletics and other child-oriented activities.
Warnings and Citations
During the first 30 days after a camera is activated, motorists exceeding the speed limit by at least 12 mph will receive warnings rather than citations.
After a speed camera has been in place for 30 days, citations will be issued to motorists traveling at least 12 mph over the speed limit.
Tickets generated by speed camera violations carry a $40 fine; no license points are assigned because these are civil violations. Vehicle insurance providers are not notified of speed camera citations. You may pay online, in person or by mail; the options are included on the violation notice.
Vehicle owners may contest speed camera fines in Maryland District Court. Details about how to appeal are included on each violation notice. If you wish to contest a citation because you were not driving the vehicle when the violation occurred, you must provide a signed affidavit stating that you were not operating the vehicle at the time of the violation and provide corroborating evidence, such as the name, address and, if possible, the driver's license identification number of the person who was driving. This must be done within 30 days of the mail date of the citation.
If you contest your ticket in court, you will be presented with photographs of the violation. You will have the opportunity to present to the court 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.
Failure to respond to the ticket can result in additional fees and penalties.
Maryland law requires that revenue from speed camera fines be used for public safety programs.
Revised May 22, 2012
