Receiving a red light camera ticket can be frustrating and costly. In Maryland, these cameras are used to monitor intersections and capture images of vehicles that run red lights. If you’ve received a red light camera ticket in Maryland, you’re likely wondering how much you’ll have to pay and what the consequences will be.
How Much is a Red Light Camera Ticket in Maryland?
The cost of a red light camera ticket in Maryland is $75. This is a flat fee that is assessed for each violation, regardless of the location or time of day. It’s worth noting that this fee is subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) or the local jurisdiction where the ticket was issued for the most up-to-date information.
What Happens if I Don’t Pay My Red Light Camera Ticket?
If you don’t pay your red light camera ticket, you may face additional penalties and consequences. These can include:
- Late fees: If you don’t pay your ticket on time, you may be assessed a late fee. This can range from $20 to $50, depending on the jurisdiction.
- Collection agency fees: If your ticket is sent to a collection agency, you may be charged additional fees. These can range from 10% to 30% of the original ticket amount.
- License suspension: If you have multiple unpaid tickets, your driver’s license may be suspended. This can make it difficult to get to work, school, or other important destinations.
- Court action: In some cases, the jurisdiction may take you to court to collect the debt. This can result in additional fees and penalties.
How Do Red Light Cameras Work in Maryland?
Red light cameras in Maryland are designed to capture images of vehicles that run red lights. Here’s how they work:
- Cameras are installed at intersections: Red light cameras are typically installed at busy intersections where there is a high risk of accidents.
- Sensors detect vehicles: When a vehicle approaches the intersection, sensors detect its presence and trigger the camera.
- Camera captures image: If the vehicle runs the red light, the camera captures an image of the vehicle’s license plate and a photo of the driver.
- Ticket is issued: The image is reviewed by law enforcement, and if the vehicle is found to have run the red light, a ticket is issued to the registered owner.
Can I Contest My Red Light Camera Ticket?
Yes, you can contest your red light camera ticket in Maryland. Here are the steps to follow:
- Review the ticket: Carefully review the ticket to ensure that it is accurate and that you are the registered owner of the vehicle.
- Check the images: Review the images captured by the camera to ensure that they are clear and that you can see the vehicle running the red light.
- Gather evidence: Gather any evidence that may support your case, such as witness statements or photos of the intersection.
- Request a hearing: Contact the jurisdiction where the ticket was issued and request a hearing. You can do this by mail, phone, or in person.
What Are the Grounds for Contesting a Red Light Camera Ticket?
There are several grounds for contesting a red light camera ticket in Maryland. These include:
- The camera malfunctioned: If the camera malfunctioned or was not properly calibrated, the ticket may be invalid.
- The images are unclear: If the images captured by the camera are unclear or do not show the vehicle running the red light, the ticket may be invalid.
- The vehicle was not running the red light: If the vehicle was not running the red light, the ticket may be invalid.
Red Light Camera Ticket Statistics in Maryland
According to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, there were over 1.3 million red light camera tickets issued in Maryland in 2020. This represents a significant increase from previous years, and highlights the importance of obeying traffic laws.
| Year | Number of Tickets Issued |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 1,143,119 |
| 2019 | 1,234,511 |
| 2020 | 1,341,912 |
Red Light Camera Locations in Maryland
Red light cameras are located throughout Maryland, with a high concentration in urban areas such as Baltimore and Montgomery County. Here are some of the locations with the most red light cameras:
- Baltimore City: 100+ cameras
- Montgomery County: 50+ cameras
- Prince George’s County: 40+ cameras
- Anne Arundel County: 30+ cameras
Conclusion
Receiving a red light camera ticket in Maryland can be frustrating and costly. However, by understanding how the cameras work and the consequences of not paying the ticket, you can take steps to avoid getting a ticket in the first place. If you do receive a ticket, it’s essential to review it carefully and consider contesting it if you believe it was issued in error. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can navigate the process of dealing with a red light camera ticket in Maryland.
Additional Resources
- Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration: https://mva.maryland.gov/
- Maryland State Highway Administration: https://www.roads.maryland.gov/
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: https://www.nhtsa.gov/
What is a red light camera ticket in Maryland?
A red light camera ticket in Maryland is a type of traffic citation issued to drivers who are caught running a red light by an automated camera system. These cameras are installed at intersections throughout the state and are designed to capture images of vehicles that enter the intersection after the light has turned red. The cameras use sensors to detect when a vehicle has entered the intersection and then take a series of photos, including a shot of the vehicle’s license plate.
The photos are then reviewed by law enforcement personnel, who determine whether a violation has occurred. If a violation is confirmed, a ticket is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. The ticket will include the date, time, and location of the violation, as well as a photo of the vehicle and its license plate.
How do I know if I received a red light camera ticket in Maryland?
If you received a red light camera ticket in Maryland, you will be notified by mail. The ticket will be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle, and it will include all the details of the violation, including the date, time, and location. The ticket will also include a photo of the vehicle and its license plate. You can also check online to see if you have any outstanding tickets by visiting the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) website.
It’s essential to review the ticket carefully and make sure you understand the charges and the fine amount. You should also check the photos to ensure they are of your vehicle and that the license plate number is correct. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact the MVA or the local law enforcement agency that issued the ticket.
What are the fines and penalties for a red light camera ticket in Maryland?
The fine for a red light camera ticket in Maryland is $75. This is a flat fee, and it does not include any additional penalties or assessments. However, if you fail to pay the fine or contest the ticket, you may be subject to additional fees and penalties, including a late payment fee and a possible increase in your insurance rates.
It’s essential to pay the fine on time or contest the ticket if you believe it was issued in error. If you are found guilty of running a red light, you may also be assessed points on your driving record. In Maryland, running a red light is a 2-point offense, and accumulating too many points can result in a suspension of your driver’s license.
Can I contest a red light camera ticket in Maryland?
Yes, you can contest a red light camera ticket in Maryland. If you believe the ticket was issued in error or that you have a valid defense, you can request a hearing with the District Court of Maryland. You will need to submit a written request for a hearing within 30 days of receiving the ticket, and you will need to provide evidence to support your claim.
At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present your case to a judge, and the prosecution will present evidence to support the ticket. If you are found not guilty, the ticket will be dismissed, and you will not have to pay the fine. However, if you are found guilty, you will be required to pay the fine and may be assessed points on your driving record.
What are the defenses to a red light camera ticket in Maryland?
There are several defenses to a red light camera ticket in Maryland. One common defense is that the camera malfunctioned or that the photos are unclear. You may also be able to argue that you were not the driver of the vehicle at the time of the violation or that the vehicle was stolen. Additionally, you may be able to claim that you were forced to run the red light to avoid an accident or that you were experiencing a medical emergency.
It’s essential to review the photos and the ticket carefully to determine if you have a valid defense. You should also gather any evidence that supports your claim, such as witness statements or medical records. If you are unsure about how to proceed, you may want to consult with an attorney who specializes in traffic law.
Will a red light camera ticket in Maryland affect my insurance rates?
A red light camera ticket in Maryland may affect your insurance rates. Insurance companies use a variety of factors to determine your premium, including your driving record. If you are found guilty of running a red light, you may be assessed points on your driving record, which can result in an increase in your insurance rates.
However, the impact on your insurance rates will depend on your individual circumstances and the insurance company’s policies. Some insurance companies may not increase your rates for a single red light camera ticket, while others may impose a surcharge. It’s essential to review your insurance policy and speak with your agent to determine how a red light camera ticket may affect your rates.
Can I take a driver improvement course to reduce the points on my license for a red light camera ticket in Maryland?
Yes, you may be able to take a driver improvement course to reduce the points on your license for a red light camera ticket in Maryland. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) offers a driver improvement program that allows you to take a course to reduce the points on your license. However, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, and you must complete the course within a specified timeframe.
If you complete the course, you may be able to reduce the points on your license by one point. However, this will not dismiss the ticket or eliminate the fine. You will still be required to pay the fine, but you may be able to avoid the points on your license. It’s essential to review the MVA’s policies and speak with a representative to determine if you are eligible for the program.