Speeding has long been a problem in Baltimore, and with advancements in technology, it was inevitable that the government would use new tools to enforce traffic laws. In an effort to curb speeding, speed cameras were installed in strategic locations to monitor and ticket violators. Instead of hiring more police officers to patrol high-risk areas, city officials saw cameras as a cost-effective solution for automated enforcement.
However, this initiative has been met with widespread criticism. Since the installation of speed cameras, residents have encountered numerous issues, from faulty citations to concerns that the cameras serve as little more than a revenue-generating scheme rather than a public safety measure. Many cameras have issued erroneous tickets to drivers who were not breaking the law, further fueling the controversy. Given these concerns, it’s essential to understand how these cameras work, where they are located, and their current status in Baltimore.
Baltimore City Speed Cameras: The “What” and “Where”
What Are Speed Cameras?
Speed cameras are digital enforcement tools designed to detect and record vehicles exceeding posted speed limits. Much like a police radar gun, these cameras track a car’s speed as it passes through a monitored zone. If a vehicle is traveling faster than the set threshold, the camera:
- Captures a clear image of the vehicle’s license plate.
- Records five seconds of video footage to confirm the violation.
- Uses DMV records to issue a citation to the vehicle owner.
Where Are They Located?
In Baltimore, speed cameras were initially installed in school zones to ensure pedestrian safety. The cameras were active on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and were programmed to trigger when a car exceeded the speed limit by 12 MPH or more.
What Are the Penalties?
- Speed camera tickets typically carry a $40 fine.
- Unlike traditional speeding tickets issued by police, these citations do not add points to your driving record.
- Offenders have the option to pay the fine or contest it in court.
While the system was designed with good intentions, it quickly became evident that the technology was flawed—leading to numerous complaints from Baltimore residents.
What Went Wrong?
Faulty Cameras and False Citations
The first company contracted to install and manage Baltimore’s speed cameras failed to deliver accurate results. Almost immediately, the system began:
- Ticketing drivers who were following the speed limit.
- Capturing vehicles that were completely stopped.
Many residents successfully challenged their citations in court, exposing the system’s major flaws. What was intended as a public safety measure quickly turned into an embarrassment for the city, leading officials to terminate the contract with the first vendor.
A Second Attempt – and Another Failure
Determined to make the system work, city officials hired a second company to fix the cameras. However, the same issues persisted, and the second vendor also failed to ensure accuracy. Instead of improving the system, these continued failures escalated public frustration and led to legal challenges.
Due to overwhelming public pressure and continued malfunctions, the city was forced to halt the speed camera program altogether. While Baltimore was able to successfully install red light cameras, the speed enforcement system remained unreliable and was ultimately put on indefinite hold.
Current Status of Baltimore’s Speed Cameras
Are Speed Cameras Still Active in Baltimore City?
No. As of now, Baltimore City’s speed cameras are not operational in school zones or other locations. The city fired its second contractor and has not yet found a reliable alternative. Despite past failures, officials remain committed to finding a solution to reintroduce speed cameras in the future.
What About Baltimore County?
While speed cameras are inactive within Baltimore City limits, they remain fully functional in Baltimore County and other parts of Maryland. In fact, Baltimore City is the only jurisdiction in the state to have discontinued speed cameras.
Will Speed Cameras Return?
City officials insist they are still working to find a reliable technology provider capable of operating speed cameras without error. However, there is no clear timeline for when—or if—Baltimore City will reinstate the program.
The debate over speed cameras remains divisive, with some residents advocating for their return to protect school zones, while others view them as untrustworthy and ineffective. For now, the city appears to be in no rush to reactivate the cameras without a reliable solution in place.
What to Do If You Receive a Speed Camera Ticket
For Baltimore City Residents
If you receive a speed camera ticket within Baltimore City limits, it is likely invalid, as the cameras are not currently in operation. Contact the appropriate city department for verification before taking any action.
For Drivers in Baltimore County and Other Areas
Speed cameras are still fully operational outside of Baltimore City. If you believe you were wrongfully ticketed in another Maryland county, you have the right to:
- Challenge the citation in court.
- Request evidence from the issuing agency.
- File a formal appeal if the case is not dismissed.
Maryland law requires that speed cameras function accurately before issuing tickets. If a device is found to be faulty, your ticket may be voided.
Contact Us for Legal Assistance
If you have received a wrongful speed camera ticket or need assistance with any Maryland traffic violation, Blackford & Flohr is here to help. Our experienced attorneys specialize in traffic law, citation disputes, and defense strategies to protect your rights. Contact us today.
