Speed

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]

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