Experienced Traffic Ticket Attorneys
According to a report released this year, Maryland is the third-worst state to drive in. The state’s rank was brought down by rush-hour congestion, average commute time, miles driven, and its poor performance regarding incidents of aggressive acceleration, poor turning, harsh braking, and speeding.
It’s no surprise then that speeding tickets are among the most common type of traffic tickets in the state—usually the result of a police officer hiding away in their cruiser, pointing their laser or radar equipment at unsuspecting drivers. Unfortunately, speeding can sometimes become a reckless driving charge, and that can result in significant criminal penalties ranging from expensive fines to jail time. If you have been accused of speeding, contact our Baltimore speeding ticket lawyers at Scheuerman Law, LLC immediately. Even a minor traffic violation can have a significant impact on your ability to drive, and it is our mission to keep your record clean.
Call 443-888-2062 or contact us online today to speak with a Baltimore traffic ticket attorney
Basic Speed & Absolute Speed Limit Laws
Maryland abides by the absolute speed limit law, which means if you’re going 1 mph over the posted speed limit, you’re breaking the law and could be given a ticket by law enforcement. Even driving at the legal limit could get you a ticket if it’s deemed unsafe by a police officer—known as the basic speed law.
Unless otherwise posted, you’re prohibited from driving faster than:
- 15 mph in alleys
- 30 mph in business districts
- 30 mph on undivided highways in residential districts
- 35 mph on divided highways in residential districts
- 50 mph on undivided highways in non-residential districts
- 55 mph on divided highways in non-residential districts
What are the Penalties for Speeding in Maryland?
The consequences of a speeding violation depend on the circumstances, but generally it carries a fine and adds points to your driving record.
Below you can find the different consequences for various violations:
- Violation of the basic speeding law: $90 fine and one point
- Exceeding a posted speed limit by 1 to 9 mph: $80 fine and one point
- Exceeding a posted speed limit by 10 to 19 mph: $90 fine and two points
- Exceeding a posted speed limit by 20 to 29 mph: $160 fine and two points
- Exceeding a posted speed limit of 65 or 75 miles mph by 10 to 19 mph: $160 fine and two points
- Exceeding a posted speed limit of 65 or 75 mph by 20 to 29 mph: $290 fine and five points
- Exceeding a posted speed limit by 30 to 39 mph: $290 fine and five points
- Exceeding a posted speed limit by at least 40 mph: $530 fine and five points
If you receive a certain amount of points over the course of two years, it can result in required enrollment in a Driver Improvement Program (5 to 7 points), license suspension (8 to 11 points), and license revocation (12 points or more). You also face a higher insurance rate with your provider.
What is Considered Reckless Driving?
Speed could lead to a reckless driving conviction if you drive your vehicle “in wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property” or in a manner that indicates such a disregard. A first offense carries up to $1,000 in fines.
Aggressive and Affordable Defense for Traffic Tickets
As Baltimore traffic ticket attorneys, our goal is to protect your reputation, future, and freedom, both in and out of the courtroom. If you want personalized and tenacious representation to defend your rights, contact us today at Scheuerman Law, LLC.
Call 443-888-2062 or contact us online for a free confidential consultation now.