MARYLAND, USA — Beginning Saturday, drivers in Maryland who speed through work zones could face double the fines for breaking the law. Fines will go from a maximum of $40 to $80.
The increase comes as a new state law takes effect aimed at reducing deaths on state roads and highways.
Senate Bill 479, and its counterpart House Bill 513 -- aka the Maryland Worker Protection Act -- came about largely as a result of recommendations made by Gov. Wes Moore's Work Zone Safety Work Group in November 2023. The group was created in response to an increase in roadway deaths following the COVID pandemic and a crash on Interstate 695, where six roadway workers were killed. The group was asked to make recommendations for keeping work zones safe and protecting roadway workers and police. The result was higher fines and more speed cameras in work zones across the state.
Both bills were signed into law by Moore in April.
In addition to higher fines, the new law will change how the money collected from work zone speed cameras is distributed. A majority of the money will now go to the Transportation Trust Fund for highway and work zone safety purposes and road preservation efforts. After covering the cost of installing more cameras, officials say only 25% will help cover vehicle and equipment costs, and the other 75% will be put to use making work zones safer.
Beginning in January 2025 a second set of measures will go into effect. Depending on how far over the speed limit the offender is going, fines will range from $60 to $1,000. The fines will double if highway workers are around.
Other changes include updates to work zone signage and lighting requirements to show where work zones are and to let drivers know when workers are on-site. Cameras will be equipped with flashing blue lights.
So, here's your reminder to slow down.
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