Public Safety - Law Enforcement - Use of Body-Worn Cameras
HB0349 amends Maryland law governing speed monitoring systems on Maryland Route 210 (Piscataway Highway) in Prince George’s County. The bill increases the maximum civil penalties for certain speeding violations captured by automated speed cameras, with higher fines tied to how far a driver exceeds the posted speed limit. It also removes the sunset provision that would have ended the authority to use speed monitoring systems on that roadway, making the program continue without an automatic expiration.
The bill specifically revises Transportation Article § 21-809 and the 2018 local law authorizing speed cameras on Route 210. Under the amended penalty schedule, violations involving 12 or more miles per hour over the limit on that corridor can result in escalating civil penalties, up to $500 for the most serious category. The measure takes effect October 1, 2025, and preserves the District Court’s role in prescribing citation forms and prepaid penalty amounts.
HB0349 changes the civil enforcement framework for automated speed enforcement on Maryland Route 210 in Prince George’s County by raising the maximum fines for qualifying speeding violations and extending the life of the speed monitoring authority beyond its prior sunset date. It affects vehicle owners and drivers cited by speed cameras on that roadway, as well as local enforcement and court administration related to citation processing and penalty collection. The bill amends both the statewide Transportation Article and the local enabling act for the Route 210 camera program.
The available record suggests the bill was treated as a public safety and traffic enforcement measure, with no recorded committee testimony or vote breakdown provided in the materials. The enacted law indicates legislative support for stronger automated enforcement on a specific high-speed corridor, likely reflecting concern about speeding and roadway safety. Because no transcript or vote data is included, there is no documented opposition or support to characterize beyond the bill’s enactment.
The main policy issues are the increase in civil penalties and the decision to eliminate the sunset on the Route 210 speed camera authority. Supporters would likely view the higher fines and permanent authorization as tools to deter dangerous speeding and improve safety on Piscataway Highway. Potential critics may object to higher automated-enforcement penalties, the continued use of speed cameras, or the removal of the scheduled expiration, especially if they view the program as overly punitive or insufficiently reviewed.