BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland drivers will face increased fines for work zone speed violations starting January 1, 2025. The new tiered fine system, based on the speed a vehicle exceeds the posted limit, doubles fines when workers are present.

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) says the new system is part of the Maryland Road Worker Protection Act, passed by the General Assembly in 2024 following the March 2023 work zone crash on the Baltimore Beltway that killed six highway workers. The law was signed by Governor Wes Moore on April 9th and was largely based on recommendations from the Maryland Work Zone Safety Work Group, formed by Governor Moore and chaired by Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller.

“The intent of the law is to have motorists traveling at safe speeds along our roadways and through our work zones,” MDOT SHA said in a news release.

Fines under the new system range from $60 to $500, depending on the speed a vehicle is traveling over the limit. If workers are present in the work zone, the fine is doubled. For example, driving 12 to 15 mph over the speed limit in a work zone will result in a $120 fine, while driving 40 mph or more over the limit will cost drivers $1,000.

The new tiered fine structure is as follows:

• 12 to 15 mph above the speed limit: $60, or $120 if workers are present.
• 16 to 19 mph above the speed limit: $80, or $160 if workers are present.
• 20 to 29 mph above the speed limit: $140, or $280 if workers are present.
• 30 to 39 mph above the speed limit: $270, or $540 if workers are present.
• 40 mph or more above the speed limit: $500, or $1000 if workers are present.

In addition to increased fines, MDOT SHA says work zone signage and lighting requirements are being updated to better designate work zones and identify when workers are present. Automated speed enforcement vehicles will also have flashing blue lights to alert drivers that speed cameras are in operation.

After covering operating costs, MDOT SHA will use any remaining funds from work zone camera citations to improve safety and support preservation.

Between 2019 and 2023, there were 7,110 work zone crashes in Maryland, resulting in 45 deaths and 2,587 injuries. Highway workers, drivers, and their passengers were among the victims. In 2023 alone, 12 people died in work zone incidents, including the six highway workers killed in the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in March, according to MDOT SHA.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

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