With over 4,000 miles of coastline and a unique blend of climates and geographical features, Maryland is certainly an interesting state to drive in. Unfortunately, thanks to an incredibly dense population and the presence of major cities Washington D.C. and

Baltimore

, Maryland can also be a frustrating and congested place for many motorists.

That’s why we've whipped up this handy little guide to driving in Maryland.

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The best routes for driving to Maryland

Whether you’re in Maine going south for the winter or in Miami heading north to visit the in-laws, we can help you plan the best route for your travels. Here are some popular drives to Maryland:

Bar Harbor—Washington D.C. (12 hours): Take a trip down the coast with this scenic route beginning in beautiful Maine. Stop and grab a lobster roll before you cross the state line, and maybe take a short detour to catch a Red Sox game in

Boston

(or a Yankees game in

NYC

, if that’s where your allegiance lies). While D.C. isn’t technically a part of Maryland, the capital is still a major part of the state’s makeup and identity.

Burlington—Silver Spring (8.5 hours): If you like trees and long stretches of empty road, this route is for you. You’ll begin in quaint

Burlington

, a small city bursting with personality, before making your way down through rural upstate New York with its beautiful mountain vistas. Maybe take a short trip into

Philly

to get yourself a cheesesteak for the last leg of your drive!

Miami—Baltimore (16.5 hours): The ultimate coastal road trip! See what the lower half of the Eastern Seaboard has to offer by hitting the road after soaking up some rays in sunny Miami. You’ll go all the way up the Florida coast before making your way through the scenic Carolinas and Virginia. You’ll end up in the magical city of Baltimore!

MORE:

10 best road trip cars to rent

How good are Maryland’s roads?

Perhaps because it's the US state with the highest median household income, Maryland’s roads are often ranked very highly and sometimes appear in Top 10 lists. The state spends an estimated $106 per mile on its roads, compared to only $62 per mile for neighboring Virginia.

Does Maryland have toll roads?

Not exactly, although there is a toll system in Maryland. The toll system is spread across the major lanes of transportation in the state, particularly focused around major Interstates (I-95 Express Lanes, in particular) as well as the bridges, tunnels, and beltways in and around Washington D.C. and Baltimore. However, there are no dedicated toll roads in the state of Maryland.

Notably, most major toll facilities in the state stopped accepting cash at the outbreak of COVID-19, so you might want to sign up for an EZ Pass if you’re going to be driving a lot. Most toll rates range between $3 and $8.

How bad is Maryland traffic?

Perhaps surprisingly, Maryland consistently ranks as one of the most congested states in the country, thanks in part to its population density and the presence of two major cities.

Traffic is particularly bad in and around the cities of

Baltimore

and

Washington

, with both cities appearing on lists for the most congested cities in the world. Drivers in Baltimore lose an estimated 37 hours a year to traffic, and D.C. residents sit in traffic for an average of 42 hours.

When you have to drive through a city, try to avoid rush hour by traveling before 6am or after 7pm. That way, you’ll hopefully avoid most of the commuter traffic.

Key Takeaway Maryland has some of the best roads in the country, but they can get a bit crowded. Avoid traffic by using express lanes and steering clear of rush hour.

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What are Maryland’s speeding laws?

Maryland has two types of speed laws: basic speeding laws and maximum (absolute) speed limits.

Basic speeding laws prohibit driving at speeds "that, with regard to the actual and potential dangers existing, is more than that which is reasonable and prudent under the conditions." Put simply, it means that motorists must always drive at a safe speed under the circumstances. For example, driving 55 on a sunny day is much safer than driving 55 on a wet, rainy day.

Maximum (absolute) speed limits prohibit drivers from traveling any faster than the posted speed limit. If the posted speed limit is 50 and you drive 55, you’re violating the law. Unless otherwise posted, Maryland’s absolute speed limits prohibit drivers from going faster than:

15 mph in Baltimore County alleys

30 mph in business districts

30 mph on undivided highways in residential districts

35 mph on divided highways in residential districts

50 mph undivided highways in non-residential districts

55 mph on divided highways in non-residential districts

Fines for speeding in Maryland

The exact circumstances will determine specific consequences for a speeding ticket. Generally, though, the punishment will include a fine and “points” added to a motorist’s driving record. Here are some of the penalties you can expect for speeding in Maryland:

$90 fine and one point for violation of the basic speeding law

$80 fine and one point for exceeding a posted speed limit by one to nine miles per hour

$90 fine and two points for exceeding a posted speed limit by 10 to 19 miles per hour

$160 fine and two points for exceeding a posted speed limit by 20 to 29 miles per hour

$160 fine and two points for exceeding a posted speed limit of 65 or 75 miles per hour by 10 to 19 miles per hour

$290 fine and five points for exceeding a posted speed limit of 65 or 75 miles per hour by 20 to 29 miles per hour

$290 fine and five points for exceeding a posted speed limit by 30 to 39 miles per hour

$530 fine and five points for exceeding a posted speed limit by at least 40 miles per hour

Keep in mind that speeding tickets and other traffic violations will

add points to your driving record

and make your car insurance payments go up. If you're concerned about high insurance rates, make sure to use a comparison shopping tool to find your best options.

MORE:

The traffic tickets that have the greatest effect on your car insurance rates

What are Maryland’s alcohol laws?

Drinking and driving offenses in Maryland

are separated into two categories: driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI). Both are serious charges that can result in arrest, fines, and possible jail time.

A motorist will be charged with a DUI if their blood-alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. Drivers under the age of 21 found with any trace of alcohol in their system will be arrested and charged with DUI.

Conversely, a driver with a BAC of 0.07% is considered intoxicated and is eligible to be charged with a DWI.

Maryland is also fairly strict about open containers. The law clearly states that it is completely illegal for there to be an open container of alcohol in the vehicle’s passenger compartment. Of course the driver cannot drink, but even passengers are forbidden from consuming alcohol in Maryland.

Getting a DUI is a serious violation with serious consequences. Fines, loss of license, and even jail time are on the table for a DUI conviction. To that end, make sure you’re driving safe and sober on your journey throughout Maryland.

Can you use headphones while driving in Maryland?

Per Section 21-1120 of the Maryland Law Code, it is illegal to wear headphones in both ears while operating a motor vehicle. You can still use headphones in one ear, though, so your Airpods or bluetooth headphones should still work just fine.

How to find affordable car insurance in Maryland

Whether you’re relocating to Baltimore or just visiting Silver Spring to catch a concert, you’re going to want to make sure you’re protected by a good car insurance policy. Jerry can help with that.

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FAQs

What are the best and worst cities for driving in Maryland?

Baltimore and Washington D.C. definitely take the cake for worst Maryland cities to drive in (even though D.C. isn’t really a part of Maryland).

How long does it take to drive across Maryland?

Not long at all, as Maryland is one of the smallest states in the country. If you were traveling on I-95 at an average speed of 60mph, it would take you around 1 hour and 50 minutes to travel 110 miles across the state.

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