Mix turning cars, crossing pedestrians, and changing traffic lights together and you get one of the most frequent accident sites in the city. To curb traffic violations at intersections, some Maryland municipalities have started using red light cameras to capture video and photo evidence for issuing tickets.

But like drivers, cameras can make mistakes. If you believe you aren't at fault, you should know your options for challenging a ticket.

To help you save your driving record—and your wallet—

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has compiled everything you need to know about red light cameras in Maryland.

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Are red light cameras legal in Maryland?

Yes—you’ll need to check with your city government for particulars, but Transportation Article 21-202.1 of the Maryland General Assembly authorizes their installation at intersections throughout the state.

Within two weeks of the incident, the owner of a vehicle photographed running a red light will receive a notice in the mail. It will include the time, date, and location of the violation, along with a copy of the photograph taken at the scene.

The red light rules of Maryland are fairly standard:

Red light: You must make a complete stop before entering the intersection—either at the stop line or crosswalk.

Right-on-red: Provided you respect the right of way, you’re permitted to turn right after stopping at a red light unless traffic signs indicate otherwise.

Left-on-red: The only time you should turn left after stopping at a red light is if you are turning from one one-way street onto another.

Yellow light: A steady yellow light in Maryland intersections functions as a warning that the traffic light will soon turn red. It isn’t illegal to enter the intersection while the light is yellow, but you should exercise caution that you don’t accidentally run a red light.

What should I do if I receive a red light camera ticket?

Both stop sign and stoplight violations count as misdemeanors in Maryland. You can expect the following:

A stop sign ticket carries a $110 fine and places one demerit point on your driving record

A red light ticket carries a $140 fine and places two demerit points on your driving record

Any violations contributing to, or leading to an accident carry fines of $150 to $180

Finally, any traffic violation contributing to or leading to an accident that involves the serious bodily injury or death of others carries a fine of $750—you could also face reckless driving or vehicular manslaughter charges

The moment you receive a Maryland traffic violations ticket, you have two options: pay the fine or challenge the ticket. Read on for the pros and cons of each approach.

How to pay a red light camera ticket

Depending on your situation, this may be the option of least inconvenience. The Maryland Courts allow you to pay fines in the following ways:

Online

By telephone

By mail

By kiosk at the local Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office

In person at any local District Court

If you have at least $150 in outstanding fines, you may be able to enter into a payment plan to accommodate your financial situation.

MORE:

Maryland driving record

How to fight a red light camera ticket

You have the legal right to contest red light camera citations in any Maryland District Court and seek legal representation. There are several arguments and exceptions you could use in order to successfully reverse the ticket:

You were not driving the vehicle when the violation occurred. Include a signed statement (known as an affidavit) that you were not operating the vehicle at the time the red light violation was committed, as well as your name and address in an appeal. If possible, you should also include the driver’s license identification number of the person who was driving your vehicle.

You ran a red light in order to clear the path for an emergency vehicle.

You ran a red light as part of a funeral procession.

Your violation notice will include instructions on how to make an appeal. If you decide to exercise this option, make sure you do so within 30 days of the citation’s mail date.

How does a red light camera work?

Using traffic light sensors, red light cameras capture photo and video footage of cars entering the intersection after the lights have turned red. Along with the footage, the device records the following information:

Your license plate number

The date and time

Your vehicle’s speed

The intersection location

The amount of time elapsed since the traffic light turned red

In 2017, the

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

conducted a study that found a 14% reduction in fatal crashes at major city intersections equipped with red light cameras.

Encouraged by this data and state permission, many municipalities make use of third-party companies to install and maintain red light cameras, and forward the data to local law enforcement for the purpose of issuing citations.

MORE:

Does running a red light increase your car insurance rates?

How to find cheap car insurance in Maryland

It takes a whole guide to explain the ins and outs of red light citations in Maryland but, believe it or not, finding the cheapest car insurance in Maryland only takes a sentence or two.

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FAQs

How do I know if a red light camera ticket is real?

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) always issues citations by mail. Additionally, the citation must be posted within two weeks of the original incident. If you have any doubts, you can always contact your local District Court to verify the ticket is genuine.

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