In an effort to promote awareness of state traffic laws, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office will be posting excerpts of the 2018-2019 edition of The Maryland Vehicle Law Annotated on Tuesdays.
Adhering to the law will make roadways in St. Mary’s County and in Maryland safer for drivers, passengers, bicyclists, horse-and-buggy operators and pedestrians.
#TrafficTipTuesdays
Speed Restrictions
In 2017, speeding was a contributing factor in 26% of all traffic fatalities in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Maryland Sec. 21-801(a): A person may not drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed that, with regard to the actual and potential dangers existing, is more than that which is reasonable and prudent under the conditions.
(b) At all times, the driver of a vehicle on a highway shall control the speed of the vehicle as necessary to avoid colliding with any person or any vehicle or other conveyance … is on or entering the highway.
(c) The driver of a vehicle shall drive at an appropriate, reduced speed when approaching and crossing an intersection at which cross traffic is not required to stop by a traffic control device.
Furthermore, Maryland law states that drivers shall drive at an appropriate reduced speed when approaching and going around a curve, approaching the crest of a grade, traveling on any narrow or winding roadway and when any special danger exists as to pedestrians or other traffic or because of weather or highway conditions.
Fines for exceeding the posted speed limit by:
1 to 9 mph -- $80 and one point assessed on a driver’s license or $120 and three points if contributing to an accident
10 to 19 mph -- $90 and two points or $130 and three points if contributing to an accident
20 to 29 mph -- $160 and two points or $200 and three points if contributing to an accident
30 to 39 mph -- $290 and five points
40 mph and over -- $530 and five points
In a posted work zone, fines range from $290 to $780. In a posted school zone, fines range from $120 to $1,000.
