How do I fight a speeding ticket in Maryland?

Question

Accepted Answer

Maryland has narrower diversion options than most states — the trial path matters most.

1. Pay vs. Contest

Pay: guilty plea; conviction reported to MVA.

Request a Waiver Hearing: appear before a District Court judge to admit guilt but request reduced fines/probation before judgment (PBJ).

Request a Trial: full bench trial in District Court; officer must testify. Witness fees apply on conviction.

2. Probation Before Judgment (PBJ)

Md. Code Crim. Proc. § 6-220 — court strikes the guilty finding and places defendant on probation; if completed without further violations, no conviction is reported to MVA. This is the closest MD analog to traffic-school dismissal. Insurers can still see PBJ in some MVL contexts; MVA does not assess points for most PBJ traffic dispositions.

3. Speed Limits & Reckless Threshold

Md. Transp. § 21-801 sets the basic rule; § 21-801.1 makes greater than posted unlawful (default 70 mph interstate).

Negligent driving (§ 21-901.1(b)): 1 point.

Reckless driving (§ 21-901.1(a)): 'wanton or willful disregard,' 6 points, possible criminal sanctions.

Aggressive driving (§ 21-901.2): 5 points.

4. MVA Points & Suspension

1 point: speeding under 10 mph over

2 points: 10-19 over

5 points: 20-29 over

5 points + hearing: 30-39 over (hearing required)

5 points + suspension: 40+ over

5 points = MVA warning; 8 points = suspension; 12 points = revocation.

5. Defenses & Discovery

Subpoena under Md. Rule 4-264: officer's radar/lidar calibration log and certification.

Md. Transp. § 21-809: speed-camera tickets have strict notice/calibration defenses.

Failure of officer to appear at trial = dismissal.

6. CDL Holders

49 CFR § 384.226 — no PBJ for CMV convictions.

This is legal information, not legal advice.