From Baltimore City’s “Don’t Block the Box” legislation to Baltimore County’s newest traffic enforcement program, there are a variety of changes being made to traffic enforcement policies across Baltimore City and Baltimore County. Here, attorney Douglas C. Lauenstein discusses the recent changes to Baltimore’s traffic programs and policies.

Baltimore City’s “Don’t Block the Box” Legislation Took Effect in October

Baltimore City initiated a new traffic campaign in April, known as “Don’t Block the Box,” encouraging Baltimore drivers to stay out of the intersection unless their vehicle has adequate time and space to successfully make it through the intersection before the light changes. City officials hope this will help to reduce congestion on city roads, particularly during rush hour. Since its inception, traffic enforcement officers have issued warnings, but as of October 15th, officers will now issue citations for these types of traffic violations. The maximum amount that motorists can be fined for this violation is $125.  

Baltimore City Installs 37 New Traffic Cameras

Alongside the “Don’t Block the Box” legislation, Baltimore City has also installed 37 new traffic cameras, including both red light and speed cameras, across the city. The total number of traffic cameras in the city has now reached 130, and all cameras will be fully activated by the end of 2018. Motorists can be fined $40 per speeding violation and $75 per red light violation. Since the implementation of Baltimore’s traffic camera program last year, the city has issued over $25 million in fines. City officials hope the addition of new traffic cameras will help to curb unsafe motorist behavior on Baltimore streets.

Baltimore County Council Agrees to Multi-Million Dollar Traffic Program

The Baltimore County Council recently approved a multi-million dollar, multi-year contract with American Traffic Solutions, whose role will be to “upgrade and expand [the county’s] red light and speed camera enforcement program.” According to council officials, the purpose of the contract is not to install additional cameras, but instead to optimize the location and placement of existing cameras. This means that, while portable cameras may be seen in new locations, the total number of cameras will not increase. Currently, of the 78 speed camera sites the county is actively deployed, only 36 are active at any one time. Red light cameras, of which there are 10 in the county, currently operate 24 hours a day, and speed cameras operate 14 hours a day for five days a week.  

Discuss These Traffic Enforcement Changes with Douglas C. Lauenstein of Lauenstein Law

As Baltimore City and County make changes to their respective traffic enforcement programs, it is vital for drivers to remain aware of these changes. Unfortunately, changing traffic laws and programs can cause confusion and uncertainty for Maryland drivers. That is why it is imperative to speak to a traffic violation attorney, such as Douglas C. Lauenstein, regarding any concerns you may have about your area’s evolving traffic laws. If you wish to speak to an attorney regarding traffic violations and new policies, contact Douglas C. Lauenstein today.