Speed limits are most definitely one of, if not the last thing that enters your mind when traveling to beautiful states such as Maryland, a state that is brimming with culture and history. However, the state’s traffic authority sets out clear guidelines that must be adhered to in order to avoid receiving a traffic ticket, points on your license, subsequent insurance increases, and even jail time!
If you are moving to the Old Line State, simply just visiting from another state or country, commuting, or just passing through, possessing knowledge of the correct speed limits in Maryland is so important to have and follow.
Knowing the correct speed limits is not only about avoiding potential punishment, it is also about driving safely on the roads to prevent accidents with another motorist or passersby from happening. Driving within the speed limit helps reduce the possibility of crashes, maintains proper safety, promotes efficient use of the road, and saves you from fines and potential license suspension.
Traffic laws in Maryland, including speed limits and other motor vehicle-related laws, are established by the Maryland Department of Transportation. The state speed limits are defined by two different types of speed limits, basic speeding Maryland law, and absolute speed limits.
The basic speeding law prohibits driving “at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual hazards then existing”. This means that motorists must always drive at a safe speed for the conditions and environment they are driving in.
An example would be that if you were driving on a 55 mph road on a windy and wet day in Maryland, you would be expected to slow down your speed to less than the signed speed limit of 55 mph because the weather and road conditions would be considered dangerous. If you were caught driving at the signed limit, you may be slapped with a fine, and potentially even more detrimental consequences.
Speed Limit in Maryland
The absolute speed limit in Maryland is the speed limit you see signposted on roadways, literally what you see is what you get. If the weather conditions are good, dry, and ultimately safe, you may go at the maximum speed limit. Surpassing it will likely cost you fines, and other penalties.
Maryland does not have the highest maximum speed limit in the U.S., in fact, it has one of the lowest, there are 40 other states that all have a higher maximum speed limit! The maximum speed limit at which you can travel on certain roads in Maryland is 65 mph.
Here are the different speed limits to look out for in Maryland:
- 25 mph is the speed limit in residential areas (always double-check the posted speed limit).
- School, hospital, and construction zones all have lower speed limits than anywhere else in the state, so, keep a lookout for flashing signs that indicate a lower speed limit in these areas.
- 55 mph is the maximum speed limit for undivided roads.
- 55 mph is the maximum speed limit for divided roads.
- The urban highway speed limit in Maryland is 65 mph.
- Rural highways in Maryland are 65 mph.
- What is the highest speed limit in Maryland? Interstate highways and rural interstates in Maryland are 65 mph. Trucks that drive on an interstate highway must abide by the limit of 65 mph too (Maryland truck speed limit).
When driving through residential areas and not a state highway, something to be aware of is schools, hospitals, and construction zones, as mentioned previously, these areas often have temporarily (or permanently) lowered speed limits and enforce these limits very strictly. You don’t want to endanger others and receive a hefty fine or worse for not being aware of this.
Speed Limits in Maryland
In Maryland, the cost of a speeding ticket is reliant on where the traffic violation took place, and also what the traffic violation was for, and how much you surpassed the speed limit. Here are the specific fines for driving violations in Maryland:
- Violation of the basic speeding law = $90 fine and one point.
- Exceeding a posted speed limit by 1 – 9 mph = $80 fine and one point.
- Exceeding a posted speed limit by 10 – 19 mph = $90 fine and two points.
- Exceeding a posted speed limit by 20 – 29 mph = $160 fine and two points.
- Exceeding a posted speed limit of 65 – 75 mph by 10 to 19 mph = $160 fine and two points.
- Exceeding a posted speed limit of 65 – 75 mph by 20 to 29 mph = $290 fine and five points.
- Exceeding a posted speed limit by 30 – 39 mph = $290 fine and five points.
- Exceeding a posted speed limit by at least 40 mph = $530 fine and five points.
There is a fairly stringent point system in place in Maryland for those committing offenses other than speeding, and you can see them detailed below.
| Maryland Speeding Ticket Points | Total Points |
|---|---|
| Unlisted moving violation | 1 or 3 if it results in an accident |
| Tailgating | 2 |
| Speeding by 10 or more mph over limit but less than 30 mph over the limit | 2 |
| Failure to stop for school bus | 3 |
| Littering | 2 |
| Failure to submit to pedestrian | 2 |
| Traffic control signal violation | 2 |
| Speeding 30 or more miles per hour over limit | 5 |
| Driving without license | 5 |
| Failure to report an accident | 5 |
| A learner driving without supervision | 5 |
| Driving while having a suspended license | 12 |
| Racing | 5 |
| Speeding 20 or more mph over limit of 65 mph | 5 |
| Aggressive driving | 5 |
| Reckless driving | 6 |
| Driving while impaired | 8 |
| Failure to stop at accident | 8 |
| Failure to stop at a fatal accident | 12 |
| Driving with a revoked license | 12 |
| Vehicular homicide | 12 |
| Driving under the influence | 12 |
| Any felony involving use of a vehicle | 12 |
| Fleeing or eluding officer | 12 |
| Unlawful taking or use of vehicle | 12 |
| Texting and driving that results in a fatality or serious injury | 12 |
When visiting, passing through, or relocating your family to the state of Maryland, it is understandable to have your mind focused on other things. Knowing what the speed limits are in Maryland and adhering to them will ensure your time is well spent and minimize the chance of you being fined or getting into an accident.
