On February 12, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the Environment and Transportation Committee in support of HB 249 – Vehicle Laws – Automated Enforcement – Reciprocal Agreements, Arrangements, and Declarations.
This bill authorizes the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administrator to establish reciprocal agreements with other jurisdictions for the enforcement of certain traffic safety violations. HB 249 is a practical tool to improve roadway safety by setting a new standard for safety and accountability throughout the region.
Serious traffic accidents are occurring with troubling frequency, resulting in the loss of life and life-altering injuries for Maryland residents. The danger isn’t limited to drivers and passengers – pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable roadway users face significant risk as well. Research consistently shows that meaningful enforcement and consistent penalties can influence driver behavior and reduce repeat violations over time.
Currently, all Maryland counties with red light and speed cameras have
challenges with out-of-state citation compliance, seeing thousands of violations going unpaid. Counties believe, and research confirms, establishing these agreements that compel citation fulfillment through vehicle registration will promote adherence to traffic laws designed to keep residents and roadway users safe.
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