On March 5, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample submitted written testimony to the Environment and Transportation Committee in support of HB 1408 – Motor Vehicles – Automated Traffic Enforcement Systems – Impoundment. 

This bill authorizes a law enforcement agency to impound a vehicle for which three or more unpaid citations from an automated traffic enforcement system have been issued.

Automated traffic enforcement systems have become a widely used tool to promote safer driving and reduce dangerous behavior on Maryland roadways. However, local governments report ongoing challenges with a small number of drivers who repeatedly receive citations but fail to pay them. HB 1408 would allow law enforcement agencies to impound vehicles that accumulate multiple unpaid automated enforcement citations, creating an additional accountability mechanism for habitual violators.

From MACo Testimony: 

Counties believe, and research confirms, ensuring accountability can promote safety. The provisions of HB 1408 have the potential to compel drivers who are committing regular violations to make a concerted effort to change their behavior or risk the temporary loss of their vehicle. This has the potential to promote adherence to traffic safety laws and can encourage behavior designed to keep residents and roadway users safe.

More on MACo’s Advocacy: 

• Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2026 legislative session on MACo’s Legislative Tracking Database
• Learn more about MACo’s 2026 Legislative Initiatives
• Read more General Assembly News on MACo’s Conduit Street blog