For over a decade, Maryland drivers knew the drill: get caught by a speed camera, pay the $40 nuisance fee, and move on. It was annoying, but it was predictable.
That era is over.
As of late 2025 and entering 2026, Maryland has implemented a new “Graduated Fine” system authorized by state legislation. While the base fine for minor speeding is still $40, high-speed violations can now cost you as much as $425.
If you just opened a letter from Montgomery County or Prince George’s County, here is everything you need to know about the new costs, the “Flagging” trap, and how to fight the ticket without hiring a lawyer.
The 2026 Fine Schedule (It’s Not Just $40 Anymore)
The days of a flat fee are gone. The new tiered system penalizes you based on how fast you were going over the limit.
| Speed Over Limit | Fine Amount (2026) | Points? |
|---|---|---|
| 12 - 15 MPH | $40 | No |
| 16 - 19 MPH | $70 | No |
| 20 - 29 MPH | $120 | No |
| 30 - 39 MPH | $230 | No |
| 40+ MPH | $425 | No |
Note: These are civil citations. They do not add points to your Maryland driver’s license, and insurance companies cannot raise your rates based on them.
The “Flagging” Trap: What Happens If You Don’t Pay?
Since there are no points, many drivers ignore these tickets. This is a mistake.
Maryland uses a system called “Registration Flagging.” If you fail to pay the fine (or fail to show up for court) within 30 days:
- Late fees are added ($25-$30).
- Your vehicle’s registration is flagged at the MVA.
- You cannot renew your tags until every single ticket + administrative fee is paid in full.
We see drivers who ignore three $40 tickets, only to find out 6 months later they owe $300+ when they try to renew their registration.
How to Dispute Your Ticket (County by County)
Fighting these tickets is possible, but the process depends entirely on where you were caught.
1. Montgomery County (The Easy Way)
Montgomery County has modernized. You can often handle disputes online without a trial.
Online Resolution: Use the [Maryland Online Resolutions (MDOR)] system. You can plead “Guilty with an explanation” and ask for a lower fine without going to court.
Standard Defense: “Not the driver” defenses generally require you to identify who was driving. However, “Technical Error” defenses (blurred plate, wrong car model) are highly effective here.
2. Prince George’s County (The Hard Way)
PG County is tougher. You typically have to mail in your request.
- The “Ombudsman” Trick: PG County has a unique Ombudsman Program. If you have a valid issue (e.g., stolen plates, unclear signage), you can sometimes resolve it by contacting the Ombudsman before requesting a court date.
- Request a Trial: You must sign the back of the citation and mail it to P.O. Box 13286, Baltimore, MD. Do this within 25 days, or you lose the right to fight.
The “Work Zone” Danger
Be extremely careful on I-95 and I-495 (The Beltway). Maryland’s “SafeZones” SUVs park in construction areas and use laser technology to ticket speeding drivers.
- The Fine: $40 base, but fines double if workers are present.
- Tolerance: The cameras trigger at exactly 12 MPH over the limit. There is zero wiggle room.
Don’t Let the “Small” Fines Add Up
A single $40 ticket is a nuisance. A new $230 graduated fine is a disaster. And a “flagged” registration can ruin your month.
Maps provided by the county are useless when you are driving 65 MPH on the Beltway. You need live protection.
Ticketguard covers the entire Maryland suburbs. We know the difference between a $40 neighborhood camera and a $425 speed trap. Our app runs in the background and warns you before you cross the line.
Related Maryland Driver Guides
- DC Commuters: [How to Fight a Washington D.C. Speed Camera Ticket]
- Did You Miss a Payment? [How to Check If Your Car Has a Speeding Ticket Online]
