FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: State Highway Administration Office of Communications410-545-0303 SHAmedia@mdot.maryland.govTiered Fine System for Work Zone Speed Violations Takes Effect in January(December 23, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration wishes everyone a safe and happy new year – especially our roadway workers who work alongside traffic every day to improve the state's critical highway network and enhance mobility for everyone.The Maryland Department of Transportation is reminding all motorists of the new fine structure for work zone speed violations that take effect January 1, 2025. The tiered system, which applies to citations issued from an automated speed enforcement system, imposes fines based on the speed a vehicle travels above the posted speed limit and includes a provision that doubles the fine when workers are present in the work zone. Motorists should be aware that speed limits in many work zones are reduced and are clearly posted. The new tiered fine structure is as follows:12 to 15 mph above the speed limit: $60, or $120 if workers are present.16 to 19 mph above the speed limit: $80, or $160 if workers are present.20 to 29 mph above the speed limit: $140, or $280 if workers are present.30 to 39 mph above the speed limit: $270, or $540 if workers are present.40 mph or more above the speed limit: $500, or $1000 if workers are present.The new system is a provision of the Maryland Road Worker Protection Act approved by the General Assembly during the 2024 Legislative Session and signed into law by Governor Wes Moore on April 9. Many aspects of the new law were recommendations of Maryland Work Zone Safety Work Group formed by Governor Wes Moore and chaired by Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller. The work group was created following the March 2023 work zone crash on the Baltimore Beltway that claimed the lives of six highway workers.Additional changes effective January 1 include updates to work zone signage and lighting requirements to help designate the work zone and identify when workers are present. Automated speed enforcement vehicles will be equipped with flashing blue lights to alert motorists that speed cameras are in operation.The intent of the law is to have motorists traveling at safe speeds along our roadways and through our work zones. After the state recovers operating costs, any remaining funds generated by citations from work zone cameras will be used to improve highway and work zone safety and support the State Highway Administration's system preservation program.Between 2019 and 2023, there were 7,110 work zone crashes in Maryland, or roughly 1,400 each year. Forty-five people were killed in those crashes and 2,587 were injured. Many of the victims are highway workers, but others are drivers and their passengers. In 2023, 12 people died in work zone incidents, and thus far in 2024 another 17 have died – including the six highway works lost in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March 2024.The State Highway Administration and its partners at the Motor Vehicle Administration's Maryland Highway Safety Office remind everyone to practice safe driving at all times, and especially in work zones. Remember to slow down, avoid distractions, never drive impaired, always wear seat belts, and move over in work zones when possible. It's the law.For more information go to the State Highway Administration's Safe Zone's Program site, here, or visit the Zero Deaths Maryland site to learn more, here. For a list of all major State Highway Administration projects, visit Project Portal or the homepage at roads.maryland.gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to md511.maryland.gov.