MARYLAND SAFEZONES FACTS

• The Maryland SafeZones program goal is to slow drivers down in work zones and make them safer for workers, drivers and their passengers.
  • Four out of five crash-related injuries in work zones are suffered by motorists.
  
  
  
• The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA) and the Maryland State Police (MSP) piloted the SafeZones automated speed enforcement program October 1, 2009 through spring 2010. The long-term SafeZones program began on July 1, 2010.
  
  
• In work zones where deployed, automated speed enforcement has been tremendously effective in slowing traffic down, evidenced by the drop in the percentage of citations issued at these work zones.
  
  
• Warnings were issued at the onset of the program for a 45 day period (October 1 through November 15, 2009) to increase awareness of the program. Currently, the Maryland SafeZones program issues warnings for a three (3) week period at new long-term work zones. After the three (3) week period, citations are issued. For short-term projects, such as paving projects, warnings are not issued; three (3) weeks of signage provides notice for drivers.
  
  
• Speed enforcement through the Maryland SafeZones program is conducted with laser technology and cameras mounted on mobile white sport utility vehicles, which display the program logo. All citations are verified by MSP or MdTA Police, depending on the location of the work zone.
  
  
• Maryland SafeZones mobile enforcement vehicles rotate among eligible work zones throughout the State. To see the locations of current SafeZones locations, click here. As new eligible projects begin, other work zones will be added to the program.
  
  
• Advanced signage alerts drivers of the posted speed limit and that there may be automated speed enforcement in the work zone. Additionally, a display trailer posts the speed limit and provides a digital reading of approaching vehicle speeds in advance of the enforcement vehicle. The intent of the trailer is to prompt drivers to check their speedometers so that they can reduce their vehicle speed if necessary.
  
  
• Transportation Article § 21-810, effective Oct. 1, 2009 allows the use of cameras to fine drivers exceeding speeding by 12 mph or more in work zones along controlled access roadways with a 45 mph or higher speed limit. The civil fine is $40 and no points are assessed against your driver's license.