The Maryland Road Worker Protection Act was signed into law by Governor Wes Moore on April 9, 2024. The updated law established new provisions in § 21-810 to enhance safety in work zones along Maryland roadways.
On June 1, 2024, fines for exceeding the posted work zone speed limit by 12mph or more were increased from $40 to $80. Additionally, the use of multiple automated speed enforcement systems in the same work zone was authorized. If multiple speed enforcement systems are in use, only one citation may by issued to the same registered plate for violations that occur within a one-hour period in the work zone.
Effective January 1, 2025, Maryland’s work zone speed violation fines will follow a tiered system based on the speed the vehicle is traveling above the posted speed limit (see chart below). The new law includes a provision that doubles the fine a motorist will receive when workers are present. Other provisions taking effect on January 1, 2025, include:
- Signage that designates the entrance and exit of a work zone;
- Flashing lights will be activated in the work zone when workers are present to indicate that higher fines are in effect; and
- Automated speed enforcement vehicles in the work zone will be equipped with blue flashing lights to alert motorist that speed cameras are deployed.
Speed Range, in Excess of Work Zone Speed Limit (as of January 1, 2025) |
Fine |
Fine, Workers Present |
Between 12 and 15 mph, inclusive |
$60 |
$120 |
Between 16 and 19 mph, inclusive |
$80 |
$160 |
Between 20 and 29 mph, inclusive |
$140 |
$280 |
Between 30 and 39 mph, inclusive |
$270 |
$540 |
40 mph or more |
$500 |
$1,000 |
As outlined in Maryland Annotated Code Article §12-118, revenue from fines collected from the program shall be distributed first to the Maryland State Police and State Highway Administration to cover the costs of implementing and administering the program. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the balance of revenue shall be distributed to the Maryland State Police for the purchase of replacement vehicles and related motor vehicle equipment used to outfit police vehicles. The remaining balance of revenue shall be distributed to the Transportation Trust Fund for highway and work zone safety purposes and for State Highway Administration system preservation.
Many of the provisions in the updated law were among recommendations from the Maryland Work Zone Safety Work Group formed by Governor Moore and chaired by Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller after the March 2023 work zone crash on the Baltimore Beltway that claimed the lives of six highway workers.