NMA Maryland Alert: Support Speed Camera Legislation
As speed camera vendors and policymakers continue their combined assault on Maryland drivers, there is good news.
Sixteen state Delegates have sponsored legislation, House Bill 1044, which addresses the abuses associated with speed cameras. Here is a summary of the bill’s key provisions:
- Requires the actual operator of a speed camera to appear at a hearing if requested by the defendant of a speed camera citation.
- Requires that if speed camera images can be used to convict a defendant of a speed camera violation, the court must also permit a defendant to use such images in defense of a violation.
- Ensures that speed cameras are certified by a testing laboratory which is not affiliated with the manufacturer of the device.
- Requires that speed cameras meet national standards set by the IACP (International Association of Chiefs of Police) in order to ensure accuracy and reliability.
- Ensures that members of the public have a right to inspect speed camera calibration records, including the use of such information to prepare their defense in advance of a speed camera hearing.
- Forbids contractors who administer and process speed camera citations from being paid based on the number of tickets issued.
The NMA opposes photo traffic enforcement of any kind. While not an outright ban, this legislation will help protect motorists from a traffic justice system that puts revenue before public safety.
A hearing for HB 1044 is scheduled before the House Environmental Matters Committee on March 9 in Annapolis. We encourage you to contact members of the committee and your own state lawmakers to let them know what you think. You can also show your support by signing this online petition posted by our partners at Stop Big Brother Maryland.
