Maryland/Cameras/Main Discussion View history

Revision as of 06:54, 20 July 2014 by Kentsmith9 (talk | contribs) (final)



Based on information researched at the time this page was created, the limited legality of speed cameras in Maryland is described below, and red light cameras are legal statewide in Maryland.

No other camera types should be mapped in Waze.

Speed cameras

Speed cameras are authorized for use in the following areas: school zones throughout the state, work zones on freeways and major highways, and on streets in Montgomery County. Speed cameras can be mounted to a pole, concealed in a metal cabinet on the ground, or mounted on a trailer or vehicle parked on the shoulder, such as these used in work zones. Most speed cameras in Maryland will not issue a ticket unless the vehicle is exceeding the speed limit by at least 12 mph; however, when setting the speed of a camera in the editor, use the speed limit of the road.

Many speed cameras in school zones are portable and moved on a regular basis, in some cases weekly. This is usually indicated on the website and may include a rotation schedule. These reported camera locations should not be on the map. However, if the speed camera is not portable or is not moved on a regular basis, then it should be on the map.

Red light cameras

Red light cameras are authorized for use throughout the state. Please note that each red light camera fixture only records violations in one direction, so be sure to check which direction(s) are enforced, and include a camera in the editor for each applicable direction.

Some red light cameras also include radar, and enforce speed limits. This is especially true in Baltimore City.

The Wiki page for Waze Cameras states that, Speed limits "can also be set for a Red Light Camera if it monitors for Speed Limit Violations as well. Leave set to blank if speed is not monitored." However, this function has not been confirmed in the client.

Other camera types

These are cameras or signs that either provide driver feedback or are used for traffic control. These devices cannot issue tickets and should not be mapped.

Camera location lists

These lists are posted for your reference, but should not be used to justify the approval of cameras in Waze Map Editor without first verifying the location and type of camera by other means, and that it is not part of a school zone speed camera program in a jurisdiction where the cameras are relocated on a regular basis. The lists may not be up to date, and may include all locations where cameras are permitted, but does not mean that a camera is present at that location at all times.