Can You Dispute a Speed Camera Ticket in Maryland?
Speed cameras have become more common across the country in recent years. More specifically, officials place them in high-traffic areas, school zones, and dangerous intersections. With any piece of technology, there may be errors. If you believe you weren’t speeding, you may wonder if you’re able to dispute the ticket.
The good news is that you can dispute speed camera tickets. However, this is very challenging to do, which is why you may want to hire a traffic violation attorney to assist you.
- What Are Speed Cameras?
- Why Should I Dispute the Citation?
- How to Dispute a Photo-Enforced Speeding Ticket in Maryland
- Contact a Skilled Traffic Violation Attorney in Maryland
What Are Speed Cameras?
Speed cameras can detect vehicles’ speed through radar technology or detectors built into the roadway’s surface. If a vehicle’s speed is at least 12 miles over the speed limit, a photo is taken, stored, and a ticket is sent to the driver’s house. Since their introduction, a debate has raged whether speed cameras help with driver and pedestrian safety. There are some pros and cons of using speed cameras.
Pros of Speed Cameras
There are many pros to speed cameras. It’s hard to deny that just the knowledge of speed cameras in the area will convince a driver to slow down. Speed cameras also reduce the possibility of a driver accusing law enforcement of pulling them over without probable cause.
Cons of Speed Cameras
Those who oppose speed cameras argue that the knowledge of speed cameras in an area encourages drivers to drive below the speed limit, causing a safety hazard. Also, it’s a constitutional right for a person accused of a crime to face their accuser. But with speed cameras, there is no human to confront.
Why Should I Dispute the Citation?
In any case, you have the legal right to request a court hearing. Besides wanting to prove your innocence, there are many other reasons to dispute the ticket:
- There may have been a camera error.
- You were not the person driving the car.
- Other cars were in the image, and the camera flagged you by accident.
- Speed limit signs were obstructed.
- You didn’t receive the ticket in a timely manner.
Proving a defense will be challenging, so you must have proper documentation or photographs to help your case.
How to Dispute a Photo-Enforced Speeding Ticket in Maryland
Maryland drivers have three options when disputing a photo speed ticket: pay the fine, plead guilty with an explanation, or request a trial.
Speeding camera ticket fines are $40, but paying the fine is an admission of guilt. You won’t get points on your license because it is a civil citation. Fortunately, insurance providers are not usually notified of speed camera tickets.
A waiver hearing usually ends with you still paying the fine, but you may be able to convince the judge to reduce the amount. However, you’ll still be guilty of the offense.
Requesting a trial is the only way you can plead “not guilty.” To do this, your attorney will have to prove that you’re not guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and cast doubt on the state’s case against you. If you want to avoid a negative mark on your driving record, your best bet is to contact a knowledgeable traffic violation attorney who will fight for you during a trial.
Contact a Skilled Traffic Violation Attorney in Maryland
If you received a speed camera ticket, you have a right to fight the citation. For your case to be successful, though, you need an attorney on your side. Attorney Hillel Traub is Maryland’s top choice for fighting traffic violations.
As a former Assistant Attorney General for the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, Attorney Traub thoroughly understands the agency’s workings and knows how to create a viable defense. For more than 20 years, he has helped Maryland residents fight their traffic violations, and he’ll do the same for you. Call (410) 220-6976 or complete a contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Can You Check Your Phone at a Red Light in Maryland?
Distracted driving contributes to thousands of deaths nationwide annually. In Maryland, many car crashes which result in serious injuries and fatalities happen because people take their attention away from the road — a mistake that can turn serious in an instant. Whether you grab a bite or text behind the wheel, breaking laws that aim to curb distracted driving can lead to financial and other penalties.
The State of Maryland passed a law preventing people from driving with a handheld device. Any driver who is caught texting or reading texts or emails on their device while operating in the travel portion of the road can be issued a $70 fine and 1 point against their license. Does this mean that you can still incur a fine when you’re stopped at a traffic light?
- Understanding Distracted Driving Laws
- What are Maryland’s Distracted Driving Laws?
- It Pays to Fight a Distracted Driving Ticket
- Choose Hillel Traub to Fight Your Traffic Ticket in Baltimore and Surrounding Areas
Texting and driving laws vary across all states. Maryland, Washington D.C. and Virginia have similar distracted driving laws, which cover texting and other types of distractions. In Maryland, anyone who is caught texting while their car is in Drive, whether they’re in motion or stopped at a red light, may receive a citation and a fine.
Understanding Distracted Driving Laws
There are many types of distractions that can lead you astray from driving safely. According to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, driving distractions fall into four categories:
- Visual – looking at something other than the road
- Auditory – hearing something not related to driving
- Manual – manipulating something other than the wheel
- Cognitive – thinking about something other than driving
Some of the most common behaviors that divert drivers’ attention from the road are:
- Texting
- Using a smartphone
- Eating and drinking
- Grooming
- Looking at maps or GPS systems
- Changing radio stations or CDs/MP3 players
- Talking to passengers
- Talking on a cell phone
- Smoking
There are more than 120,000 car crashes per year in Maryland, and it’s likely that almost all of them could have been prevented by drivers paying more attention to their surroundings. Texting and driving is a primary offense meaning police in Maryland can pull you over if they see you on your phone and witness no other violation.
What are Maryland’s Distracted Driving Laws?
Police officers in Maryland have the authority to stop any driver who is caught using a handheld phone to do anything other than turn it on or off or to call emergency personnel. Drivers may also use their handheld cellular phones to initiate or terminate wireless calls. Drivers may make wireless or hands-free calls unless they’re younger than 18 years old.
Overview of Distracted Driving Laws in Maryland
- Is texting and driving permitted in Maryland? No.
- Can you send or receive messages at a red light in Maryland? No.
- Can drivers use handheld devices? No.
- Can drivers use hands-free devices? Yes.
- Are there restrictions for young drivers using hands-free devices? Yes.
- Can drivers use headphones or headsets while driving in Maryland? No.
It Pays to Fight a Distracted Driving Ticket
Distracted driving might not seem like a serious violation, but depending on what specific traffic law you broke and how many prior violations you have, a citation for distracted driving may lead to undesirable penalties.
If you’re stopped for texting while driving and no crash occurred, you could face a fine of $70 and 1 point against your license. If texting contributes to a crash, that fine may increase to $110 and you may incur 3 points against your license. Drivers license points add up and can ultimately lead to a license suspension, which is why it usually pays off to fight a distracted driving ticket as soon as possible.
Choose Hillel Traub to Fight Your Traffic Ticket in Baltimore and Surrounding Areas
The Law Office of Hillel Traub serves residents of Baltimore and surrounding areas by providing competent traffic defense with personal attention to each case. Attorney Hillel Traub has more than 20 years of experience in challenging citations and allegations of criminal wrongdoing. He has worked as a former Assistant Attorney General for the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. Find out how he can help you overcome your charges by calling (410) 220-6976 for a free consultation or complete our contact form.
There’s nothing quite as intimidating as seeing police lights in your rearview mirror. If you get pulled over for allegedly speeding, you may come away from an encounter with the cops facing a speeding ticket. While you can challenge these tickets in court, it can be difficult to know what arguments you can make in your own favor.
The good news is that a police officer’s radar gun isn’t always as accurate as officers think they are. As such, you can request that a police officer assess the functionality of their radar gun after you’ve been charged with speeding.
- Radar Guns Can Inaccurately Represent Your Speed
- How to Challenge a Speeding Ticket in Maryland
- Talk to Our Maryland Traffic Violation Attorney About Your Speeding Ticket Today
Radar Guns Can Inaccurately Represent Your Speed
Radar guns are not infallible devices. They can fall victim to the effects of the weather and even mechanical malfunctions. If something goes amiss with a police officer’s radar gun, a record of your car’s speed may be inaccurate—and your speeding ticket may be unwarranted.
More specifically, radar guns assess your speed by using radio waves to measure the distance between the gun itself and your car. The radar can then perform the necessary equations to estimate your car’s speed. If the radar gun hasn’t been appropriately calibrated or if something gets in the way of those radio waves, the gun’s reading can be inaccurate.
Some police officers may not even understand how to use their radar guns. If this is the case, then you may have the grounds to blame a false speed reading on a police officer’s user error.
How to Challenge a Speeding Ticket in Maryland
Maryland is somewhat generous with the consequences it assigns to speeding tickets. In most cases, first-time offenders may have to pay a fine but will not face jail time. If you’re not able to pay the fine associated with a speeding ticket, You can request a payment plan.
However, you can challenge a speeding charge if one is brought against you. The sooner you can get this charge off of your record, the happier your insurance company is going to be. You can specifically challenge these charges by:
Demanding a Calibration Certificate
Over time, a radar gun can begin to suffer the same wear and tear as any other well-loved tool. In some cases, a radar gun may not be appropriately calibrated at the time it detects your alleged speeding. If you suspect this may be the case, you can demand that an attending police officer complete a calibration certification.
If the results of the certification reveal that the radar gun was not in ideal condition at the time you received your ticket, you may request that a court dismiss the speeding charge brought against you.
Demand to see the officer’s current certification to operate the Radar unit.
Referring to Relevant Weather Records
Rain, snow, and fog can all disrupt the radio waves that police officers use to detect your car’s alleged speed. If the weather on the day of your ticket was particularly poor, you can argue that those conditions interfered with the radar’s ability to detect your speed.
Talk to Our Maryland Traffic Violation Attorney About Your Speeding Ticket Today
Speeding charges are more than just a hassle to deal with. If you don’t address these charges in court, you can see your car insurance premiums start to skyrocket. To avoid unnecessarily high payments and potential jail time for serious and repeated offenses, you can collaborate with our traffic offense lawyers at The Law Office of Hillel Traub.
Hillel Traub, a former lawyer from MVA, has a proven track record of resolving cases like yours. Contact us at (410) 220-6976 today or fill out our contact form to arrange a free consultation.
Can You Challenge Breathalyzer Tests in Maryland?
In today’s world, everyone is aware of the dangers of drunk driving. Understandably, law enforcement is cracking down on drunk driving, and officers everywhere are using various tools to detect drunk drivers, including the Breathalyzer. However, the results of the Breathalyzer device and the weight it holds as a determining factor can be challenged in some cases. An individual facing the penalties of a DUI incident has the opportunity to challenge the efficacy of this device. In Maryland, the Law Office of Hillel Traub can help you in putting your best foot forward and rightfully challenge a Breathalyzer test.
Why Are Breathalyzer Devices Used?
Driving under the influence (DUI) is illegal, and there are penalties. Breathalyzers work by measuring a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The device measures the amount of alcohol exhaled into the tube and uses it to calculate the person’s current BAC. Most Breathalyzers can detect alcohol levels as low as 0.02%.
- Why Are Breathalyzer Devices Used?
- Is It Legal for Law Enforcement to Use a Breathalyzer on Me?
- How Breathalyzer Results Affect The Penalties of a DUI
- How You Can Challenge the Breathalyzer
- Seek Professional Legal Representation for DUI Cases Using a Breathalyzer in Maryland
There is a legal limit on how much alcohol can be in your system while driving, and there are penalties when one’s BAC level reaches 0.08% or more. Also, when an individual has multiple counts of DUI, the penalties are increased, and on top of jail time, the individual can lose their license. Although the Breathalyzer has been used for many years for DUI cases, you can challenge its use and efficiency in being a prominent factor of a court decision because different factors can tamper with its accuracy.
Is It Legal for Law Enforcement to Use a Breathalyzer on Me?
A person can refuse to take a Breathalyzer test, but this results in inevitable consequences. In Maryland, a refusal will result in the person’s license suspension for 270 Days for a irst offense. [It should be mentioned that in addition to its use in court, there are administrative consequences not only to refusing the test, but to failing it as well.]
Under Maryland’s implied consent law, any individual that attempts to drive “…is deemed to have consented to take a test if the person should be detained on suspicion of driving or attempting to drive while under the influence of alcohol, while impaired by alcohol, while so far impaired by any drug, any combination of drugs, or a combination of one or more drugs and alcohol that the person could not drive a vehicle safely, while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance, in violation of an alcohol restriction…”
This states that the implied consent rule is in effect for drivers to submit to a Breathalyzer test in a DUI stop. It is also in effect if law enforcement has probable cause to believe that a driver committed an alcohol-related motor vehicle violation, such as an alcohol-related reckless driving or DUI.
How Breathalyzer Results Affect The Penalties of a DUI
When it comes to a DUI case, the Breathalyzer test results are often a determining factor in whether or not someone is convicted. If you refuse to take a Breathalyzer test, your license may be suspended, but if you agree to take the test and your BAC level is over the legal limit, you could face jail time and other penalties.
Even more so, when an individual has multiple counts of DUI, the penalties are increased, and on top of jail time, the convicted person can lose their license. Although the Breathalyzer has been used for many years, you can challenge its use and efficiency in being a prominent factor of a court decision.
How You Can Challenge the Breathalyzer
According to the Maryland Impaired Driving Laws, a BAC of 0.08% or higher is considered impaired driving. Under certain circumstances, an individual can challenge the outcome of their Breathalyzer test. Several factors can be used to challenge the result of a Breathalyzer test:
- Proper maintenance and calibration
- Operator error
- The length of time between when you stopped driving and took the test
- Your health problems or disabilities that may have affected your ability to breathe
When facing DUI charges, it is crucial to be represented in court with an experienced attorney. Having an experienced and successful attorney on your side will help you journey through your DUI case confidently with all the facts and information you need.
Seek Professional Legal Representation for DUI Cases Using a Breathalyzer in Maryland
The Breathalyzer is a commonly used factor in court when it comes to DUI cases. If you’re facing a DUI charge and need legal assistance, our DUI attorney Hillel Traub can help you understand the law and present yourself well in court. With years of experience and positive reviews in criminal law cases, our team is readily available to help. Contact us using our online form or call (410) 220-6976 to schedule your free consultation.
If you have been drinking or are under the influence of another substance that could impair your ability to drive, you should never get behind the wheel of a car. While it may seem like a good option to sleep it off in your car, you may still find yourself in legal trouble if you are caught.
The Law Office of Hillel Traub is a Maryland law firm helping clients who have been charged with a DUI. If you are caught sleeping in your car while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may still be charged with a DUI even if you were not actively operating the vehicle.
- How Can You Be Charged With a DUI While Sleeping in Your Car?
- What Are Possible Defenses for a DUI While Sleeping in Your Car?
- Get Help From a Maryland DUI Lawyer Today
How Can You Be Charged With a DUI While Sleeping in Your Car?
After you have been drinking, you may feel that you can just sleep it off before waking up and driving yourself home. The reality is that you will likely still be intoxicated when you wake up and will be unable to safely operate your vehicle. In Maryland, the legal limit for driving under the influence of alcohol is 0.08% blood alcohol content for individuals who are 21 years of age or older. Not only is it illegal to operate a vehicle with a BAC higher than the legal limit, but it is also dangerous and may lead to a severe accident. Although you may not have been operating the vehicle when you were found sleeping in your car, you may still be arrested for a DUI.
When an individual is found sleeping in the driver seat of their vehicle with the car turned on or the key in the ignition while they are under the influence, law enforcement may still arrest you under the pretense that you intended to operate the vehicle while under the influence. Even if your car is off, in park, and not moving at the time of your arrest, if you are considered in physical control of the vehicle, you will still be charged. If you are arrested for sleeping in your car while under the influence, you may face the following penalties:
- License suspension or revocation
- Costly fines
- Probation
- Jail time
- Court-ordered substance abuse programs
Contact a Maryland DUI lawyer to get help building your defense to have the charges against you reduced or dropped altogether.
What Are Possible Defenses for a DUI While Sleeping in Your Car?
If you have been arrested for a DUI while you were asleep in your car, there are different defenses that may be applicable to your specific case that may help in having the charges against you reduced or dropped. Your attorney may build your defense case by claiming the following:
- There was someone else who had physical control of the vehicle
- You were asleep in the backseat of the vehicle
- The keys were far away from you, and the vehicle was in park and turned off
If you have been arrested for a DUI after sleeping in your car, an experienced DUI attorney may be able to help you build a strong defense.
Get Help From a Maryland DUI Lawyer Today
Building a defense after being charged with a DUI while sleeping in your car may be challenging. However, it is not impossible with the help of an experienced Maryland DUI attorney.
The Law Offices of Hillel Traub can help you build a strong defense case with the hopes of having the charges against you reduced or dropped. Our highly experienced DUI attorney is a former lawyer from MVA and is dedicated to helping clients in Maryland protect their rights and interests after a DUI arrest. Call our office at (410) 220-6976 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation today.
Maryland is home to a diverse population that includes approximately 275,000 undocumented immigrants as of 2016. Unlike many states, Maryland provides driving privileges to all eligible residents regardless of immigration status. This inclusive approach began with the passage of the Maryland Highway Safety Act in 2013, which eliminated the 2009 requirement for proof of legal immigration status to obtain or maintain a driver’s license.
Yes, undocumented immigrants can obtain and keep a Maryland driver’s license, though these licenses differ from those issued to individuals with legal status. The law was implemented with the primary goal of enhancing road safety by ensuring all drivers are properly tested, licensed, and able to obtain auto insurance. While the process for obtaining a Maryland driver’s license is similar for all residents, there are some specific requirements and considerations for undocumented immigrants that are important to understand.
- How to Obtain a Maryland License as an Undocumented Immigrant?
- What Else Has Maryland Accomplished to Help Undocumented Immigrants?
- Speak to an Experienced Traffic Offense Attorney in Maryland Today
How to Obtain a Maryland License as an Undocumented Immigrant?
An illegal immigrant must meet several additional requirements to obtain a Maryland driver’s license. They first must prove that they are a resident of the state. They must also prove their identity with their birth certificate or a passport. Before obtaining a license, undocumented immigrants must show proof they filed income taxes for at least two years.
However, the license undocumented immigrants may receive is different from the license U.S. citizens and lawfully migrated residents receive. While they may look similar, the license for an undocumented immigrant is not a legal form of identification. All licenses obtained without proof of legal status will have a marking indicating it.
One crucial factor to remember is that you will need auto insurance if you own a vehicle. Penalties for not having car insurance in Maryland may include fines, jail time, or points on your driving record. For illegal immigrants, a failure to obtain car insurance may result in deportation.
What Else Has Maryland Accomplished to Help Undocumented Immigrants?
In addition to allowing undocumented immigrants the right to obtain a driver’s license, the State of Maryland has made progress in other areas regarding immigrants. In 2012, the state passed its version of the DREAM Act The state’s version extends in-state tuition rates to children of illegal immigrants living in Maryland. The bill saw immediate effects, and Maryland educators credited it with the 1% bump in graduation rates.
Speak to an Experienced Traffic Offense Attorney in Maryland Today
If you face traffic violation charges in Maryland, you must act quickly regardless of your immigration status. The negative ramifications of a traffic offense can have a detrimental impact on your life. At the Law Office of Hillel Traub, we recognize these ramifications and will do everything in our power to dismiss these charges.
Attorney Hillel Traub can apply his experience to various traffic-related incidents, including speeding tickets, driving under the influence, and hitting another vehicle. You should not take these violations lightly, so contact Attorney Hillel Traub today. Give us a call at (410) 220-6976 or complete our online contact form.
When a police officer pulls over a driver on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol, they will often ask the driver to perform a Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST). When conducting these tests, officers will assess the driver’s balance, coordination, and ability to follow a series of directions. Unfortunately, many drivers assume performing well on these tests will help them avoid a DUI charge or benefit them in court. Unfortunately, neither are true. In fact, participating in field sobriety tests may make the situation worse.
If you passed a roadside sobriety test in Maryland but the police still arrested you, contact the Law Office of Hillel Traub. Attorney Hillel Traub can launch a thorough investigation into the DUI stop and work to protect your freedom.
- Maryland’s Three Field Sobriety Tests
- Why Does Maryland Use Field Sobriety Tests?
- Are Field Sobriety Tests Accurate?
- Can I Refuse to Take a Field Sobriety Test in Maryland?
- Speak to an Experienced DUI Defense Attorney Today
Maryland’s Three Field Sobriety Tests
Maryland police officers rely on three field sobriety tests to gauge whether further investigation is necessary. They are the:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus
- Walk and Turn
- One-Leg Stand
Of the three tests above, only the last two may show signs of impairment. The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus is only admissible to show the presence of alcohol in a driver’s system, so it generally carries the same weight as an officer simply smelling alcohol on a driver’s breath. The other tests are admissible as evidence in court. The officers will attempt to use the results of these tests to justify the arrest and their request for the driver to submit to a breath test.
Why Does Maryland Use Field Sobriety Tests?
Police officers use field sobriety tests to establish probable cause to arrest an individual on suspicion of drunk or drugged driving. Essentially, officers do not use these tests to determine a person’s drunkenness. Instead, they allow the office to justify an arrest for drunk driving, even if the person passes. However, you must remember that these tests are designed for the driver to fail.
For example, the walk and turn test is not just testing a driver’s ability to walk in a straight line. It is also testing their ability to track the many separate directions and instructions the police officer is giving. Even if you walk in a straight line, an officer may still arrest you for failing other aspects of the test.
Are Field Sobriety Tests Accurate?
Unfortunately, many people fail field sobriety tests even if they are sober. Several factors other than alcohol may affect a person’s ability to complete the tests successfully. For example, people who are overweight may have difficulty walking in a straight line. Similarly, nervous people may have a hard time paying attention and following the officer’s instructions. A DUI defense attorney can also investigate the officer to see if they conducted the field test properly. If they did not, your defense attorney might be able to use that as grounds to drop or reduce the charges.
Can I Refuse to Take a Field Sobriety Test in Maryland?
There is no penalty in Maryland for refusing to take a field sobriety test. Under the state’s implied consent law, drivers are only required to submit to chemical tests after a police officer arrests them. While the driver can still resist a chemical or breathalyzer test, it may result in hefty fines, jail time, or license suspension. However, refusing a field sobriety test will not result in any civil or criminal penalties. When refusing, remember to be polite to the officer. Being rude and aggressive may escalate the situation.
Speak to an Experienced DUI Defense Attorney Today
If a police officer arrested you after passing, failing, or refusing a field sobriety test, contact Attorney Hillel Traub at the Law Office of Hillel Traub. He may be able to help you avoid or reduce the penalties associated with a DUI conviction.
Attorney Traub is a fierce DUI defense attorney who has proudly served Maryland residents for more than 20 years. As a former attorney for the Maryland MVA, you can be confident that Attorney Traub will make every effort to protect your driving privileges and freedom. To schedule a free consultation, call (410) 220-6976 or complete our contact form today.
Driving Without Insurance in Maryland: A Legal Guide
Handing your car keys to a friend or family member is a common occurrence. But what happens if they don’t have their own auto insurance? Understanding Maryland’s laws on this matter is crucial for every vehicle owner. Driving without insurance is a serious offense in the state, carrying significant penalties that can impact your finances, driving privileges, and even your freedom.
This guide explains Maryland car insurance laws, the consequences of letting an uninsured person drive your car, and what to do if you are facing charges. Knowing these rules helps you protect yourself from liability and make informed decisions.
Understanding Maryland Car insurance Laws
To legally operate a vehicle in Maryland, the state requires all registered vehicles to be insured. The insurance policy must meet specific minimum coverage amounts. These requirements ensure that there are financial resources available to cover damages in the event of an accident.
An ignition interlock device (IID) may be part of sentencing when a court convicts you with a driving under the influence (DUI) charge. A judge may require you to install the device as part of your sentence to ensure that you are not driving drunk, and the car will not turn on if there is alcohol on your breath. It will also require random breath samples while driving to ensure you are not consuming alcohol behind the wheel.
Unfortunately, these devices can make day-to-day living a hassle, and all expenses must be paid out-of-pocket. Continue reading to learn more about Maryland’s IID policies and rules, including if someone else can drive your car that has an IID. If you are unsure whether a particular activity breaks your sentencing terms, contact The Law Office of Hillel Traub.
- AM I THE ONLY PERSON WHO CAN DRIVE MY CAR WITH AN IID?
- WHAT IS A VIOLATION OF MARYLAND’S INTERLOCK PROGRAM?
- WHAT HAPPENS IF I VIOLATE THE TERMS OF THE IID PROGRAM?
- SPEAK TO A MARYLAND DUI DEFENSE ATTORNEY TODAY
AM I THE ONLY PERSON WHO CAN DRIVE MY CAR WITH AN IID?
Anyone legally licensed to drive and sober can start and operate your vehicle if it has an IID. You may have to show them how to use the device properly, and you should inform them that there may be random testing as they drive. Remember, you are responsible for all the test results from the IID regardless of who is behind the wheel. In Maryland, ignition interlocking devices are programmed not to start the vehicle if the person has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .025% or higher. Not only will your car not start, but you might violate your sentencing if anyone blows into your IID with a detectable breath alcohol concentration.
WHAT IS A VIOLATION OF MARYLAND’S INTERLOCK PROGRAM?
There are several ways you can violate Maryland’s IID program. Having a sober individual blow into the device for you so you can operate the vehicle is a violation. Some other ways people violate the program and terms of their sentencing include:
- Failure to install the IID and obtain a restricted license
- Failure to appear for monthly monitoring
- Operating a vehicle that does not have an IID
- Tampering with, bypassing, or removing the IID from your vehicle
- Attempting to start or operate the vehicle with a BAC over .025%
- Failure to submit retests after starting the car
Those who help you circumvent the interlocking device may also be subject to penalties and fines.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I VIOLATE THE TERMS OF THE IID PROGRAM?
There are consequences if you violate the terms of the Ignition Interlock Device Program in Maryland. For the first three violations, courts or the MVA will add one month to the required time. If you receive four violations, courts can remove you from the program and revoke or suspend your driving privileges. There may also be additional penalties depending on other factors, such as prior DUI violations.
SPEAK TO A MARYLAND DUI DEFENSE ATTORNEY TODAY
If you must participate in an IID program as part of your sentencing, consulting with an experienced DUI defense attorney who can help you understand its benefits and restrictions is vital. Attorney Hillel Traub is well-versed in Maryland traffic laws and will advise you on what you can and cannot do with an IID. Furthermore, a Maryland DUI charge can lead to harsh penalties, and Attorney Traub can represent you in court against these charges
You do not have to go through the justice system alone. Hillel Traub is a fierce advocate and will take every step in court to fight for you, help keep your driving privileges, and protect your reputation in the community. To learn how The Law Office of Hillel Traub can help you after a DUI, call (410) 589-2794 or complete our contact form.
Many drivers feel uneasy around police, even when they’re not speeding. Spotting a patrol car suddenly parked on the side of the road or having an officer appear beside you can be unsettling. If you’re hoping to avoid speed traps or just feel more at ease behind the wheel, a radar detector can be a helpful tool.
Much like dashcams, radar detectors are popular among drivers who want to stay prepared for the unexpected. They’re especially useful for those who frequently travel through areas with changing speed limits. Quickly shifting from a 60 mph zone to a 45 mph stretch without warning can lead to unwanted trouble. If you do find yourself facing a citation, a knowledgeable traffic ticket lawyer can help you understand your rights and explore your legal options.
- What Is a Radar Detector?
- Is a Radar Detector Legal in Maryland?
- How Can a Police Officer Tell If I Have a Radar Detector?
- Trust a Motivated Defense Attorney at the Law Office of Hillel Traub
What Is a Radar Detector?
When law enforcement uses a radar gun to catch a speeding vehicle, the device emits invisible waves that operate on three signals: the K, Ka, and X bands. Once the waves detect the vehicle, they will bounce back and notify the officer of the vehicle’s speed. A radar detector can pick up on those waves and inform you that a police officer or a radar gun is near.
The range of detection and ability to accurately shift through false alerts depends on the age of the detector and the model. Some more expensive and high-quality radar detectors can offer more reliable readings.
Is a Radar Detector Legal in Maryland?
In Maryland and most states, a radar detector is legal. However, there are a few circumstances and locations in which this is not the case. Consider the list below for situations in which the use of a radar detector is illegal and when the use of one may cause you to incur fines and other punishments:
- If you are a commercial (CDL) driver
- If you are operating a vehicle on a military base
- If you are located in Virginia or Washington, D.C.
Virginia and Washington are easily accessible to Maryland, and the residents of Maryland may often find themselves passing into these areas. If you have a radar detector, you can be at risk of fines. It’s essential to be aware of your route if you have a radar detector in your car and avoid traveling in those areas.
How Can a Police Officer Tell If I Have a Radar Detector?
Many radar detectors go unnoticed by law enforcement and simply assist drivers with staying within the speed limit and reducing their fear of being pulled over. However, there are a few ways a police officer can tell if you have a radar detector device.
- The Detector Is Visible: A radar detector is placed on the vehicle’s front window in an unobstructed view to function properly. If you’re pulled over, an officer will see your radar detector if you can. This won’t be an issue unless you’re in an area where the device is illegal.
- Police Training: There are times where police can visually estimate the speed of a vehicle or are not using a radar gun, so a radar detector will not notify you of the police’s location.
- Your Reaction: When your radar detector goes off, your natural reaction is to hit the brakes and slow down if you’re moving at a faster speed. This reaction will cause your car’s brake lights to come on, and the front end of your car will dip down. These reactions can signal the police officer.
- Radar Detector Detectors (RDDs): Some radar detectors can emit a weak signal. If an officer has an RDD, they’ll be able to detect your radar detector. More advanced radar detectors can shield the signals, which prevent the RDDs from picking up the waves.
If you’re in an area where a radar detector is legal, you have no worries about having a radar detector. Unfortunately, many Maryland residents visit areas where these devices are illegal and can face problems if they forget to turn off the device while in the area. If you encounter a situation similar to this, contact an experienced defense attorney for legal assistance.
Trust a Motivated Defense Attorney at the Law Office of Hillel Traub
If you still pulled over for speeding with a detector and were pulled over in an area where a radar device is illegal, you can face expensive fines for having one in use. Our team at the Law Office of Hillel Traub can offer detailed legal advice for your case. With over 20 years of experience working in Maryland, Attorney Hillel Traub is a strong advocate for those in the community and wants to make sure you’re properly represented during legal conflicts.
For a free consultation, call (410) 220-6976 or fill out our contact form
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