Maryland’s new tiered fine structure for work zone speed violations, effective January 1, 2025, has led to over 48,000 citations issued by the Maryland Safe Zones Automated Speed Enforcement system in its first two months. Among these, 23 citations carried a $1,000 fine for vehicles traveling more than 40 miles per hour above the posted speed limit in active work zones with workers present, highlighting the ongoing challenge of ensuring work zone safety.
Notable violations included a vehicle recorded at 134 mph and another at 132 mph on I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) in active work zones, underscoring the dangers of reckless driving. Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller emphasized the stakes, stating, “Reckless driving at high speeds is a dangerous weapon in motion. Every second of carelessness on the road can steal a lifetime from someone else. Work zone safety is a shared responsibility with each of us choosing to slow down, stay focused, and value every life in the zone.”
The data was unveiled during National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 21-25, 2025, themed “Respect the Zone – So We All Get Home.” Lieutenant Governor Miller joined Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld, Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), Maryland State Police, Maryland Transportation Authority, and private industry partners at a press event on a closed segment of I-695 near MD 151 in Sparrows Point. The event highlighted the need for drivers to adhere to speed limits and Maryland’s Move Over Law, which mandates slowing down or moving over when approaching stopped vehicles with warning signals.
From 2019 to 2023, Maryland recorded 7,110 work zone crashes, resulting in 2,587 Injuries and 45 deaths, affecting drivers, passengers, and workers. In 2024, over 1,300 work zone crashes occurred, including 18 deaths, notably six workers in the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. As of mid-April 2025, 251 work zone crashes have been reported. Maryland maintains about 300 daily active work zones with over 1,000 workers deployed, making safety measures critical.
The tiered fine structure, part of the Maryland Road Worker Protection Act signed into law on April 9, 2024, by Governor Wes Moore, imposes fines based on speed above the posted limit, doubling when workers are present: 12-15 mph over ($60/$120), 16-19 mph ($80/$160), 20-29 mph ($140/$280), 30-39 mph ($270/$540), and 40+ mph ($500/$1,000). The law, informed by the Maryland Work Zone Safety Work Group chaired by Miller, also enhances signage, lighting, and camera deployments.
Preliminary data suggests a decline in citations compared to 2023 and 2024, indicating some drivers are slowing down to avoid fines. However, State Highway Administrator Will Pines expressed concern, stating, “Early numbers from the automated speed enforcement program that show thousands of people are continuing to speed in our work zones are disturbing and unacceptable.” He urged drivers to change behavior, noting the goal of zero citations.
“Protecting the brave men and women who maintain our highways and keep our roads safe for all Marylanders is ingrained in everything we do across the Department,” said Transportation Secretary Wiedefeld. The Moore-Miller Administration’s investments aim to enhance safety through policies and programs encouraging compliance in work zones.
Governor Moore proclaimed April 23 as “Go Orange Day,” with Government House in Annapolis lit orange. Events for National Work Zone Awareness Week include a Unity Ride on April 23 along I-695, a social media “storm” on April 24, and a moment of silence on April 25 to honor work zone crash victims. Maryland’s Work Zone Safety campaign, launched in 2024, generated over 68 million impressions and will leverage social media, billboards, and a Baltimore Orioles partnership in 2025.
Motorists can access real-time traffic updates at md511.maryland.gov and view major SHA projects at roads.maryland.gov. Despite progress, the high citation numbers underscore the need for continued driver vigilance to protect work zone workers and ensure everyone gets home safely.
