State officials back reciprocal enforcement for red-light/speeding camera citations (SB 173)
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Summary
MDOT and MVA testified that Senate Bill 173 would authorize reciprocal agreements to enforce automated traffic citations against out-of-state-registered vehicles, closing an enforcement gap proponents say limits automated traffic enforcement and impedes Vision Zero goals.
Matt Meikler, director of government affairs at the Maryland Department of Transportation, told the committee that Senate Bill 173 would authorize the motor-vehicle administrator to enter reciprocal enforcement agreements to collect unpaid automated traffic-enforcement citations issued to out-of-state vehicles. Meikler said automated enforcement deters unsafe driving and that the state currently lacks authority to flag registrations for out-of-state vehicles that have outstanding camera citations.
"Reciprocity focused on speeding and red light running will deter unsafe driving through consequences regardless of where the vehicle is registered and create parity of enforcement between Maryland residents and out of state individuals," Meikler said.
Committee members asked whether other jurisdictions are ready to enter reciprocal arrangements. Meikler said the District of Columbia is likely interested and there has been discussion about Virginia; he said the bill is authorizing legislation that creates the authority to negotiate such agreements, and that MDOT can provide follow-up information on ongoing conversations.
Philip Dacey of the Motor Vehicle Administration said he was available to answer questions; no vote was recorded in the hearing.
