Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a front tag on my car?
There was legislation introduced in the 2013 legislative session by 13 members of the Maryland House of Delegates that added a “loophole” of sorts to the requirement of mounting a front license plate on a car. House Bill 577 would have eliminated the requirement of a front license plate in vehicles manufactured without a means to…
Read MoreI was going with the flow of traffic, is that a valid defense?
Going with the flow of traffic is not a defense. Here in Maryland, especially along the interstates (I-70, I-95, I-695, I-195, I-795, etc.), ‘the flow of traffic’ is generally above the posted speed limit. The way the speeding law is written (Transportation Article §21-801.1), as long as you are traveling above the posted speed limit, regardless…
Read MoreThere were other cars on the road around me, how does the police officer know it was me?
The answer to your question varies slightly depending on what technology the officer used to obtain your speed. In Maryland, almost all stops for speed are based on either LIDAR or RADAR (although your speed can be determined by pace, VASCAR, or other means). How the unit works and how the officer determines that the…
Read MoreDoes a police officer have to show me his RADAR gun?
It is a common misconception that an officer has to show you his RADAR or LIDAR (Laser) device. In Maryland they can’t even lock the speed in. At trial it comes down to the officer’s word against your word. The officer was presumably using equipment that has been calibrated and certified. Most stops in Maryland…
Read MoreWhat should I do when I get a ticket?
The first thing you should do is when the officer is walking up to your car, make sure that your hands were on steering wheel where the officer can see them Roll your window down before the officer gets thereIf you’re stopped at night, make sure that your interior light is on so the officer…
Read MoreHow should I comply with the ticket – Pay the Fine, Request a Waiver Hearing, or Request a Trial?
When you receive a traffic ticket or speeding ticket in the state of Maryland, you have 30 days to “Comply” with the ticket. Your three options are (1) pay the fine, (2) request a waiver hearing, (3) request a trial. The options for complying with a Maryland Traffic Citation – Pay Fine Amount, Request Waiver…
Read MoreWhat should I do if I’m pulled over for DUI?
A traffic stop is one of the highest-risk things a police officer does. When an officer is walking up to your car, they have no idea what they are about to encounter.Anything you can do to make the officer more at ease especially when approaching vehicle will make things go better for you.If you are stopped…
Read MoreDoes a penny under your tongue fool the breath test machine?
Prior to your taking a breath test, the breath test operator is required to check your mouth for any foreign objects. Even if you were able to sneak a penny under your tongue, it wouldn’t have any effect on your breath test result. So in short, there really are no secret tricks to fooling the…
Read MoreI didn’t have that many drinks, how accurate is the breath test?
Simply put, the breath test may not be accurate. The test is looking for .08 grams of alcohol her 210 liters of breath. To put that in perspective .08 g is about three grains of rice and 210 liters is about the size of a 55 gallon drum. That means the machine is looking for three grains…
Read MoreWill I lose my license or go to jail for my DUI?
Will I lose my license?If your breath test result was under .15 and this is a first DUI then you will likely be able to keep your license for getting to and from work, driving for work purposes, school, alcohol education or treatment, and court. If your breath test result was .15 or more or if…
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