Speed Cameras Set Up On These Howard Co. Roads This Week

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Drivers traveling near Howard County schools can take note of speed cameras police are positioning at more than a dozen locations across the county.

The Howard County Police Department has released its speed camera enforcement locations for the week of Nov. 9 that includes roads in Columbia, Elkridge and other communities.

The department is authorized by the Howard County Council to use speed monitoring systems in designated school zones. The cameras are intended to discourage speeding and improve safety for students, pedestrians and drivers, the police department stated.

Howard County currently operates 10 speed detection systems, including one mobile unit mounted in a van and nine portable cameras housed in roadside cabinets.

According to police, the mobile systems do not require roadway construction or improvements. Only certified police department personnel are authorized to operate the equipment.

Speed cameras can be used Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Enforcement locations are selected based on traffic studies and complaints received by police.

Camera Locations This Week

Howard County police have identified the following enforcement locations for the week of Nov. 9:

• 3400 block of Sharp Road
• 5300 block of High Tor Hill
• 5400 block of Hesperus Drive
• 5400 block of Phelps Luck Drive
• Centennial Lane at Breconshire Road
• Columbia Road at Smokey Wreath Way
• Harpers Farm Road near Rivendell
• Harpers Farm Road near Gloucester Road
• Little Patuxent Parkway near Trotting Ridge Way
• Old Annapolis Road at Whitworth Way
• Ridgley's Run Road at Guilford Park High School
• Saint Margarets Boulevard near Southmoor Street
• Twin Rivers Road near Green Mountain Circle
• Whiskey Bottom Road at Phillips School

How Much Are Fines?

Under Maryland's tiered fine structure, which took effect Oct. 1, 2025, drivers caught traveling at least 12 mph over the posted speed limit face the following penalties:

• 12 to 15 mph over: $40
• 16 to 19 mph over: $70
• 20 to 29 mph over: $120
• 30 to 39 mph over: $230
• 40 mph or more over: $425

The cameras use laser technology to measure vehicle speeds and photograph vehicles traveling at least 12 mph above the posted speed limit.

Citations are mailed to the registered owners of vehicles within 14 days of the violation.

Unlike traditional speeding tickets issued by police officers, speed camera citations are civil violations that do not add points to a driver's record.

Drives who receive a citation can pay the fine online, by mail or in person at the George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City. Drivers also can request a court hearing.

Howard County has 70 public schools and more than 30 private schools. Roads designated as school zones are eligible for speed camera enforcement, although the county limits camera placement to roads bordering schools or designated student walking routes.

Police update the speed camera enforcement locations weekly.