Major Change To Maryland Traffic Court- Tell Your Friends!

Prior to October 1, 2010, any person issued a traffic ticket in Maryland for an offense which did not carry a potential jail sentence, such as a speeding ticket, would have had the option to either pay the ticket or automatically receive a trial date notice. At the trial, the driver could plead not guilty and have a trial, plead guilty or plead guilty with an explanation. Many people would simply not pay the ticket and show up to court and ask the court to grant a probation before judgment or seek a reduction in fine or points.

On October 1, 2010, a new law went into effect which signifigantly changed Maryland's traffic court procedure. A trial date will no longer autommatically be set if the ticket is not paid. Instead, the new law places a burden on the driver to request a hearing, or take some other action, within 30 days or risk having their license suspended. Below are the new options available to someone who has been issued a traffic citation:

• Pay the full amount of the ticket
• Tell the court that they are guilty but wish to have a hearing only as to the penalty to be imposed
• Request a trial date in the District Court

It is very important to regognize that there has been a major change to Maryland traffic court procedure. A driver can no longer sit back and wait for a trial date notice to appear in his or her mailbox. Be sure to understand what action you need to take if issued a traffic citation. Don't risk having your drivers license suspended for either failing to pay the ticket or request a hearing.