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speeding ticket 15 over maryland drivers receive is one of the most common citations written on I-95, the Beltway, and Route 50. If a trooper clocked you at 70 in a 55, you fall squarely into Maryland’s second speeding tier. A speeding ticket 15 over maryland carries a $90 preset fine and two points on your license. That sounds minor.
However, the real cost is rarely the fine. Insurance surcharges, MVA point accumulation, and a permanent conviction record often cost far more over three years. This guide explains exactly what a speeding ticket 15 over maryland means for your wallet, your license, and your options. Every figure below comes from Maryland’s Transportation Article and the District Court’s preset fine schedule.
What a Speeding Ticket 15 Over Maryland Costs
Maryland charges speeding under Transportation Article § 21-801.1. The law sets fines by how far over the limit you were driving. Fifteen miles per hour over lands in the 10-to-19 mph band. As a result, the preset fine is $90 and the penalty is two points.
Here is the full statewide schedule for a standard, non-work-zone stop:
| Speed Over Limit | Preset Fine | MVA Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1–9 mph | $80 | 1 |
| 10–19 mph (includes 15 over) | $90 | 2 |
| 20–29 mph | $160 | 2 |
| 30–39 mph | $290 (now reckless driving) | 5–6 |
| 40+ mph | $530 | 5 |
Two enhancements matter. First, a speeding ticket 15 over maryland issued inside an active highway work zone or a marked school zone can be doubled. Second, the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act took effect October 1, 2025. It reclassified 30 mph or more over the limit as reckless driving, carrying six points, up to $1,000 in fines, and up to 60 days in jail. For example, a driver clocked at 15 over avoids that entirely. Typically, 15 over stays a payable civil-style citation, not a criminal charge.
Points, Your Driving Record, and Insurance
The two points are the part most drivers underestimate. The Maryland MVA tracks points on a rolling two-year window. Reaching 3 points triggers a warning letter. At 5 points, the MVA requires a Driver Improvement Program. At 8 points, your license faces suspension. At 12 points, revocation.
So a single speeding ticket 15 over maryland will not suspend anything. However, two of them inside two years puts you at 4 points and one ticket away from mandatory driver improvement. In most cases, drivers with prior citations should think hard before simply paying.
Insurance is the bigger number. A conviction stays visible on your Maryland driving record for three years. Insurers commonly surcharge a moving violation by 20 to 30 percent. On a $1,600 annual policy, that is roughly $320 to $480 per year, or about $1,000 over three years. Compare that to the $90 fine. The math explains why a speeding ticket 15 over maryland is worth contesting for many drivers.
One important distinction: speed camera tickets are different. Maryland automated speed enforcement citations are civil penalties issued to the vehicle owner. They carry no points and do not reach your insurance. Only an officer-issued citation does.
Your Four Options and the 30-Day Deadline
You must respond within 30 days of receiving the citation. Missing that deadline can lead to suspension of your driving privileges and added late fees. Do not ignore it.
Maryland gives you four choices for a payable speeding ticket 15 over maryland drivers receive:
1. Pay the fine. This is a guilty plea. The $90 is due, two points post to your record, and your insurer will likely see it. It is fastest but most expensive long-term.
2. Request a payment plan. Available if you owe at least $150 in total outstanding fines. Check the box, sign, and mail within 30 days.
3. Request a waiver hearing. This means pleading guilty with an explanation. A District Court judge can reduce or waive the fine, or grant probation before judgment. Dismissal is not possible at a waiver hearing.
4. Request a trial. You plead not guilty. The officer must appear and prove the charge. If the officer does not show, or the radar calibration records are missing, the case may be dismissed outright — no fine, no points.
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Probation before judgment, or PBJ, is the outcome many drivers seek. A PBJ is not a conviction. As a result, the MVA assesses no points, and the record may later be expunged. Judges commonly grant PBJ to drivers with clean records. Completing a Maryland Driver Improvement Program before your hearing date helps. Bring proof of your driving record and, if relevant, evidence you were keeping pace with traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a speeding ticket 15 over Maryland raise my insurance?
In most cases, yes, if you simply pay it. Insurers typically add 20 to 30 percent for a moving violation conviction. However, a PBJ generally avoids the point assessment that triggers most surcharges.
Can I go to jail for 15 over in Maryland?
No. Fifteen over is a payable citation with a $90 fine. Jail exposure begins at 30 mph or more over, which is now reckless driving under the Kepp Act.
How long do the two points stay on my record?
The MVA counts points for accumulation purposes over a rolling two-year period. The underlying conviction, however, remains visible to insurers on your driving record for about three years.
Is it worth fighting a speeding ticket 15 over maryland issues?
Often, yes. The $90 fine is small, but the three-year insurance cost can exceed $1,000. Requesting a trial or waiver hearing costs nothing extra and preserves your chance at a PBJ or dismissal.
Check Your Ticket Impact
Find out exactly what your speeding ticket will cost you — including the hidden insurance increase most drivers miss. Use our free tools to get the full picture.
Official Sources & Resources
For verified traffic law and speeding ticket information:
- NHTSA (Speed Data): nhtsa.gov
- NCSL (State Traffic Laws): ncsl.org
- AAA Foundation: aaafoundation.org
- IIHS (Insurance Data): iihs.org
- State DMV Websites: Check your state DMV for official point values and fine schedules
Content last reviewed August 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.
Related Guides
- Speeding Ticket Costs by State
- Driving Points by State
- Traffic School by State
- Speeding Ticket Cost Calculator
- Insurance Impact Estimator
Disclaimer. The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Fine amounts, point values, and traffic laws vary by jurisdiction and may change without notice. The creators assume no liability for accuracy or completeness. Always verify with your local court, DMV, or a qualified traffic attorney for advice specific to your situation.