Safe Speed Forums

Speed Cameras: State-Sanctioned Mugging
Saturday, July 4, 2009

I recently received a letter stating that I had failed to pay a speed camera ticket from Montgomery County and therefore a $25 fee had been tacked onto the $40 fine. This "offense" occurred sometime in January. No officer had witnessed my transgression; no person, letter or phone call informed me of my error. No due process, no chance to plead my case, no option for appeal; not even the chance to pay my $40 fine.

I've since been informed of additional penalties and administrative fees from multiple agencies. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration informed me that the legislature mandates that my vehicle registration not be renewed.

Citizens and officials may argue ad nauseam about the usefulness of these cameras, but I know a mugging when I see one. If I lived in Montgomery County I would organize a political campaign and vote out these scoundrels and petty thieves for abuse of power.

What really irks me is that the Maryland legislature legitimizes this shakedown by ordering the MVA to flag, and reject, vehicle registration renewals. They're organized! Wonderful. Virginia looks better every day.