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