Maryland speed limits and key traffic laws

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state Maryland's default speed limits when no sign is posted.
• You can explain how school zones and work zones affect your speed.
• You can list places where passing is not allowed.
• You can describe what to do for a stopped school bus.
• You can apply Maryland's Move Over law.

What you need to know and understand

• Default limits: 30 mph in business districts and on undivided roads in residential districts; 35 mph on divided roads in residential districts.
• Elsewhere: 50 mph on undivided roads and 55 mph on divided roads, unless signs say otherwise.
• Limits above 55 mph are allowed only on interstates and expressways, and never above 70 mph.
• School zones may be set within half a mile of a school, and fines there may be doubled.
• Flashing blue lights in a work zone mean speed cameras are active.
• Do not pass within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad crossing, or where the solid yellow line is on your side.
• Move Over law: change to a lane not next to a stopped vehicle with flashing lights, or slow to a safe speed if you cannot.
• Move Over penalties start at a $110 fine and 1 point.

Maryland's default limits

Posted signs override these defaults. It is legal to drive slower than the limit when conditions call for it, but it is illegal to drive faster.

• 30 mph: all roads in business districts, and undivided roads in residential districts.
• 35 mph: divided roads in residential districts.
• 50 mph: undivided roads elsewhere.
• 55 mph: divided roads elsewhere.
• Up to 70 mph: only on interstates and expressways where posted.

Zones that need extra care

School zones can be set within a half-mile of a school, with their own posted limits and possible doubled fines. In work zones, flashing amber or yellow lights mean workers are present, flashing blue lights mean speed cameras are active, and fines can be much higher.

Points rise with speed: 2 points for 10 mph or more over the limit, 5 points for 20 mph or more over a 65 mph limit, and 6 points for 30 mph or more over.

Passing, school buses and moving over

You may not pass in a no-passing zone, across double solid yellow lines, near the top of a hill or on a curve where you cannot see, or on the shoulder. When someone passes you, do not speed up.

For a stopped school bus with flashing red lights, stop at least 20 feet away and wait until the lights go off or the bus moves. You do not stop if the bus is on the other side of a divided highway with a physical barrier.

The Move Over law covers any stopped vehicle on the road with flashing or hazard lights, flares or cones. A violation is a $110 fine and 1 point, rising to $150 and 3 points if it causes a crash. Our guide to Maryland MVA points explains how these add up.

Common mistakes

• Assuming an unsigned two-lane rural road is 55 mph. Undivided roads default to 50 mph.
• Speeding up when another car passes you. You must not increase speed.
• Driving past a school bus on an undivided road because it is on the other side. Both directions stop unless a physical barrier divides the road.
• Staying in the lane next to a stopped tow truck with flashing lights. Move over, or slow down if you cannot.

Test yourself: Maryland speed limits and key traffic laws

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Maryland MVA Points
• Maryland Cell Phone Law for Teen and Provisional Drivers
• How to Get a Driver’s License in Maryland