Speeder beware.
 

Speed cameras on U.S. highways? - CNN.com
Speed cameras on U.S. highways?
(AOL Autos) -- You may already have seen an ominous looking radar and camera perched atop a traffic light in your neighborhood. And almost all drivers have seen a patrol car cruising a freeway looking for speeders, or a law-enforcement officer standing at the side of a road wielding a radar gun.

But most have yet to see a freeway speed camera, which are common in Europe but currently are operated in just two U.S. states.

Opponents and backers of speed cameras both suggest that eventually speed cameras will become the norm on U.S. freeways. But just how likely is a nationwide roll-out? And what factors stand in the way? We take a look.

Sponsoring legislation in Maryland

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley signed into law on May 19 Senate Bill 277, allowing the use of speed cameras in highway work zones and within a half-mile radius of schools, which means that they can be placed on freeways under these conditions.

Maryland is only the second state behind Arizona to codify the use of freeway speed cameras into law. Hawaii piloted a program but dropped it, and similar programs near San Jose, California, and in southern Florida were dismantled after they were found to be operating outside of state law. Maryland's law takes effect on October 1.

"Maryland is in a unique position," said Sean Adamec, the governor's spokesman said.

I assume that the camera is taking a picture of the front licience plate in order to identify the speeder. In that case we Jayhawkers may be safe. Front plates are not required. These "traps" in Germany are deadly accurate, cleverly hidden and can cost you alot of Euro. Mostly used on secondary roads at the beginning of a township property line where the speed limit drops to 30kph or less. Alot of times the "square yellow township sign" appears over the crest of a hill (along with the radar camera and "BLINK"...you've been had.

Make no mistake, these cameras have nothing to do with safety and everything to do with revenue :thumbup: Once you learn where the cameras are (I'm sure an iPhone app will be developed for that :rofl:) they are nothing more than a traffic jam.

GA just passed a "Super Speeder" law - if you are pulled over doing more than 85 on a highway or 75 on a 2-lane road, they tack an additional $200 on to whatever ticket you get.

That's nothing compared to what the road nazis have running here in Ontario, Canada....

If you are caught going 50 kph (31 mph) over the limit which is 100 kph (65 mph) on the highway you get:
1. Charged with 'street racing' (even if you're alone on the road)
2. License gets suspended for a week (on the spot)
3. Car gets towed and impounded for a week (on the spot)
4. Minimum fine of $2,000 max of $10,000 ($9.75 per kph over the limit)

- cop gets to be judge and jury as well.

I think it's part of the economic recovery plan. The locals are stepping up the revenue chase all over the country. My left front tire went over a yellowline on the double yellow line of a left turn lane (trying to avoid a vehicle that was partially blocking my move) and ten seconds later from who knows where came the local, lights a blazing, siren blarring. $120.00 fine plus moving violation point. An observer might have thought I had just robbed a bank or something. Wheel touching yellow line-only happens maybe 11 million times a second everyday in the USA.

WOW, that is crazy!!!

I like Florida's law that you can be pulled over for going too slow in the fast lane on highways if you are impeding traffic - should be that way everywhere!!