Baltimore to launch camera enforcement on truck-restricted roads

Truckers driving through certain parts of Baltimore better pay attention to signs warning them of restricted streets. Beginning March 19, the Baltimore City Department of Transportation will implement photo enforcement on at least six truck-restricted streets.

Trucks more than three-quarter ton are restricted from entering several streets across Baltimore. According to the city’s DOT, some of these narrow streets include historical homes and infrastructures. Additionally, parking is tight. These streets are already marked with signs alerting motorists that trucks greater than three-quarter ton are prohibited.

To enforce these restrictions, Baltimore will use what it calls the Commercial Vehicle Height Monitoring System Camera Program, which uses a truck’s height to determine whether or not it is legal. When the system detects a restricted truck, photos and video of the front of the truck are taken to capture registration identification.

According to the Baltimore DOT, some truckers divert their route through neighborhoods in order to avoid tolls or as a shortcut. The city receives frequent reports of damages to buildings, parked cars and infrastructure as a result.

Cameras will be installed in multiple directions at the following locations:

• 1400-1700 Broening Highway
• 2300-2500 Chesapeake Avenue
• 3000-3200 Boston Street
• 800-1000 Fleet Street
• 3800-4000 Pulaski Highway
• 600-1800 E. Fayette Street

It is not likely that locations will be added. If there are additions, others will have to be eliminated or temporarily disabled. According to the city ordinance, no more than six cameras may be operational at any one time. However, more than six can be installed and operational on a rotation schedule.

Violators will receive a warning for the first offense. A second offense will cost a driver $125 and a third and subsequent offenses will run $250 each.

However, many trucks that are technically restricted from these streets still need to make deliveries in the area. In these cases, drivers will still receive a violation notice. To be exempt from this ordinance, drivers making deliveries can send a copy of the bill of lading, Maryland One-certified permit or other proof of local delivery to the DOT Automated Traffic Violation Enforcement System.

Proof of delivery (with the violation number) can be sent via email to ATVES.Ombudsman@BaltimoreCity.gov or by mail to:

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation
Automated Traffic Violations Enforcement System
P.O. Box 22505
Baltimore, MD 21203

The camera monitoring system will be operational 24 hours a day every day of the year. Official truck routes can be found here.

The commercial vehicle monitoring system will be launched at the same as two other camera-enforced systems in Baltimore. Speed limits in school zones at 19 elementary, middle and high schools will be monitored Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. year-round. Cameras will capture motorists exceeding the posted speed limit by at least 12 miles per hour. A violation will cost $40.

Also being introduced on March 19 are the automated red light enforcement cameras. Operational 24/7 year-round, motorists running red lights will be fined $75. Cameras will be installed at 19 locations throughout the city.