(This story has been updated.)

Drivers have plenty of questions about Sykesville’s involvement with speed cameras, and here are some highlights about what it means to local drivers.

Why does Sykesville have the power to install speed cameras?
The Maryland General Assembly’s speed camera law went into effect Oct. 1, 2009, providing powers to counties and municipalities to pass their own ordinances in order to operate speed cameras.
If a county decides to operate a speed camera on a state highway within a municipality, the county must give notice to the municipality. The municipality then has 60 days to enact an ordinance or refuse the cameras.

What does the law require Sykesville to do?
The town is required, and has, performed a study to see if town roads qualify for speed cameras. The Traffic Group, out of Baltimore, performed this study in November.
If Sykesville’s mayor and Town Council approve the speed camera ordinance,  they must publish in a newspaper and on the town’s Web site the location of the cameras, as well as educate the public about traffic safety.
Signs must be posted on the street before the cameras, as well.
An officer or staff member must be trained and certified to operate the program.

Where and when can the cameras operate?
State law says cameras can be installed in a half-mile driving radius of school, as well as work zones that have a 45 mph or greater speed limit.
The half-mile radius around the school would be the school zone, which must be posted with signs. The town also has to have designated school zones, but state law says school zones should not be created solely for speed cameras.
The cameras in school zones can operate between 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The evening hours, set by the state as well, are provided because school activities and sports often occur in the evenings.

Is there a grace period?
Yes. Warnings are issued for the camera’s first 30 days after the first camera is working.

How much is the fine?
The Maryland General Assembly set the fine to be $40.

Where does the money go?
Ten percent of the town's total revenue goes back to the town, after operating expenses. The rest goes to the state.
Sykesville's fiscal 2010 budget is $2.8 million. So, the town could collect about $280,000 while any net revenue after paying for the expense of the program and cameras, would go back to the state.
The town must spend the money on public safety, police equipment and traffic improvements, including sidewalks, crosswalks, signals and walking trails.

Where does the money go if an officer pulls me over using radar?
All funds from speeding tickets using radar go to the state.

Where is Sykesville proposing to place its cameras?
The town proposed to place cameras in the half-mile radius school zones of Ava Wanas Montessori School, Stepping Stones Daycare and Sykesville Middle School.
Sykesville is proposing to use mobile camera units, that look like work zone lights to place on targeted streets.

Does the town have to post the location of the camera if it moves the camera?
Yes. However, if the town moves the camera back to its prior location, which already was posted, the town does not have to provide another notice.

How fast can I go over the speed limit for my picture to be taken?
The General Assembly set the threshold at 12 mph over the speed limit in order to compensate for factors such as different tires placed on the vehicle, affecting the speedometer.

Who approves the tickets?
A certified officer from the Sykesville Police Department will review and issue or deny citations.

How do I know the camera is not malfunctioning?
The cameras are calibrated using laser technology and must be certified.
Data would be sent daily from the cameras to the Sykesville Police Department.
An officer must test the cameras daily.

What kind of violation is my ticket?
The $40 is a civil fine and not a moving violation. No points will be posted to the driver’s license, so it will not affect insurance. Fines are paid to the municipality.
The charge goes to the owner of the vehicle.

How long will it take me to get my ticket?
It will take about a week’s time to arrive in the mail, but can be mailed up to two weeks after the violation or one month for out-of-state vehicles.

What if I forget to pay my fine or refuse to pay?
The Motor Vehicle Administration can suspend your driver’s license or refuse to register your vehicle.

What if I want to contest the ticket in court?
The only defense is either the vehicle or registration plates were stolen, someone else was driving the vehicle and "Any other issues and evidence that the District Court deems pertinent." Proof must be provided.

How are the courts involved?
Before the first citation is issued, the police department must educate the court and obtain permission from the judges.
That includes that the cameras are certified, via in affadavit, as well as agreeing on what the charging documents look like, how the fine is written, and the wording included.

Sources: Police Chief John Williams, “Establishing a Safe Speed Program” by Stein Sperling, Maryland Annotated Code, Town of Sykesvill

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