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HB 963

Montgomery County - Highways - Maximum Speed Limits MC 1-25

2025 Regular Session

HB 963 empowers Montgomery County to set independent maximum speed limits on county highways, enabling localized traffic regulation based on road-specific conditions and safety needs.

Hearing 3/25 at 2:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 963

Legislative bill overview

HB 963 authorizes Montgomery County to establish maximum speed limits on county highways that may differ from state-mandated limits, giving the county greater local control over traffic regulation. The bill amends Maryland Transportation Code Section 1-25 to allow this localized speed limit authority.

Why is this important

Speed limits directly affect public safety, traffic flow, and enforcement effectiveness. Allowing counties to set limits tailored to local road conditions—rather than applying uniform state limits—can help reduce accidents on roads with unique characteristics while also generating local revenue through traffic enforcement.

Potential points of contention

  • Local vs. state authority: Concerns about whether fragmenting speed limit rules across counties creates confusion for drivers and complicates enforcement
  • Revenue generation: Critics may worry the primary motivation is increasing traffic ticket revenue rather than genuine safety improvements
  • Equity and fairness: Questions about whether affluent areas will set different limits than less resourced areas, creating disparate enforcement patterns

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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