A Maryland law taking effect on Wednesday changes the speed-camera fine to a graded system that bases the punishment on how fast the violator was driving.

Previously, drivers who were cited by a speed camera and didn’t appeal the violation had to pay a flat fine of $40. Under the law signed by Gov. Wes Moore in May, the drivers’ speed will determine how much they will pay.

Under the new law, motorists exceeding the speed limit by:

• 12-15 mph will be fined $40.

• 16-19 mph will be fined $70.

• 20-29 mph will be fined $120.

• 30 to 39 mph will be fined $230.

• 40 mph or more will be fined $425.

Speed camera violations are considered civil violations and don’t register points against drivers’ licenses, according to WTOP-FM.

Speed camera locations include highways in residential parts of Anne Arundel, Prince George’s and Montgomery counties, with a speed limit of 35 mph, and in school zones with speed limits of at least 20 mph.

Speed cameras also are located on parts of Maryland Route 210, Route 175 near the Route 175/295 interchange and the Anne Arundel County/Howard County border, and at the intersection of Route 333 and Bonfield Avenue in Talbot County.

Montgomery County is planning to add 140 speed cameras and 76 red-light cameras, the Montgomery County Police Department said Tuesday in a release. The new cameras will include 55 deployed roadside cameras and fixed-pole cameras in school zones.

Montgomery County has 55 red-light and 462 speed cameras, according to the county website. The cameras are part of a county initiative to eliminate serious collisions by 2030.

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.