Three Maryland drivers accumulated more than 330 tickets but continue to drive. | Carscoops

      It is perplexing how these drivers remain on the road, yet all three face expensive lawsuits against them.

      Thirteen hours ago, Stephen Rivers reported that Maryland is suing three drivers with significant violation histories in an effort to curb dangerous driving. Each has amassed numerous speeding tickets and other offenses, totaling at least $27,882. It's uncertain if the state intends to suspend their licenses or attempt to seize their vehicles.

      In Maryland, one can accumulate numerous high-risk traffic violations and still retain their driver's license. That’s the main point from a group of new lawsuits aimed at particularly reckless drivers. Each of the three individuals involved in these cases has at least 84 traffic violations, yet they all still hold valid licenses. The state is now pursuing $95,534 in fines to ensure they are held accountable.

      The lawsuits, initiated by Washington, D.C.’s Attorney General Brian Schwalb, focus on three Maryland drivers with astonishingly high numbers of infractions. These are not minor issues like parking violations or expired registrations; rather, these individuals are accused of regularly running red lights, speeding in school zones, and recklessly endangering other drivers.

      Caught on Camera, Not by Law Enforcement

      One driver cited in the lawsuits has an astonishing 125 traffic violations, another has 84, and the third has 109, resulting in a total of 334 infractions, with 226 specifically for speeding. Court documents reveal that they have repeatedly disregarded penalties and failed to respond to citations, making them among the most serious violators on the roads.

      It's important to note that most of these infractions were recorded by red light and speeding cameras rather than by traditional traffic stops conducted by police officers. Through these lawsuits, the state is attempting to recover unpaid fines and hold these drivers accountable for their reckless actions.

      Attorney General Brian Schwalb tweeted that his office has filed lawsuits against three Maryland drivers who have amassed over $90,000 in fines for dangerous driving in D.C. These marks the first lawsuits under the STEER Act, which allows the Office of the Attorney General to enhance road safety by holding reckless drivers from any state accountable.

      Schwalb's office stresses that the intent of the lawsuit extends beyond financial recovery; it is fundamentally about public safety. He stated, “Drivers who repeatedly violate traffic laws at this scale pose an enormous risk to pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists.” The city aims to reduce traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries, and part of that strategy involves ensuring habitual offenders face repercussions.

      However, due to Maryland’s seemingly lenient approach to license suspensions and vehicle confiscations—issues not addressed by Schwalb or in the lawsuits themselves—these drivers have been able to operate their vehicles without consequence. At least two of them allegedly “hold a Maryland driver’s license” according to court documents, indicating that the state has not suspended their right to drive.

      We have contacted Maryland officials for clarification and will provide updates if we discover more about how these drivers have retained their licenses despite their numerous violations.

      Image Credit: Maryland OAG