(a) (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, the court costs in a traffic case, including parking and impounding cases, cases under § 21-202.1, § 21-809, § 21-810, § 21-1414, or § 24-111.3 of the Transportation Article in which costs are imposed, and cases under § 10-112 of the Criminal Law Article in which costs are imposed: (i) Are $22.50; and (ii) Shall also be applicable to those cases in which the defendant elects to waive the defendant's right to trial and pay the fine or penalty deposit established by the Chief Judge of the District Court by administrative regulation. (2) In an uncontested case under § 21-202.1, § 21-809, § 21-810, § 21-1414, or § 24-111.3 of the Transportation Article, an uncontested case under § 10-112 of the Criminal Law Article, or an uncontested parking or impounding case in which the fines are paid directly to a political subdivision or municipality, costs are $2.00, which costs shall be paid to and retained by the political subdivision or municipality. (3) (i) In an uncontested case in which the fine is paid directly to an agency of State government authorized by law to regulate parking of motor vehicles, the court costs are $2.00. (ii) The fine and the costs under this paragraph shall be paid to the agency, which shall receive and account for these funds as in all other cases involving sums due the State through a State agency. (b) (1) The court costs in a criminal case in which costs are imposed are $22.50. (2) The costs shall be in addition to any costs imposed in a criminal case under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act. (c) (1) The filing fees and costs in a civil case are those prescribed by law subject to modification by law, rule, or administrative regulation. (2) The Chief Judge of the District Court shall assess a surcharge that: (i) May not be more than: 1. $43 per summary ejectment case; and 2. $28 per case for all other civil cases; and (ii) Shall be deposited: 1. For a surcharge assessed under item (i)1 of this paragraph: A. 45% into the Statewide Rental Assistance Voucher Program established under § 4-2902 of the Housing and Community Development Article; B. 45% into the Maryland Legal Services Corporation Fund established under § 11-402 of the Human Services Article; and C. 10% into the Rental Assistance for Community Schools Families Fund established under § 9.9-104.1 of the Education Article; and 2. For a surcharge assessed under item (i)2 of this paragraph, into the Maryland Legal Services Corporation Fund established under § 11-402 of the Human Services Article. (3) (i) In addition to the surcharge assessed under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Chief Judge of the District Court shall assess a surcharge that may not be more than $10 per case for the following cases filed in Baltimore City: 1. Summary ejectment; 2. Tenant holding over; 3. Breach of lease; and 4. Warrant of restitution. (ii) The revenue generated from the surcharge on filing fees collected by the District Court in Baltimore City under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall be: 1. Remitted quarterly to the Baltimore City Director of Finance; and 2. Used to fund the enhancement of sheriff benefits, the increase in sheriff personnel to enhance the service of domestic violence orders, and the work of the Neighborhood Services Unit within the Office of the Sheriff of Baltimore City. (4) In addition to the surcharge assessed under paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, the Chief Judge of the District Court shall assess a surcharge that: (i) May not be more than: 1. $3 per summary ejectment case; and 2. $8 per case for all other civil cases; and (ii) Shall be deposited into the Circuit Court Real Property Records Improvement Fund established under § 13-602 of this article. (5) (i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a surcharge assessed under paragraph (2)(i)1 of this subsection shall be assessed against a landlord and may not be awarded or assigned as a fee or cost against a residential tenant by the court. (ii) A court may allow a landlord to deduct a surcharge assessed under paragraph (2)(i)1 of this subsection from the tenant's security deposit if: 1. A judgment for possession is granted in the landlord's favor; and 2. The lease agreement provides that a surcharge may be assessed against the tenant in accordance with this paragraph. (iii) A deduction under subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph may not exceed the amount of a tenant's security deposit. (6) The Supreme Court of Maryland may provide by rule for waiver of prepayment of filing fees and other costs in cases of indigency. (d) (1) If a person pays court costs or a fine with a check in any motor vehicle, criminal, or civil case in the District Court, and the check is returned to the court by the financial institution on which it is drawn because of insufficient funds in the account, or because the account has been closed or never existed, the court may impose a service charge of $30 against the party issuing the check. (2) The service charge under this subsection shall be in addition to any other penalty prescribed by law. (e) The Comptroller shall annually pay from the court costs collected by the District Court under subsections (a) and (b)(1) of this section: (1) $500,000 into the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund established under § 11-819 of the Criminal Procedure Article; (2) $125,000 into the Victim and Witness Protection and Relocation Fund established under § 11-905 of the Criminal Procedure Article; and (3) $2,000,000 into the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission Fund established under § 3-206.1 of the Public Safety Article. (f) (1) This subsection does not apply to a traffic case under § 21-202.1, § 21-809, § 21-810, or § 21-1414 of the Transportation Article or to a parking or impounding case. (2) In a traffic case under subsection (a)(1) of this section the court shall add a $7.50 surcharge to any fine imposed by the court. (3) (i) The Comptroller annually shall credit the surcharges collected under this subsection as provided in this paragraph. (ii) An amount annually as set forth in the State budget shall be distributed for the Charles W. Riley Firefighter and Ambulance and Rescue Squad Member Scholarship as established in § 18-603.1 of the Education Article. (iii) An amount annually as set forth in the State budget shall be distributed to the Maryland State Firefighters Association for the Widows' and Orphans' Fund. (iv) After the distribution under subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph, $200,000 shall be distributed to the Maryland State Firemen's Association. (v) After the distribution under subparagraphs (ii), (iii), and (iv) of this paragraph and until a total of $20,000,000 has been distributed to the Volunteer Company Assistance Fund since the establishment of the surcharge under this subsection, the remainder shall be credited to the Volunteer Company Assistance Fund to be used in accordance with the provisions of Title 8, Subtitle 2 of the Public Safety Article. (vi) After a total of $20,000,000 has been distributed to the Volunteer Company Assistance Fund, 100% of the remainder shall be credited to the Maryland Emergency Medical System Operations Fund established under § 13-955 of the Transportation Article. (vii) On or before September 1 of each year until $20,000,000 has been distributed to the Volunteer Company Assistance Fund, the State Court Administrator shall submit a report to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee and the House Appropriations Committee, in accordance with § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, on the amount of revenue distributed to the Volunteer Company Assistance Fund under this paragraph. §7-302. IN EFFECT (a) Except as provided in subsections (b) through (g) of this section, the clerks of the District Court shall: (1) Collect costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties imposed by the court; and (2) Remit them to the State under a system agreed upon by the Chief Judge of the District Court and the Comptroller. (b) If a parking or impounding fine, penalty, or forfeiture, or a fine, penalty, or forfeiture relating to violation of housing, building, fire, health, or sanitation codes, or a Mass Transit Fare Payment Statute, or a fine or penalty relating to failure to pay the prescribed toll at an Authority highway, as defined in § 21-1401 of the Transportation Article, is collected by the District Court pursuant to a local ordinance, law, or regulation of a political subdivision or municipality, or pursuant to a regulation of an agency of State government authorized to regulate parking of motor vehicles, or pursuant to a statute pertaining to the payment of mass transit fares, or pursuant to a statute pertaining to the failure to pay tolls, it shall be remitted to the respective local government, or to the State agency. (c) Every agency of State government, political subdivision or municipality which has enacted or which shall enact an ordinance, law, or regulation controlling the parking of motor vehicles, or providing for the impounding of motor vehicles, or pertaining to the failure to pay tolls shall provide that fines, penalties or forfeitures for the violation of said ordinances, laws, or regulations shall be paid directly to the State agency, political subdivision or municipality, and not to the District Court, in uncontested cases. (d) Every ordinance, law, or regulation controlling the parking of motor vehicles or providing for impounding such vehicles or pertaining to the failure to pay tolls shall provide that the person receiving a citation may elect to stand trial for said offense by notifying the State agency, political subdivision or municipality of his intention of standing trial, which notice shall be given at least five (5) days prior to the date of payment as set forth in the citation. Upon receipt of the notice of such intention to stand trial, the political subdivision or municipality shall forward to the District Court in said political subdivision or municipality, and the State agency shall forward to the District Court having venue, a copy of the citation and a copy of the notice from the person who received the citation indicating his intention to stand trial. Upon receipt thereof, the District Court shall schedule the case for trial and notify the defendant of the trial date under procedures to be adopted by the Chief Judge of the District Court. All parking or impounding fines, penalties or forfeitures or failure to pay toll penalties collected through the District Court pursuant to a parking or impounding or toll collection ordinance, law, or regulation enacted by a State agency, political subdivision or municipality shall be remitted to the respective local government or State agency. (e) (1) (i) A citation issued under § 21-202.1, § 21-706.1, § 21-707.1, § 21-809, § 21-810, § 21-1134, § 22-612, or § 24-111.3 of the Transportation Article shall provide that the person receiving the citation may elect to stand trial by notifying the issuing agency of the person's intention to stand trial at least 5 days before the date of payment as set forth in the citation. (ii) On receipt of the notice to stand trial, the agency shall forward to the District Court having venue a copy of the citation and a copy of the notice from the person who received the citation indicating the person's intention to stand trial. (iii) On receipt thereof, the District Court shall schedule the case for trial and notify the defendant of the trial date under procedures adopted by the Chief Judge of the District Court. (2) (i) A citation issued as the result of any of the following systems or cameras controlled by a political subdivision shall provide that, in an uncontested case, the penalty shall be paid directly to that political subdivision: 1. A vehicle height monitoring system; 2. A traffic control signal monitoring system; 3. A speed monitoring system; 4. A work zone speed control system; 5. A stop sign monitoring system; 6. A school bus monitoring camera; 7. A bus lane monitoring system; or 8. A noise abatement monitoring system. (ii) A citation issued as the result of any of the following systems or cameras controlled by a political subdivision shall provide that, in a contested case, the penalty shall be paid directly to the District Court: 1. A vehicle height monitoring system; 2. A traffic control signal monitoring system; 3. A speed monitoring system; 4. A work zone speed control system; 5. A stop sign monitoring system; 6. A school bus monitoring camera; 7. A bus lane monitoring system; or 8. A noise abatement monitoring system. (iii) A citation issued as the result of any of the following systems or cameras controlled by a State agency shall provide that, in an uncontested or contested case, the penalty shall be paid directly to the District Court: 1. A traffic control signal monitoring system; 2. A work zone speed control system; 3. A speed monitoring system; or 4. A bus lane monitoring system. (3) (i) Except as provided in subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph and paragraph (6) of this subsection, civil penalties resulting from citations issued using a vehicle height monitoring system, traffic control signal monitoring system, speed monitoring system, work zone speed control system, stop sign monitoring system, school bus monitoring camera, bus lane monitoring system, or a noise abatement monitoring system that are collected by the District Court shall be collected in accordance with subsection (a) of this section and distributed in accordance with § 12-118 of the Transportation Article. (ii) 1. The fines collected by the District Court as a result of violations enforced by speed monitoring systems on Interstate 695 in Baltimore County and Interstate 83 in Baltimore County shall be remitted to the Comptroller for distribution to the State Highway Administration to be used solely to: A. Recover the cost of implementing and administering the speed monitoring systems on Interstate 695 in Baltimore County and Interstate 83 in Baltimore County; and B. Assist in covering the cost of roadway and safety improvements on Interstate 695 in Baltimore County and Interstate 83 in Baltimore County. 2. Fines distributed to the State Highway Administration under subsubparagraph 1 of this subparagraph are supplemental to and are not intended to take the place of funding that would otherwise be appropriated for uses described under subsubparagraph 1 of this subparagraph. (iii) Civil penalties resulting from citations issued using a speed monitoring system controlled by the Maryland Transportation Authority that are collected by the District Court shall be collected in accordance with subsection (a) of this section and remitted to the Maryland Transportation Authority. (4) (i) Except as provided in paragraphs (5) and (6) of this subsection, from the fines collected by a political subdivision as a result of violations enforced by speed monitoring systems, work zone speed control systems, stop sign monitoring systems, school bus monitoring cameras, bus lane monitoring systems, or noise abatement monitoring systems, a political subdivision: 1. May recover the costs of implementing and administering the speed monitoring systems, work zone speed control systems, stop sign monitoring systems, school bus monitoring cameras, bus lane monitoring systems, or noise abatement monitoring systems; and 2. Subject to subparagraphs (ii), (iii), and (iv) of this paragraph, may spend any remaining balance solely for public safety purposes, including pedestrian or highway safety programs. (ii) 1. For any fiscal year, if the balance remaining from the fines collected by a political subdivision as a result of violations enforced by speed monitoring systems, after the costs of implementing and administering the systems are recovered in accordance with subparagraph (i)1 of this paragraph, is greater than 10% of the total revenues of the political subdivision for the fiscal year, the political subdivision shall remit any funds that exceed 10% of the total revenues to the Comptroller. 2. The Comptroller shall deposit any money remitted under this subparagraph to the General Fund of the State. (iii) The fines collected by Prince George's County as a result of violations enforced by speed monitoring systems on Maryland Route 210 shall be remitted to the Comptroller for distribution to the State Highway Administration to be used solely to assist in covering the costs of: 1. Examining the engineering, infrastructure, and other relevant factors that may contribute to safety issues on Maryland Route 210 in Prince George's County; 2. Reporting its findings and recommendations on any solutions to these safety issues; and 3. Implementing any solutions to these safety issues. (iv) 1. From the fines collected by Baltimore City as a result of violations enforced by speed monitoring systems on Interstate 83, any balance remaining after the allocation of fines under subparagraph (i)1 of this paragraph shall be remitted to the Comptroller for distribution to the Baltimore City Department of Transportation to be used solely to assist in covering the cost of roadway improvements on Interstate 83 in Baltimore City. 2. Fines remitted to the Baltimore City Department of Transportation under subsubparagraph 1 of this subparagraph are supplemental to and are not intended to take the place of funding that would otherwise be appropriated for uses described under subsubparagraph 1 of this subparagraph. (v) From the fines collected by Anne Arundel County as a result of violations enforced by speed monitoring systems on Maryland Route 175 (Jessup Road) between the Maryland Route 175/295 interchange and the Anne Arundel County-Howard County line, any balance remaining after the allocation of fines under subparagraph (i)1 of this paragraph shall be remitted to the Comptroller for distribution to the State Highway Administration to be used solely to assist in covering the cost of speed reduction measures and roadway and pedestrian safety improvements on Maryland Route 175 (Jessup Road) between the Maryland Route 175/295 interchange and the Anne Arundel County-Howard County line. (vi) From the fines collected by the Town of Oxford as a result of violations enforced by speed monitoring systems at the intersection of Maryland Route 333 (Oxford Road) and Bonfield Avenue in Talbot County, any balance remaining after the allocation of fines under subparagraph (i)1 of this paragraph shall be remitted to the Comptroller for distribution to the State Highway Administration to be used solely to assist in covering the cost of roadway and pedestrian safety improvements in and around the intersection of Maryland Route 333 (Oxford Road) and Bonfield Avenue. (vii) 1. From the fines collected by Montgomery County as a result of violations enforced by speed monitoring systems placed in accordance with § 21-809(b)(1)(vi)7 of the Transportation Article, any balance remaining after the allocation of fines under subparagraph (i)1 of this paragraph shall be used to fund the study, design, and construction of safety-related projects on roadways or intersections in Montgomery County that have been identified in the county's or State's most recent Strategic Highway Safety Plan or Vision Zero Plan as roadways or intersections that are at high risk for motor vehicle crashes that result in serious bodily injury or death. 2. From the fines collected by a municipal government in Montgomery County as a result of violations enforced by speed monitoring systems placed in accordance with § 21-809(b)(1)(vi)7 of the Transportation Article, any balance remaining after the allocation of fines under subparagraph (i)1 of this paragraph shall be used to fund the study, design, and construction of safety-related projects on roadways or intersections in the municipality that have been identified in the municipality's, county's, or State's most recent Strategic Highway Safety Plan, Vision Zero Plan, or similar road safety plan as roadways or intersections that are at high risk for motor vehicle crashes that result in serious bodily injury or death. (5) From the fines collected by Baltimore City as a result of violations enforced by a traffic control signal monitoring system, a speed monitoring system not on Interstate 83, a school bus monitoring camera, or a vehicle height monitoring system, Baltimore City: (i) May recover the costs of implementing and administering a traffic control signal monitoring system, a speed monitoring system not on Interstate 83, a school bus monitoring camera, or a vehicle height monitoring system; and (ii) Shall use the remaining balance for the following purposes: 1. Infrastructure and noninfrastructure activities eligible for funding under the State Highway Administration's Safe Routes to School Program, as jointly agreed on by the Baltimore City Public Schools and the Baltimore City Department of Transportation; and 2. Public safety or transportation infrastructure improvements consistent with the purpose and goals of the Complete Streets Program under § 8-903 of the Transportation Article and the Complete Streets Transportation System under Article 26, § 40-6 of the Baltimore City Code. (6) From the fines collected by Baltimore City or the District Court as a result of violations enforced by a stop sign monitoring system located in Baltimore City, 50% shall be: (i) Distributed to the local management board for Baltimore City; and (ii) 1. From the fines collected as a result of violations enforced by a stop sign monitoring system located in the 45th legislative district, used only for providing youth programming and services for youth living in or attending a school located in the 45th legislative district; or 2. From the fines collected as a result of violations enforced by a stop sign monitoring system located in the 46th legislative district, used only for providing youth programming and services for youth living in or attending a school located in the 46th legislative district. (f) (1) A citation issued under § 10-112 of the Criminal Law Article shall provide that the person receiving the citation may elect to stand trial by notifying the Baltimore City Department of Public Works of the person's intention to stand trial at least 5 days prior to the date of payment as set forth in the citation. On receipt of the notice to stand trial, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works shall forward to the District Court having venue a copy of the citation and a copy of the notice from the person who received the citation indicating the person's intention to stand trial. On receipt thereof, the District Court shall schedule the case for trial and notify the defendant of the trial date under procedures adopted by the Chief Judge of the District Court. (2) A citation issued as a result of the use of a surveillance system shall provide that, in an uncontested case, the penalty shall be paid directly to Baltimore City. (3) Civil penalties collected by the District Court resulting from citations issued as a result of the use of a surveillance system shall be collected in accordance with subsection (a) of this section and distributed to Baltimore City. (g) (1) A civil penalty collected by the District Court resulting from citations issued under § 5-601(c)(2)(ii) of the Criminal Law Article shall be remitted to the Maryland Department of Health. (2) The Maryland Department of Health may use money received under this subsection only for the purpose of funding drug treatment and education programs. §7-302. // EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 PER CHAPTER 642 OF 2021 // // EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2028 PER CHAPTER 712 OF 2025 // (a) Except as provided in subsections (b) through (g) of this section, the clerks of the District Court shall: (1) Collect costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties imposed by the court; and (2) Remit them to the State under a system agreed upon by the Chief Judge of the District Court and the Comptroller. (b) If a parking or impounding fine, penalty, or forfeiture, or a fine, penalty, or forfeiture relating to violation of housing, building, fire, health, or sanitation codes, or a Mass Transit Fare Payment Statute, or a fine or penalty relating to failure to pay the prescribed toll at an Authority highway, as defined in § 21-1401 of the Transportation Article, is collected by the District Court pursuant to a local ordinance, law, or regulation of a political subdivision or municipality, or pursuant to a regulation of an agency of State government authorized to regulate parking of motor vehicles, or pursuant to a statute pertaining to the payment of mass transit fares, or pursuant to a statute pertaining to the failure to pay tolls, it shall be remitted to the respective local government, or to the State agency. (c) Every agency of State government, political subdivision or municipality which has enacted or which shall enact an ordinance, law, or regulation controlling the parking of motor vehicles, or providing for the impounding of motor vehicles, or pertaining to the failure to pay tolls shall provide that fines, penalties or forfeitures for the violation of said ordinances, laws, or regulations shall be paid directly to the State agency, political subdivision or municipality, and not to the District Court, in uncontested cases. (d) Every ordinance, law, or regulation controlling the parking of motor vehicles or providing for impounding such vehicles or pertaining to the failure to pay tolls shall provide that the person receiving a citation may elect to stand trial for said offense by notifying the State agency, political subdivision or municipality of his intention of standing trial, which notice shall be given at least five (5) days prior to the date of payment as set forth in the citation. Upon receipt of the notice of such intention to stand trial, the political subdivision or municipality shall forward to the District Court in said political subdivision or municipality, and the State agency shall forward to the District Court having venue, a copy of the citation and a copy of the notice from the person who received the citation indicating his intention to stand trial. Upon receipt thereof, the District Court shall schedule the case for trial and notify the defendant of the trial date under procedures to be adopted by the Chief Judge of the District Court. All parking or impounding fines, penalties or forfeitures or failure to pay toll penalties collected through the District Court pursuant to a parking or impounding or toll collection ordinance, law, or regulation enacted by a State agency, political subdivision or municipality shall be remitted to the respective local government or State agency. (e) (1) (i) A citation issued under § 21-202.1, § 21-706.1, § 21-707.1, § 21-809, § 21-810, § 21-1134, § 22-612, or § 24-111.3 of the Transportation Article shall provide that the person receiving the citation may elect to stand trial by notifying the issuing agency of the person's intention to stand trial at least 5 days before the date of payment as set forth in the citation. (ii) On receipt of the notice to stand trial, the agency shall forward to the District Court having venue a copy of the citation and a copy of the notice from the person who received the citation indicating the person's intention to stand trial. (iii) On receipt thereof, the District Court shall schedule the case for trial and notify the defendant of the trial date under procedures adopted by the Chief Judge of the District Court. (2) (i) A citation issued as the result of any of the following systems or cameras controlled by a political subdivision shall provide that, in an uncontested case, the penalty shall be paid directly to that political subdivision: 1. A vehicle height monitoring system; 2. A traffic control signal monitoring system; 3. A speed monitoring system; 4. A work zone speed control system; 5. A stop sign monitoring system; 6. A school bus monitoring camera; 7. A bus lane monitoring system; or 8. A noise abatement monitoring system. (ii) A citation issued as the result of any of the following systems or cameras controlled by a political subdivision shall provide that, in a contested case, the penalty shall be paid directly to the District Court: 1. A vehicle height monitoring system; 2. A traffic control signal monitoring system; 3. A speed monitoring system; 4. A work zone speed control system; 5. A stop sign monitoring system; 6. A school bus monitoring camera; 7. A bus lane monitoring system; or 8. A noise abatement monitoring system. (iii) A citation issued as the result of any of the following systems or cameras controlled by a State agency shall provide that, in an uncontested or contested case, the penalty shall be paid directly to the District Court: 1. A traffic control signal monitoring system; 2. A work zone speed control system; 3. A speed monitoring system; or 4. A bus lane monitoring system. (3) (i) Except as provided in subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph and paragraph (6) of this subsection, civil penalties resulting from citations issued using a vehicle height monitoring system, traffic control signal monitoring system, speed monitoring system, work zone speed control system, stop sign monitoring system, school bus monitoring camera, bus lane monitoring system, or a noise abatement monitoring system that are collected by the District Court shall be collected in accordance with subsection (a) of this section and distributed in accordance with § 12-118 of the Transportation Article. (ii) 1. The fines collected by the District Court as a result of violations enforced by speed monitoring systems on Interstate 695 in Baltimore County and Interstate 83 in Baltimore County shall be remitted to the Comptroller for distribution to the State Highway Administration to be used solely to: A. Recover the cost of implementing and administering the speed monitoring systems on Interstate 695 in Baltimore County and Interstate 83 in Baltimore County; and B. Assist in covering the cost of roadway and safety improvements on Interstate 695 in Baltimore County and Interstate 83 in Baltimore County. 2. Fines distributed to the State Highway Administration under subsubparagraph 1 of this subparagraph are supplemental to and are not intended to take the place of funding that would otherwise be appropriated for uses described under subsubparagraph 1 of this subparagraph. (iii) Civil penalties resulting from citations issued using a speed monitoring system controlled by the Maryland Transportation Authority that are collected by the District Court shall be collected in accordance with subsection (a) of this section and remitted to the Maryland Transportation Authority. (4) (i) Except as provided in paragraphs (5) and (6) of this subsection, from the fines collected by a political subdivision as a result of violations enforced by speed monitoring systems, work zone speed control systems, stop sign monitoring systems, school bus monitoring cameras, bus lane monitoring systems, or noise abatement monitoring systems, a political subdivision: 1. May recover the costs of implementing and administering the speed monitoring systems, work zone speed control systems, stop sign monitoring systems, school bus monitoring cameras, bus lane monitoring systems, or noise abatement monitoring systems; and 2. Subject to subparagraphs (ii), (iii), and (iv) of this paragraph, may spend any remaining balance solely for public safety purposes, including pedestrian or highway safety programs. (ii) 1. For any fiscal year, if the balance remaining from the fines collected by a political subdivision as a result of violations enforced by speed monitoring systems, after the costs of implementing and administering the systems are recovered in accordance with subparagraph (i)1 of this paragraph, is greater than 10% of the total revenues of the political subdivision for the fiscal year, the political subdivision shall remit any funds that exceed 10% of the total revenues to the Comptroller. 2. The Comptroller shall deposit any money remitted under this subparagraph to the General Fund of the State. (iii) The fines collected by Prince George's County as a result of violations enforced by speed monitoring systems on Maryland Route 210 shall be remitted to the Comptroller for distribution to the State Highway Administration to be used solely to assist in covering the costs of: 1. Examining the engineering, infrastructure, and other relevant factors that may contribute to safety issues on Maryland Route 210 in Prince George's County; 2. Reporting its findings and recommendations on any solutions to these safety issues; and 3. Implementing any solutions to these safety issues. (iv) 1. From the fines collected by Baltimore City as a result of violations enforced by speed monitoring systems on Interstate 83, any balance remaining after the allocation of fines under subparagraph (i)1 of this paragraph shall be remitted to the Comptroller for distribution to the Baltimore City Department of Transportation to be used solely to assist in covering the cost of roadway improvements on Interstate 83 in Baltimore City. 2. Fines remitted to the Baltimore City Department of Transportation under subsubparagraph 1 of this subparagraph are supplemental to and are not intended to take the place of funding that would otherwise be appropriated for uses described under subsubparagraph 1 of this subparagraph. (v) From the fines collected by the Town of Oxford as a result of violations enforced by speed monitoring systems at the intersection of Maryland Route 333 (Oxford Road) and Bonfield Avenue in Talbot County, any balance remaining after the allocation of fines under subparagraph (i)1 of this paragraph shall be remitted to the Comptroller for distribution to the State Highway Administration to be used solely to assist in covering the cost of roadway and pedestrian safety improvements in and around the intersection of Maryland Route 333 (Oxford Road) and Bonfield Avenue. (vi) 1. From the fines collected by Montgomery County as a result of violations enforced by speed monitoring systems placed in accordance with § 21-809(b)(1)(vi)7 of the Transportation Article, any balance remaining after the allocation of fines under subparagraph (i)1 of this paragraph shall be used to fund the study, design, and construction of safety-related projects on roadways or intersections in Montgomery County that have been identified in the county's or State's most recent Strategic Highway Safety Plan or Vision Zero Plan as roadways or intersections that are at high risk for motor vehicle crashes that result in serious bodily injury or death. 2. From the fines collected by a municipal government in Montgomery County as a result of violations enforced by speed monitoring systems placed in accordance with § 21-809(b)(1)(vi)7 of the Transportation Article, any balance remaining after the allocation of fines under subparagraph (i)1 of this paragraph shall be used to fund the study, design, and construction of safety-related projects on roadways or intersections in the municipality that have been identified in the municipality's, county's, or State's most recent Strategic Highway Safety Plan, Vision Zero Plan, or similar road safety plan as roadways or intersections that are at high risk for motor vehicle crashes that result in serious bodily injury or death. (5) From the fines collected by Baltimore City as a result of violations enforced by a traffic control signal monitoring system, a speed monitoring system not on Interstate 83, a school bus monitoring camera, or a vehicle height monitoring system, Baltimore City: (i) May recover the costs of implementing and administering a traffic control signal monitoring system, a speed monitoring system not on Interstate 83, a school bus monitoring camera, or a vehicle height monitoring system; and (ii) Shall use the remaining balance for the following purposes: 1. Infrastructure and noninfrastructure activities eligible for funding under the State Highway Administration's Safe Routes to School Program, as jointly agreed on by the Baltimore City Public Schools and the Baltimore City Department of Transportation; and 2. Public safety or transportation infrastructure improvements consistent with the purpose and goals of the Complete Streets Program under § 8-903 of the Transportation Article and the Complete Streets Transportation System under Article 26, § 40-6 of the Baltimore City Code. (6) From the fines collected by Baltimore City or the District Court as a result of violations enforced by a stop sign monitoring system located in Baltimore City, 50% shall be: (i) Distributed to the local management board for Baltimore City; and (ii) 1. From the fines collected as a result of violations enforced by a stop sign monitoring system located in the 45th legislative district, used only for providing youth programming and services for youth living in or attending a school located in the 45th legislative district; or 2. From the fines collected as a result of violations enforced by a stop sign monitoring system located in the 46th legislative district, used only for providing youth programming and services for youth living in or attending a school located in the 46th legislative district. (f) (1) A citation issued under § 10-112 of the Criminal Law Article shall provide that the person receiving the citation may elect to stand trial by notifying the Baltimore City Department of Public Works of the person's intention to stand trial at least 5 days prior to the date of payment as set forth in the citation. On receipt of the notice to stand trial, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works shall forward to the District Court having venue a copy of the citation and a copy of the notice from the person who received the citation indicating the person's intention to stand trial. On receipt thereof, the District Court shall schedule the case for trial and notify the defendant of the trial date under procedures adopted by the Chief Judge of the District Court. (2) A citation issued as a result of the use of a surveillance system shall provide that, in an uncontested case, the penalty shall be paid directly to Baltimore City. (3) Civil penalties collected by the District Court resulting from citations issued as a result of the use of a surveillance system shall be collected in accordance with subsection (a) of this section and distributed to Baltimore City. (g) (1) A civil penalty collected by the District Court resulting from citations issued under § 5-601(c)(2)(ii) of the Criminal Law Article shall be remitted to the Maryland Department of Health. (2) The Maryland Department of Health may use money received under this subsection only for the purpose of funding drug treatment and education programs. §7-302. // EFFECTIVE JUNE 30, 2028 PER CHAPTER 712 OF 2025 // // EFFECTIVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2028 PER CHAPTER 610 OF 2023 // (a) Except as provided in subsections (b) through (g) of this section, the clerks of the District Court shall: (1) Collect costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties imposed by the court; and (2) Remit them to the State under a system agreed upon by the Chief Judge of the District Court and the Comptroller. (b) If a parking or impounding fine, penalty, or forfeiture, or a fine, penalty, or forfeiture relating to violation of housing, building, fire, health, or sanitation codes, or a Mass Transit Fare Payment Statute, or a fine or penalty relating to failure to pay the prescribed toll at an Authority highway, as defined in § 21-1401 of the Transportation Article, is collected by the District Court pursuant to a local ordinance, law, or regulation of a political subdivision or municipality, or pursuant to a regulation of an agency of State government authorized to regulate parking of motor vehicles, or pursuant to a statute pertaining to the payment of mass transit fares, or pursuant to a statute pertaining to the failure to pay tolls, it shall be remitted to the respective local government, or to the State agency. (c) Every agency of State government, political subdivision or municipality which has enacted or which shall enact an ordinance, law, or regulation controlling the parking of motor vehicles, or providing for the impounding of motor vehicles, or pertaining to the failure to pay tolls shall provide that fines, penalties or forfeitures for the violation of said ordinances, laws, or regulations shall be paid directly to the State agency, political subdivision or municipality, and not to the District Court, in uncontested cases. (d) Every ordinance, law, or regulation controlling the parking of motor vehicles or providing for impounding such vehicles or pertaining to the failure to pay tolls shall provide that the person receiving a citation may elect to stand trial for said offense by notifying the State agency, political subdivision or municipality of his intention of standing trial, which notice shall be given at least five (5) days prior to the date of payment as set forth in the citation. Upon receipt of the notice of such intention to stand trial, the political subdivision or municipality shall forward to the District Court in said political subdivision or municipality, and the State agency shall forward to the District Court having venue, a copy of the citation and a copy of the notice from the person who received the citation indicating his intention to stand trial. Upon receipt thereof, the District Court shall schedule the case for trial and notify the defendant of the trial date under procedures to be adopted by the Chief Judge of the District Court. All parking or impounding fines, penalties or forfeitures or failure to pay toll penalties collected through the District Court pursuant to a parking or impounding or toll collection ordinance, law, or regulation enacted by a State agency, political subdivision or municipality shall be remitted to the respective local government or State agency. (e) (1) (i) A citation issued under § 21-202.1, § 21-706.1, § 21-707.1, § 21-809, § 21-810, § 21-1134, or § 24-111.3 of the Transportation Article shall provide that the person receiving the citation may elect to stand trial by notifying the issuing agency of the person's intention to stand trial at least 5 days prior to the date of payment as set forth in the citation. (ii) On receipt of the notice to stand trial, the agency shall forward to the District Court having venue a copy of the citation and a copy of the notice from the person who received the citation indicating the person's intention to stand trial. (iii) On receipt thereof, the District Court shall schedule the case for trial and notify the defendant of the trial date under procedures adopted by the Chief Judge of the District Court. (2) (i) A citation issued as the result of any of the following systems or cameras controlled by a political subdivision shall provide that, in an uncontested case, the penalty shall be paid directly to that political subdivision: 1. A vehicle height monitoring system; 2. A traffic control signal monitoring system; 3. A speed monitoring system; 4. A work zone speed control system; 5. A stop sign monitoring system; 6. A school bus monitoring camera; or 7. A bus lane monitoring system. (ii) A citation issued as the result of any of the following systems or cameras controlled by a political subdivision shall provide that, in a contested case, the penalty shall be paid directly to the District Court: 1. A vehicle height monitoring system; 2. A traffic control signal monitoring system; 3. A speed monitoring system; 4. A work zone speed control system; 5. A stop sign monitoring system; 6. A school bus monitoring camera; or 7. A bus lane monitoring system. (iii) A citation issued as the result of any of the following systems or cameras controlled by a State agency shall provide that, in an uncontested or contested case, the penalty shall be paid directly to the District Court: 1. A traffic control signal monitoring system; 2. A work zone speed control system; 3. A speed monitoring system; or 4. A bus lane monitoring system. (3) (i) Except as provided in subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph and paragraph (6) of this subsection, civil penalties resulting from citations issued using a vehicle height monitoring system, traffic control signal monitoring system, speed monitoring system, work zone speed control system, stop sign monitoring system, school bus monitoring camera, or bus lane monitoring system that are collected by the District Court shall be collected in accordance with subsection (a) of this section and distributed in accordance with § 12-118 of the Transportation Article. (ii) 1. The fines collected by the District Court as a result of violations enforced by speed monitoring systems on Interstate 695 in Baltimore County and Interstate 83 in Baltimore County shall be remitted to the Comptroller for distribution to the State Highway Administration to be used solely to: A. Recover the cost of implementing and administering the speed monitoring systems on Interstate 695 in Baltimore County and Interstate 83 in Baltimore County; and B. Assist in covering the cost of roadway and safety improvements on Interstate 695 in Baltimore County and Interstate 83 in Baltimore County. 2. Fines distributed to the State Highway Administration under subsubparagraph 1 of this subparagraph are supplemental to and are not intended to take the place of funding that would otherwise be appropriated for uses described under subsubparagraph 1 of this subparagraph. (iii) Civil penalties resulting from citations issued using a speed monitoring system controlled by the Maryland Transportation Authority that are collected by the District Court shall be collected in accordance with subsection (a) of this section and remitted to the Maryland Transportation Authority. (4) (i) Except as provided in paragraphs (5) and (6) of this subsection, from the fines collected by a political subdivision as a result of violations enforced by speed monitoring systems, work zone speed control systems, stop sign monitoring systems, school bus monitoring cameras, or bus lane monitoring systems, a political subdivision: 1. May recover the costs of implementing and administering the speed monitoring systems, work zone speed control systems, stop sign monitoring systems, school bus monitoring cameras, or bus lane monitoring systems; and 2. Subject to subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph, may spend any remaining balance solely for public safety purposes, including pedestrian or highway safety programs. (ii) 1. For any fiscal year, if the balance remaining from the fines collected by a political subdivision as a result of violations enforced by speed monitoring systems, after the costs of implementing and administering the systems are recovered in accordance with subparagraph (i)1 of this paragraph, is greater than 10% of the total revenues of the political subdivision for the fiscal year, the political subdivision shall remit any funds that exceed 10% of the total revenues to the Comptroller. 2. The Comptroller shall deposit any money remitted under this subparagraph to the General Fund of the State. (iii) 1. From the fines collected by Baltimore City as a result of violations enforced by speed monitoring systems on Interstate 83, any balance remaining after the allocation of fines under subparagraph (i)1 of this paragraph shall be remitted to the Comptroller for distribution to the Baltimore City Department of Transportation to be used solely to assist in covering the cost of roadway improvements on Interstate 83 in Baltimore City. 2. Fines remitted to the Baltimore City Department of Transportation under subsubparagraph 1 of this subparagraph are supplemental to and are not intended to take the place of funding that would otherwise be appropriated for uses described under subsubparagraph 1 of this subparagraph. (iv) From the fines collected by the Town of Oxford as a result of violations enforced by speed monitoring systems at the intersection of Maryland Route 333 (Oxford Road) and Bonfield Avenue in Talbot County, any balance remaining after the allocation of fines under subparagraph (i)1 of this paragraph shall be remitted to the Comptroller for distribution to the State Highway Administration to be used solely to assist in covering the cost of roadway and pedestrian safety improvements in and around the intersection of Maryland Route 333 (Oxford Road) and Bonfield Avenue. (v) 1. From the fines collected by Montgomery County as a result of violations enforced by speed monitoring systems placed in accordance with § 21-809(b)(1)(vi)7 of the Transportation Article, any balance remaining after the allocation of fines under subparagraph (i)1 of this paragraph shall be used to fund the study, design, and construction of safety-related projects on roadways or intersections in Montgomery County that have been identified in the county's or State's most recent Strategic Highway Safety Plan or Vision Zero Plan as roadways or intersections that are at high risk for motor vehicle crashes that result in serious bodily injury or death. 2. From the fines collected by a municipal government in Montgomery County as a result of violations enforced by speed monitoring systems placed in accordance with § 21-809(b)(1)(vi)7 of the Transportation Article, any balance remaining after the allocation of fines under subparagraph (i)1 of this paragraph shall be used to fund the study, design, and construction of safety-related projects on roadways or intersections in the municipality that have been identified in the municipality's, county's, or State's most recent Strategic Highway Safety Plan, Vision Zero Plan, or similar road safety plan as roadways or intersections that are at high risk for motor vehicle crashes that result in serious bodily injury or death. (5) From the fines collected by Baltimore City as a result of violations enforced by a traffic control signal monitoring system, a speed monitoring system not on Interstate 83, a school bus monitoring camera, or a vehicle height monitoring system, Baltimore City: (i) May recover the costs of implementing and administering a traffic control signal monitoring system, a speed monitoring system not on Interstate 83, a school bus monitoring camera, or a vehicle height monitoring system; and (ii) Shall use the remaining balance for the following purposes: 1. Infrastructure and noninfrastructure activities eligible for funding under the State Highway Administration's Safe Routes to School Program, as jointly agreed on by the Baltimore City Public Schools and the Baltimore City Department of Transportation; and 2. Public safety or transportation infrastructure improvements consistent with the purpose and goals of the Complete Streets Program under § 8-903 of the Transportation Article and the Complete Streets Transportation System under Article 26, § 40-6 of the Baltimore City Code. (6) From the fines collected by Baltimore City or the District Court as a result of violations enforced by a stop sign monitoring system located in Baltimore City, 50% shall be: (i) Distributed to the local management board for Baltimore City; and (ii) 1. From the fines collected as a result of violations enforced by a stop sign monitoring system located in the 45th legislative district, used only for providing youth programming and services for youth living in or attending a school located in the 45th legislative district; or 2. From the fines collected as a result of violations enforced by a stop sign monitoring system located in the 46th legislative district, used only for providing youth programming and services for youth living in or attending a school located in the 46th legislative district. (f) (1) A citation issued under § 10-112 of the Criminal Law Article shall provide that the person receiving the citation may elect to stand trial by notifying the Baltimore City Department of Public Works of the person's intention to stand trial at least 5 days prior to the date of payment as set forth in the citation. On receipt of the notice to stand trial, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works shall forward to the District Court having venue a copy of the citation and a copy of the notice from the person who received the citation indicating the person's intention to stand trial. On receipt thereof, the District Court shall schedule the case for trial and notify the defendant of the trial date under procedures adopted by the Chief Judge of the District Court. (2) A citation issued as a result of the use of a surveillance system shall provide that, in an uncontested case, the penalty shall be paid directly to Baltimore City. (3) Civil penalties collected by the District Court resulting from citations issued as a result of the use of a surveillance system shall be collected in accordance with subsection (a) of this section and distributed to Baltimore City. (g) (1) A civil penalty collected by the District Court resulting from citations issued under § 5-601(c)(2)(ii) of the Criminal Law Article shall be remitted to the Maryland Department of Health. (2) The Maryland Department of Health may use money received under this subsection only for the purpose of funding drug treatment and education programs. §7-302. // EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 30, 2028 PER CHAPTER 610 OF 2023 // // EFFECTIVE UNTIL JUNE 30, 2029 PER CHAPTER 678 OF 2024 // (a) Except as provided in subsections (b) through (g) of this section, the clerks of the District Court shall: (1) Collect costs, fines, forfeitures, or penalties imposed by the court; and (2) Remit them to the State under a system agreed upon by the Chief Judge of the District Court and the Comptroller. (b) If a parking or impounding fine, penalty, or forfeiture, or a fine, penalty, or forfeiture relating to violation of housing, building, fire, health, or sanitation codes, or a Mass Transit Fare Payment Statute, or a fine or penalty relating to failure to pay the prescribed toll at an Authority highway, as defined in § 21-1401 of the Transportation Article, is collected by the District Court pursuant to a local ordinance, law, or regulation of a political subdivision or municipality, or pursuant to a regulation of an agency of State government authorized to regulate parking of motor vehicles, or pursuant to a statute pertaining to the payment of mass transit fares, or pursuant to a statute pertaining to the failure to pay tolls, it shall be remitted to the respective local government, or to the State agency. (c) Every agency of State government, political subdivision or municipality which has enacted or which shall enact an ordinance, law, or regulation controlling the parking of motor vehicles, or providing for the impounding of motor vehicles, or pertaining to the failure to pay tolls shall provide that fines, penalties or forfeitures for the violation of said ordinances, laws, or regulations shall be paid directly to the State agency, political subdivision or municipality, and not to the District Court, in uncontested cases. (d) Every ordinance, law, or regulation controlling the parking of motor vehicles or providing for impounding such vehicles or pertaining to the failure to pay tolls shall provide that the person receiving a citation may elect to stand trial for said offense by notifying the State agency, political subdivision or municipality of his intention of standing trial, which notice shall be given at least five (5) days prior to the date of payment as set forth in the citation. Upon receipt of the notice of such intention to stand trial, the political subdivision or municipality shall forward to the District Court in said political subdivision or municipality, and the State agency shall forward to the District Court having venue, a copy of the citation and a copy of the notice from the person who received the citation indicating his intention to stand trial. Upon receipt thereof, the District Court shall schedule the case for trial and notify the defendant of the trial date under procedures to be adopted by the Chief Judge of the District Court. All parking or impounding fines, penalties or forfeitures or failure to pay toll penalties collected through the District Court pursuant to a parking or impounding or toll collection ordinance, law, or regulation enacted by a State agency, political subdivision or municipality shall be remitted to the respective local government or State agency. (e) (1) (i) A citation issued under § 21-202.1, § 21-706.1, § 21-707.1, § 21-809, § 21-810, § 21-1134, or § 24-111.3 of the Transportation Article shall provide that the person receiving the citation may elect to stand trial by notifying the issuing agency of the person's intention to stand trial at least 5 days before the date of payment as set forth in the citation. (ii) On receipt of the notice to stand trial, the agency shall forward to the District Court having venue a copy of the citation and a copy of the notice from the person who received the citation indicating the person's intention to stand trial. (iii) On receipt thereof, the District Court shall schedule the case for trial and notify the defendant of the trial date under procedures adopted by the Chief Judge of the District Court. (2) (i) A citation issued as the result of any of the following systems or cameras controlled by a political subdivision shall provide that, in an uncontested case, the penalty shall be paid directly to that political subdivision: 1. A vehicle height monitoring system; 2. A traffic control signal monitoring system; 3. A speed monitoring system; 4. A work zone speed control system; 5. A stop sign monitoring system; 6. A school bus monitoring camera; or 7. A bus lane monitoring system. (ii) A citation issued as the result of any of the following systems or cameras controlled by a political subdivision shall provide that, in a contested case, the penalty shall be paid directly to the District Court: 1. A vehicle height monitoring system; 2. A traffic control signal monitoring system; 3. A speed monitoring system; 4. A work zone speed control system; 5. A stop sign monitoring system; 6. A school bus monitoring camera; or 7. A bus lane monitoring system. (iii) A citation issued as the result of any of the following systems or cameras controlled by a State agency shall provide that, in an uncontested or contested case, the penalty shall be paid directly to the District Court: 1. A traffic control signal monitoring system; 2. A work zone speed control system; 3. A speed monitoring system; or 4. A bus lane monitoring system. (3) (i) Except as provided in subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph and paragraph (6) of this subsection, civil penalties resulting from citations issued using a vehicle height monitoring system, traffic control signal monitoring system, speed monitoring system, work zone speed control system, stop sign monitoring system, school bus monitoring camera, or bus lane monitoring system that are collected by the District Court shall be collected in accordance with subsection (a) of this section and distributed in accordance with § 12-118 of the Transportation Article. (ii) 1. The fines collected by the District Court as a result of violations enforced by speed monitoring systems on Interstate 695 in Baltimore County and Interstate 83 in Baltimore County shall be remitted to the Comptroller for distribution to the State Highway Administration to be used solely to: A. Recover the cost of implementing and administering the speed monitoring systems on Interstate 695 in Baltimore County and Interstate 83 in Baltimore
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