Got a speeding notice for the Hatem Bridge? You can probably throw it away.
If you drove over the Hatem Bridge in the last 30 days or so, you may have been surprised with an unexpected speeding notice. Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) inadvertently sent out 22,000 notices to drivers because of a glitch in the system, creating confusion and anger among commuters. The bridge switched to a cashless system in October, requiring all drivers to use the E-ZPass system. Shortly after the problem was brought to their attention, the MDTA rectified the problem.
The glitch that caused the notices to go out originated with the gantry collection devices. All E-Z Pass toll plazas have speed limits for safety, and the Hatem Bridge limits were set to serve cash stations. During the conversion, the speed limit was not adjusted causing speed violations to be recorded. The MDTA put a notice on the agency’s Facebook page telling drivers that received those notices to disregard them.
Some drivers received multiple notices on each of their household’s E-Z Pass accounts. Complaints were posted to the agency’s Facebook account critical of the notices.
“How could I be traveling at 50 miles per hour during rush hour. There is no way anyone is doing 50 MPH thru those toll booths. Is it time to start reaching out to some State Delegates to demand answers?” wrote one poster.
E-ZPass Service Center in Glen Burnie, courtesy MDTA Facebook
The reason many drivers were so concerned is that failing to follow toll booth speed limits can result in penalties to your E-ZPass account. In most cases, drivers that fail to follow speed limits will get a warning. If they continue to speed through gantries, they can have their commuter discount benefits suspended for up to 60 days.
MDTA stopped the notices from being sent on November 4, 2019. Maryland residents can purchase a special E-ZPass for the Hatem Bridge that allows a two-axle car unlimited trips for just $20 on the E-ZPass website. Existing E-ZPass owners can also purchase this as an add-on.
Have you ever received a speeding notice from a toll plaza that was inaccurate? Tell us in the comments!
