Bladensburg adds automated stop sign cameras at high-violation intersections

The Town of Bladensburg will begin a 15-day warning period for automated stop sign enforcement at three intersections with elevated violation rates before issuing fines. Officials say the program is designed to cut crashes, injuries and fatalities while improving compliance through cameras, signage and outreach.

Why it matters: - Bladensburg is using automated stop sign enforcement to target intersections where failure to stop has been a persistent safety concern. - Town officials say the program is meant to reduce fatalities, serious injuries and property damage from traffic collisions. - The rollout is designed to change driver behavior before fines begin, not just issue citations.

What happened: - The Town of Bladensburg will deploy stop sign cameras from NovoaGlobal® at selected intersections in town. - The program was authorized by Ordinance 13-2025, which adds Section 112-14 to the Town Code. - The enforcement plan follows Maryland Transportation Article §21-707.1, which requires drivers to make a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk or before entering the intersection. - The town announced a 15-day warning phase before monetary penalties begin.

The details: - Initial camera locations are 57th Ave @ 58th Ave, northbound; Tilden Rd @ 53rd Pl, eastbound; and 57th Ave @ Emerson St, North Intersection, westbound. - During the first 15 days, drivers who fail to make a complete stop will receive a mailed notice stamped “WARNING” with no fine. - Full enforcement starts 15 days after the warning period ends. - Violations captured by the cameras will carry a $40 civil penalty. - Maryland law issues these citations to the registered vehicle owner. - The citations do not add points to a driver’s license and are not reported to insurance companies. - Potential violations will be individually reviewed and verified by an authorized official before any citation is mailed. - Highly visible regulatory signs will alert motorists to the presence of automated stop-sign cameras. - Interim Chief Daniel Frishkorn said the goal is to improve safety for motorists and pedestrians while expanding town-wide awareness through outreach and education.

Between the lines: - Bladensburg is pairing enforcement with a warning period and signage to frame the program as a safety measure first. - The review process is meant to support fairness and reduce the risk of automated mistakes. - The town’s focus on a “zero-fatality community” signals a broader traffic-safety push beyond the initial camera locations. - Bladensburg, in Prince George’s County near Washington, D.C., is emphasizing protection for its nearly 10,000 residents.

What’s next: - Drivers in the enforcement zones will spend the next 15 days in a warning-only phase. - After that, mailed citations and fines will begin for qualifying violations recorded by the cameras. - The town is expected to continue public outreach as the program rolls out.

The bottom line: - Bladensburg is betting that visible cameras, a warning period and modest fines will improve stop-sign compliance at intersections with the most risk.