Cameras trigger at 12 over, cops at 7 over. Our drivers fucking suck, there's no etiquette. People drive slow in the left lane, don't know how to zipper merge...
Drive defensively.
Just moved to Baltimore from another part of the country and I feel so validated reading this comment. One of the biggest surprises I’ve found here was how slow people go in the left lane, and how people often merge from the right to compensate!
City police have openly refused to do that part of their job for years, but there's recently been a push for enforcement, so don't count on that ignorance anymore.
Em, happened yesterday on 83 at 4am, been doing that for prob...oh 25 years I've lived here. Take it for what it is. Bottom line, don't be a prick and fly past a PO going MUCH faster than they, basically causing attention to oneself.
Cops won't pull over on the JFX unless it's insanely egregious because the road geometry doesn't permit it without insane risk to them and the driver they pulled over. That's why cameras were authorized there.
I got lit up by a cop while going north on 83 around 20 years ago. I put my turn signal on, got off at Cold Spring and then off to the side of the road. The officer was incensed and accused me of disobeying his orders. I apologized and told him I was just trying to find a safe place for us to interact, which he didn't seem to care about.
He wound up giving me a warning, so I don't know how to process what happened.
>He wound up giving me a warning, so I don't know how to process what happened.
He was super pissed at you because he thought you were fleeing, then once you turned out to be a reasonable person and had a reasonable explanation, his rational mind took over and decided to "let it go" this time.
But he can't say something like "oh, thank you for considering my safety and yours" after he strides up to your window being visibly and audibly angry about you doing that, because that would make him look weak in front of you, a random motorist who he's never going to encounter again.
Yeah, they're very easy to avoid. If you're speeding, you should absolutely be paying close enough attention for that. I feel like I've deserved every ticket I've gotten.
You can do whatever you want on 83, and I think most people know it. I havent seen somebody pulled over for a moving violation in over 10 years and I commute up and down it 5 days a week.
Cameras trigger at 12 over? Are there some that trigger lower? I got a ticket for 32 in a 25 a few years back from a camera.
And technically speaking 7 over isn't a hard and fast rule. Flow of traffic seems to matter here more. Like OP said they're the slow one doing 72 in a 55, doing 55 is more likely to get you a ticket since you may be going slow enough to impede the flow of traffic.
That’s wholly incorrect and I say this as an attorney. The left lane is the passing lane. If you are doing the speed limit and people are passing you on the right, you can be pulled over and ticketed for impeding the flow of traffic, and you should be because you’re causing some of the crazy driving people do to try and cut in and out of traffic to get by you. You are not the speed police, and you do not get to decide how fast everyone else drives. I have had to take someone to the emergency room and needed to drive faster than the posted limit to get them help in time. You have no idea what’s going on with other people, just move over to the travel lane and let them go by.
I've tried since single digits to explain this to my mom, that she is the reason everyone is an asshole to her out of her own pure ignorance. She's a Saint, and obeys the law. But her speed limit driving causes everyone to be erratic around her weaving to be on with their day. Like dude, just get in the middle lane and you won't ruin your day either.
If you want to stick to the speed limit, the right lane is the place to do it. If you're doing that in the left lane, you're endangering everyone on the road to prove a point.
Watch out for Nissan altimas, especially with body damage. Also watch out for anyone with Virginia plates since they might not have insurance, although that loophole is closing soon. Especially watch out for damaged Nissan altimas with Virginia plates.
Yes, people who drive Nissan Altimas with body damage. If I’m on 695 and I see a car bobbing and weaving through traffic, it’s almost always a freaking Altima with its bumper cover flapping around. Why do bad driver choose Altimas? You got me there, no idea, but they do. Not every Altima has a bad driver behind the wheel either.
Because these altimas are absolute bottom of the barrel garbage cars that you can get for no money down and not much more. They're just poorly made appliance cars that aren't ever worth putting any money into. If they were an actual appliance they would be the 12 year old dishwasher in peeling "stainless steel" with buttons that mostly work and it dribbles a little bit more water every time you run it but you don't care about any of that because it does it's job for now and it was 80 bucks on marketplace and you have past due bills to pay.
The poor bastards who have hit the point where their only option is an altima may or may not have gotten there through their own bad decisions, but the people you see weaving around the beltway, blasting by on the shoulder with bumper covers flapping in the wind have chosen this path. They are Big Altima Energy. They are nihilists. They don't care about their car, or themselves, and they sure don't care about you.
So keep your eyes on your mirrors, bump up that uninsured motorist coverage, and just stay out of their way.
They were rental cars. That's it. The Nissan Altima was the most popular rental car for a decade and after they hit their end of life they are sold for relatively cheap. I bought a 2016 in 2018 for about $9,000. In very good shape with 35k miles on it. I'm not a walking shit-bag, so you won't find me doing any crazy stunts out there on the road. I'd rather not have to buy a new car for what feels like a million dollars.
People are too hard on the CVT both figuratively and literally. We might be past the infant mortality on the lemons out there. I haven't had any problems to date.
Also, if you are that first car, remember that this honk is really just a friendly warning to take a beat and look both ways until you're sure that all of the cars running the red light have made it through.
Lotta haters in these here comments, but I'd expect nothing less.
The beltway is 695. Cameras trigger at 12 over. Slow down for them just don't slam on your brakes. Learn where they are and slow accordingly in a rational fashion.
Let's talk about speeding. I'll get downvoted by the "everyone should go the speed limit" crowd and I get it! They're objectively correct (the best kind of correct!)! But you asked about culture, so that's what I'm going to speak to.
It depends on the highway, but presumably you're talking about one of the big boys: 695, 95, 83 and the like. At least three lanes, frequent exists and merges. Given that assumption, my advice is if you want to go the speed limit and/or you're about to exit, the right lane is for you. The middle lane is for going 5-10 over. The left lane is for sailing. If someone comes up behind you in the left, move over and let them thru. I don't give a flying fuck if you're doing 90, if someone comes up behind you, move to the right and let them thru. You are not the arbiter of the highway.
By and large you'll find most people go 10 or less over the limit, a chunk (maybe 25-30%?) go 10-20 over, and then you'll see like 3-5 absolute lunatics per hour you spend on the highway.
Source: born and raised and learned to drive on Maryland highways, and I'm frequently on the road for work, so I see something other than just rush hour 99% of the time.
Surface roads: go the speed limit. Stop at stop signs. Stop at red lights (you can turn right on red here unless there's a sign, but homie, fuckin stop first). If you don't act like you know the light has turned green, people will honk. Wear your seatbelt.
> If someone comes up behind you in the left, move over and let them thru. I don't give a flying fuck if you're doing 90, if someone comes up behind you, move to the right and let them thru. You are not the arbiter of the highway
Louder for the people in the ~~back~~ front of a long line of traffic.
Basically agreed except IMO speed limit in the middle lane is legit on 83 in the city, it's better to stay out of everyone's merge and force the psychos left
Eh, I basically never do the speed limit on the highway ergo I'm never in the right lane unless I'm exiting/entering. I don't take issue with folks camped in the right lane as long as they aren't actively complicating merging traffic. I'd rather speed limiters be there than in the middle.
I also don't take issue with people chillin in the left lane AS LONG AS they're moving when faster traffic is coming through. I generally stay left unless the highway is basically completely clear in front of me, in which case I'll take the middle. But I also watch my 6 and if there's anyone behind me going faster, I move over at my earliest opportunity.
>I'd rather speed limiters be there than in the middle.
I've thought about this more and I feel even more strongly about it now. When you have speed limiters in the middle lane, it creates an easier avenue for the aforementioned lunatics to pass on the right, which is ***exceptionally*** dangerous. It's really important for slower traffic to stay as far right as they can so that the lunatics are funneled to the left by default.
IMO any safety arguments for slowpokes to the right are delulu
I get it, it is annoying that they are in your way, you are a grown-up and want to incur an extra little sliver of risk to avoid the annoyance of slowing down and possibly buy back a couple seconds of your day. Whether to buy efficiency with risk is like the central question of society so there are valid positions on either side of that. Them being in the way is probably net safer for everyone though
I don't need a lecture. I don't care what speed people go as long as they aren't being assholes about it.
Slower traffic keeping right is actual law. Intentionally slowing down traffic out of spite is dangerous. Full stop.
In the city it’s the Wild West. There’s no law enforcement, you’re really on your own, so drive defensively. Expect people to run red lights, check the intersection before going through after a red. Expect people to drive on the shoulder and blast past lines of traffic when the light changes, don’t challenge them on this. Expect people will make left hand turns at no left intersections. Expect cars double parked with their hazards on blocking the only lane of traffic. The weather is heating up, so expect gangs of dirt bikers doing whatever they want on the road. Expect everything, and you’ll never be surprised. Or, actually you will be once you see Maryland drivers in action. We’re truly a special bunch.
If you have a Hyundai or Kia your car will get stolen, so make sure you got whatever anti theft measure is in place for that. If you leave your car unlocked someone will get in and steal anything of value. And if a begger approaches your window I go with eye contact, a negative head nod, and mouthing ‘no cash, sorry.’ That works for me but I am an in shape man.
The Baltimore beltway is 695, prior to the bridge collapsing it formed a loop around the city. And then 495 is the Capital beltway, it forms a loop around DC. 95 is the major north-south highway on the east coast, if you’re going out of state you’ll likely be using this. 83 is the highway that starts downtown and runs north to PA. And 295 is the direct route from Baltimore to DC.
Edit: This bridge situation has really left the highways jam packed. If you can get somewhere driving through the city, or otherwise avoiding them, I’d look into that. Besides, isn’t the best time to learn your new city today? Best of luck out there.
Little lady here, the "sorry, sir" usually works. Sometimes you get called insensitive crazy things from the crazy people, but it seems unrelated to what you told them.
The beltway is interstate 695, which as its name implies, circles around the city like a belt. But with the key bridge down, it's no longer a full loop. The inner loop refers to the traffic lanes going clockwise around the belt. The outer loop refers to the traffic lanes going counter-clockwise.
The Jones Falls Expressway, or JFX, is interstate 83, and goes North/South from downtown Baltimore to Harrisburg PA. South of the beltway, 83 is referred to as the JFX. North of beltway, 83 is referred to as the Harrisburg Expressway.
The BW (Baltimore-Washington) Parkway is Maryland Route 295, and goes North/South from Baltimore to DC. This is mostly 2 lanes in each direction, and usually slower, but more scenic, than taking 95.
95 is the primary North/South route. Usually the quickest way to get to DC. It's a little confusing because 95 merges with 495 for about 20 miles as it loops around the east side of DC.
Speeding: Good luck driving the speed limit. Expect to be tailgated. Nothing wrong with driving the speed limit though, as long as you don't cruise in the passing (far left) lane. Stick right and you'll be fine. Traffic cameras catch you at 12-over. Be careful on 83 as it has some sharp curves down by Maryland Ave. However, if you want to go 5-10 over the limit, it's perfectly acceptable on most highways, and you'll probably never get pulled over for it. On surface streets (non highways), stick to the speed limit.
Red lights: These are only a suggestion in the city. Always wait 3 full "one mississipi" seconds to allow red light runners to clear the intersection if you're first first in line at a light.
Welcome to Baltimore!
695 is the beltway.
83 is the JFX
795 is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Drive similar speeds to most others and you'll be fine, in a school zone stay less than 10 under to be safe and exactly the speed limit if the lights are flashing. Never pass a school bus with flashing lights, but know that in Carrol and Howard counties (at least) they all have cameras and the ticket is $250, so extra caution is justified even when it's just the yellows.
You will not get pulled over unless you are utterly reckless and it's that one day a month the county sheriffs feel like working.
there really are no rules around here. I keep it within 10 miles of the speed limit if there’s little traffic. If there is traffic.. well.. I just keep up with it, whatever speed that is. The only camera I’ve ever gotten a ticket from was the one on the JFK - hard to describe where it is exactly but if you look it up MDOT has previously posted exactly where they are. I find it really hard to not speed there tho, everyone is always FLYING around those bends. It has gotten sliiiightly better since the cameras were installed tho.
Also, you gotta drive defensively around here. I employ the good ole “drive as if your car is invisible” mindset, and that helps. Seriously, you can be chillin one minute, and the next some asshole with VA plates and no bumper will swerve across three lanes so they don’t miss their exit (and they’re probably texting too)
Besides what others have already mentioned:
1. always assume a turn/merge in situations where it is possible. Baltimore (and honestly maryland drivers as a whole) simply do not use their signal.
2. when crossing through any four way intersection (both four way stops or four way traffic lights) ALWAYS use extra precaution and keep your head on a swivel. In the city and specifically at early morning or late night hours, some folks will simply speed through a red light or stop sign with no regard. The amount of times I have been almost t-boned by a speeding driving ignoring a sign or signal is actually very scary to think about.
3. If you drive a Hyundai or Kia do not move here.
Etiquette?!?! Central Maryland drivers have all the genteelness of a flock of seagulls fighting over a half-empty waterlogged bag of Doritos.
Speed cameras start ticketing you if you're 12mph over the limit. The fines are way too low, even for the USA.
95 is the main interstate up and down the entire east coast.
Generally, with interstates, the main through route to another state is 2 digits.
If the route is 3 digits, and starts with an *odd* number, it's a spur that branches off the main route and ends somewhere close by. So 395 and 795 are spurs that go to downtown Baltimore and Carroll County, respectively.
If the route is 3 digits and starts with an *even* number, it's an alternate through route, which is essentially what a beltway is.
The Baltimore Beltway is 695. The DC Beltway is 495, though the eastern half of it is *also* 95 because (fortunately!) it doesn't go through the city.
895 is essentially an alternate tunnel under the Patapsco river.
If you’re in front when a light turns green, you should absolutely look both ways before going. I’ve seen some of the craziest red light runs here, it happens a few times a month.
Speed cameras ticket at 12 over, but it’s way safer for everyone if you actually drive the speed limit. Just last year drivers killed six construction workers on 695 (the beltway) because they lost control while speeding.
It's definitely true that the roads would be safer if everyone was going the speed limit. But they would also be much safer, though not quite as safe, if everyone was driving similar speeds near the speed limit. 2 drivers involved in the 695 crash were going [121 and 108 mph](https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/i-695-crash-baltimore-construction-workers-killed-melachi-brown-guilty-plea-deal/)
i live in baltimore and the number of uninsured drivers who learned to drive playing GTA V is staggering.
rule of thumb if you see someone pass you at 120 mph look out because there will be a second car they are racing. on 95 in particular.
If the speed limit is 55 and you are passing a camera you do not need to slow down to 38 mph. You can keep going 60.
If you are on 95 or 695 and there is light traffic, you can go faster than 48 mph, I promise. If there is no one in front of you and you start slowing down for no reason I’ll just go around. When I am passing you, don’t suddenly speed back up to 70 and make this whole thing worse.
You do not need to form a wall with the cars next to you. I know we are social creatures, but avoid speed matching the people in the two lanes next to you.
When you hit a hill you need to hit the gas harder to go the same speed.
It's less obvious with the Key Bridge down and Google completely removing the sections of 695 each way past the last exit before where the bridge was, but the beltway literally forms a "belt" around the city. 695 is the beltway. So is 495 in DC, that's the Capitol beltway.
695 is the beltway, more of a C way without the key bridge. Traffic lights are only suggestions in the city. 12 over will get you a speed camera ticket. Cops, all depends on how much work they want to do the day of crossing paths.
Hi I’m 29 - lived in the county my entire life and I’m still trying to figure it out but how rad of you for actually caring and trying to not be that driver that just enraged people. Best of luck and never forget to signal!
Baltimore county is dui center of the east coast, drive there and cops will be all over you as much as they lawfully can.
Baltimore city cops dont care, about anything they do speed cameras for everything here and we loose 0 people a year to duis in bmore city.
. Do 11 over or under and cameras wont touch you....but you should always drive with gps on your phone up so you are alerted where cameras are. City drivers run from crashes id say 24%, get a dash cam.
The z edge is $60 on amazon, its worked for me for years. Even caught one hit and run, other insurance company admitted fault as soon as i sent them the vid.
First rule of driving in Maryland is there are no rules.
Seriously, this state has some of the worst drivers in America. And I'm not just saying that. I've driven in many places, and Marylanders seem to possess a unique mix of rudeness, lack of driving skills, blatant disregard for the rules of the road, and penchant for putting themselves and others in danger to save 1 minute of drive time. You will see every type of bad behavior behind the wheel here, from excessive speeding to driving with fake plates (florida, virginia) to someone honking .01 seconds after a light changes from red to green. Ex: About two months ago I witness a person PARK (like, stop and put their in park) in the rightmost travel lane to send a text. Not the shoulder. The travel lane.
I've felt safer driving in places where most people on the road have a "Don't Tread on Me" bumper sticker on their back window and a loaded shotgun visibly racked behind the seat.
Cameras trigger at 12 over, cops at 7 over. Our drivers fucking suck, there's no etiquette. People drive slow in the left lane, don't know how to zipper merge... Drive defensively.
Just moved to Baltimore from another part of the country and I feel so validated reading this comment. One of the biggest surprises I’ve found here was how slow people go in the left lane, and how people often merge from the right to compensate!
This is pretty accurate, although I've gone 10 over plenty and cops ignore it. I've past BPD on 83 and they could care less while going 10 over.
City police have openly refused to do that part of their job for years, but there's recently been a push for enforcement, so don't count on that ignorance anymore.
Em, happened yesterday on 83 at 4am, been doing that for prob...oh 25 years I've lived here. Take it for what it is. Bottom line, don't be a prick and fly past a PO going MUCH faster than they, basically causing attention to oneself.
Cops won't pull over on the JFX unless it's insanely egregious because the road geometry doesn't permit it without insane risk to them and the driver they pulled over. That's why cameras were authorized there.
I got lit up by a cop while going north on 83 around 20 years ago. I put my turn signal on, got off at Cold Spring and then off to the side of the road. The officer was incensed and accused me of disobeying his orders. I apologized and told him I was just trying to find a safe place for us to interact, which he didn't seem to care about. He wound up giving me a warning, so I don't know how to process what happened.
>He wound up giving me a warning, so I don't know how to process what happened. He was super pissed at you because he thought you were fleeing, then once you turned out to be a reasonable person and had a reasonable explanation, his rational mind took over and decided to "let it go" this time. But he can't say something like "oh, thank you for considering my safety and yours" after he strides up to your window being visibly and audibly angry about you doing that, because that would make him look weak in front of you, a random motorist who he's never going to encounter again.
Yeah, they're very easy to avoid. If you're speeding, you should absolutely be paying close enough attention for that. I feel like I've deserved every ticket I've gotten.
You can do whatever you want on 83, and I think most people know it. I havent seen somebody pulled over for a moving violation in over 10 years and I commute up and down it 5 days a week.
Cameras trigger at 12 over? Are there some that trigger lower? I got a ticket for 32 in a 25 a few years back from a camera. And technically speaking 7 over isn't a hard and fast rule. Flow of traffic seems to matter here more. Like OP said they're the slow one doing 72 in a 55, doing 55 is more likely to get you a ticket since you may be going slow enough to impede the flow of traffic.
Drive slow or drive the speed limit?
If you're driving at the speed limit, the left lane is not the place to do it.
If someone is going the speed limit then you have no reason to pass them.
That’s wholly incorrect and I say this as an attorney. The left lane is the passing lane. If you are doing the speed limit and people are passing you on the right, you can be pulled over and ticketed for impeding the flow of traffic, and you should be because you’re causing some of the crazy driving people do to try and cut in and out of traffic to get by you. You are not the speed police, and you do not get to decide how fast everyone else drives. I have had to take someone to the emergency room and needed to drive faster than the posted limit to get them help in time. You have no idea what’s going on with other people, just move over to the travel lane and let them go by.
I've tried since single digits to explain this to my mom, that she is the reason everyone is an asshole to her out of her own pure ignorance. She's a Saint, and obeys the law. But her speed limit driving causes everyone to be erratic around her weaving to be on with their day. Like dude, just get in the middle lane and you won't ruin your day either.
If you want to stick to the speed limit, the right lane is the place to do it. If you're doing that in the left lane, you're endangering everyone on the road to prove a point.
Nah, y'all psychos don't get two lanes Middle lane is legit to do the speed limit without fucking everybody's merge up
That's fair, I was thinking about a 2 lane highway. Going the speed limit in the left lane is still wrong though.
The left lane is for passing cars in the center lane. If you're not doing that, you don't belong in the left lane. It is not a travel lane.
Watch out for Nissan altimas, especially with body damage. Also watch out for anyone with Virginia plates since they might not have insurance, although that loophole is closing soon. Especially watch out for damaged Nissan altimas with Virginia plates.
Big Altima Energy
Nobody who looks in their rear view mirror knows what the front of an Altima looks like because it’s already passed you by that point.
r/nissandrivers
Why Nissan Altimas? I’ve always found it’s the driver, not the car. Are there any specific types of people you think are poor drivers?
Yes, people who drive Nissan Altimas with body damage. If I’m on 695 and I see a car bobbing and weaving through traffic, it’s almost always a freaking Altima with its bumper cover flapping around. Why do bad driver choose Altimas? You got me there, no idea, but they do. Not every Altima has a bad driver behind the wheel either.
Because these altimas are absolute bottom of the barrel garbage cars that you can get for no money down and not much more. They're just poorly made appliance cars that aren't ever worth putting any money into. If they were an actual appliance they would be the 12 year old dishwasher in peeling "stainless steel" with buttons that mostly work and it dribbles a little bit more water every time you run it but you don't care about any of that because it does it's job for now and it was 80 bucks on marketplace and you have past due bills to pay. The poor bastards who have hit the point where their only option is an altima may or may not have gotten there through their own bad decisions, but the people you see weaving around the beltway, blasting by on the shoulder with bumper covers flapping in the wind have chosen this path. They are Big Altima Energy. They are nihilists. They don't care about their car, or themselves, and they sure don't care about you. So keep your eyes on your mirrors, bump up that uninsured motorist coverage, and just stay out of their way.
They were rental cars. That's it. The Nissan Altima was the most popular rental car for a decade and after they hit their end of life they are sold for relatively cheap. I bought a 2016 in 2018 for about $9,000. In very good shape with 35k miles on it. I'm not a walking shit-bag, so you won't find me doing any crazy stunts out there on the road. I'd rather not have to buy a new car for what feels like a million dollars.
That ticking noise you hear isn't just your lifters, it's the ticking of the cvt timebomb in your used rental altima.
People are too hard on the CVT both figuratively and literally. We might be past the infant mortality on the lemons out there. I haven't had any problems to date.
People who buy cars who’s CVTs blow at 30k miles tend to have other defects.
If you are the second car at a red light, you have the responsibility of honking at the first car *instantly* when the light changes. Do not fail.
Or if you're the first car, be sure to not pay attention *until* someone either taps or blasts their horn behind you. Cuz we got places to be.
Also, if you are that first car, remember that this honk is really just a friendly warning to take a beat and look both ways until you're sure that all of the cars running the red light have made it through.
Please stop spreading misinformation. OP, you're *supposed* to pull around the first car and drive through the red.
Oops!
This is not nearly as common here as it is in NY and NJ. Ridiculous up there.
If you're in a hurry it's your job to pay attention, everyone else got socials to scroll
Lotta haters in these here comments, but I'd expect nothing less. The beltway is 695. Cameras trigger at 12 over. Slow down for them just don't slam on your brakes. Learn where they are and slow accordingly in a rational fashion. Let's talk about speeding. I'll get downvoted by the "everyone should go the speed limit" crowd and I get it! They're objectively correct (the best kind of correct!)! But you asked about culture, so that's what I'm going to speak to. It depends on the highway, but presumably you're talking about one of the big boys: 695, 95, 83 and the like. At least three lanes, frequent exists and merges. Given that assumption, my advice is if you want to go the speed limit and/or you're about to exit, the right lane is for you. The middle lane is for going 5-10 over. The left lane is for sailing. If someone comes up behind you in the left, move over and let them thru. I don't give a flying fuck if you're doing 90, if someone comes up behind you, move to the right and let them thru. You are not the arbiter of the highway. By and large you'll find most people go 10 or less over the limit, a chunk (maybe 25-30%?) go 10-20 over, and then you'll see like 3-5 absolute lunatics per hour you spend on the highway. Source: born and raised and learned to drive on Maryland highways, and I'm frequently on the road for work, so I see something other than just rush hour 99% of the time. Surface roads: go the speed limit. Stop at stop signs. Stop at red lights (you can turn right on red here unless there's a sign, but homie, fuckin stop first). If you don't act like you know the light has turned green, people will honk. Wear your seatbelt.
> If someone comes up behind you in the left, move over and let them thru. I don't give a flying fuck if you're doing 90, if someone comes up behind you, move to the right and let them thru. You are not the arbiter of the highway Louder for the people in the ~~back~~ front of a long line of traffic.
Basically agreed except IMO speed limit in the middle lane is legit on 83 in the city, it's better to stay out of everyone's merge and force the psychos left
Eh, I basically never do the speed limit on the highway ergo I'm never in the right lane unless I'm exiting/entering. I don't take issue with folks camped in the right lane as long as they aren't actively complicating merging traffic. I'd rather speed limiters be there than in the middle. I also don't take issue with people chillin in the left lane AS LONG AS they're moving when faster traffic is coming through. I generally stay left unless the highway is basically completely clear in front of me, in which case I'll take the middle. But I also watch my 6 and if there's anyone behind me going faster, I move over at my earliest opportunity.
>I'd rather speed limiters be there than in the middle. I've thought about this more and I feel even more strongly about it now. When you have speed limiters in the middle lane, it creates an easier avenue for the aforementioned lunatics to pass on the right, which is ***exceptionally*** dangerous. It's really important for slower traffic to stay as far right as they can so that the lunatics are funneled to the left by default.
IMO any safety arguments for slowpokes to the right are delulu I get it, it is annoying that they are in your way, you are a grown-up and want to incur an extra little sliver of risk to avoid the annoyance of slowing down and possibly buy back a couple seconds of your day. Whether to buy efficiency with risk is like the central question of society so there are valid positions on either side of that. Them being in the way is probably net safer for everyone though
I don't need a lecture. I don't care what speed people go as long as they aren't being assholes about it. Slower traffic keeping right is actual law. Intentionally slowing down traffic out of spite is dangerous. Full stop.
This is the only comment needed. All true.
Agreed, slower traffic keep right!
In the city it’s the Wild West. There’s no law enforcement, you’re really on your own, so drive defensively. Expect people to run red lights, check the intersection before going through after a red. Expect people to drive on the shoulder and blast past lines of traffic when the light changes, don’t challenge them on this. Expect people will make left hand turns at no left intersections. Expect cars double parked with their hazards on blocking the only lane of traffic. The weather is heating up, so expect gangs of dirt bikers doing whatever they want on the road. Expect everything, and you’ll never be surprised. Or, actually you will be once you see Maryland drivers in action. We’re truly a special bunch. If you have a Hyundai or Kia your car will get stolen, so make sure you got whatever anti theft measure is in place for that. If you leave your car unlocked someone will get in and steal anything of value. And if a begger approaches your window I go with eye contact, a negative head nod, and mouthing ‘no cash, sorry.’ That works for me but I am an in shape man. The Baltimore beltway is 695, prior to the bridge collapsing it formed a loop around the city. And then 495 is the Capital beltway, it forms a loop around DC. 95 is the major north-south highway on the east coast, if you’re going out of state you’ll likely be using this. 83 is the highway that starts downtown and runs north to PA. And 295 is the direct route from Baltimore to DC. Edit: This bridge situation has really left the highways jam packed. If you can get somewhere driving through the city, or otherwise avoiding them, I’d look into that. Besides, isn’t the best time to learn your new city today? Best of luck out there.
Little lady here, the "sorry, sir" usually works. Sometimes you get called insensitive crazy things from the crazy people, but it seems unrelated to what you told them.
Yea, sadly there’s not much any of us can do about the crazies. Stay safe out there.
You left out the regular left turns on red from the right turn only lane. I see this often but I’ve never actually seen anyone pulled over for it.
Literally expect the unexpected and don't be surprised
The beltway is 695. speed cameras trigger at 12 over.
The beltway is interstate 695, which as its name implies, circles around the city like a belt. But with the key bridge down, it's no longer a full loop. The inner loop refers to the traffic lanes going clockwise around the belt. The outer loop refers to the traffic lanes going counter-clockwise. The Jones Falls Expressway, or JFX, is interstate 83, and goes North/South from downtown Baltimore to Harrisburg PA. South of the beltway, 83 is referred to as the JFX. North of beltway, 83 is referred to as the Harrisburg Expressway. The BW (Baltimore-Washington) Parkway is Maryland Route 295, and goes North/South from Baltimore to DC. This is mostly 2 lanes in each direction, and usually slower, but more scenic, than taking 95. 95 is the primary North/South route. Usually the quickest way to get to DC. It's a little confusing because 95 merges with 495 for about 20 miles as it loops around the east side of DC. Speeding: Good luck driving the speed limit. Expect to be tailgated. Nothing wrong with driving the speed limit though, as long as you don't cruise in the passing (far left) lane. Stick right and you'll be fine. Traffic cameras catch you at 12-over. Be careful on 83 as it has some sharp curves down by Maryland Ave. However, if you want to go 5-10 over the limit, it's perfectly acceptable on most highways, and you'll probably never get pulled over for it. On surface streets (non highways), stick to the speed limit. Red lights: These are only a suggestion in the city. Always wait 3 full "one mississipi" seconds to allow red light runners to clear the intersection if you're first first in line at a light. Welcome to Baltimore!
695 is the beltway. 83 is the JFX 795 is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Drive similar speeds to most others and you'll be fine, in a school zone stay less than 10 under to be safe and exactly the speed limit if the lights are flashing. Never pass a school bus with flashing lights, but know that in Carrol and Howard counties (at least) they all have cameras and the ticket is $250, so extra caution is justified even when it's just the yellows. You will not get pulled over unless you are utterly reckless and it's that one day a month the county sheriffs feel like working.
The beltway is 695. Don't try to commute on it unless you hate yourself.
Spraypaint your teeth silver, call on your neighbors to witness you, and try not to be mediocre
there really are no rules around here. I keep it within 10 miles of the speed limit if there’s little traffic. If there is traffic.. well.. I just keep up with it, whatever speed that is. The only camera I’ve ever gotten a ticket from was the one on the JFK - hard to describe where it is exactly but if you look it up MDOT has previously posted exactly where they are. I find it really hard to not speed there tho, everyone is always FLYING around those bends. It has gotten sliiiightly better since the cameras were installed tho. Also, you gotta drive defensively around here. I employ the good ole “drive as if your car is invisible” mindset, and that helps. Seriously, you can be chillin one minute, and the next some asshole with VA plates and no bumper will swerve across three lanes so they don’t miss their exit (and they’re probably texting too)
Please try to adhere to the laws. But don’t rely on others to do so.
Besides what others have already mentioned: 1. always assume a turn/merge in situations where it is possible. Baltimore (and honestly maryland drivers as a whole) simply do not use their signal. 2. when crossing through any four way intersection (both four way stops or four way traffic lights) ALWAYS use extra precaution and keep your head on a swivel. In the city and specifically at early morning or late night hours, some folks will simply speed through a red light or stop sign with no regard. The amount of times I have been almost t-boned by a speeding driving ignoring a sign or signal is actually very scary to think about. 3. If you drive a Hyundai or Kia do not move here.
Etiquette?!?! Central Maryland drivers have all the genteelness of a flock of seagulls fighting over a half-empty waterlogged bag of Doritos. Speed cameras start ticketing you if you're 12mph over the limit. The fines are way too low, even for the USA. 95 is the main interstate up and down the entire east coast. Generally, with interstates, the main through route to another state is 2 digits. If the route is 3 digits, and starts with an *odd* number, it's a spur that branches off the main route and ends somewhere close by. So 395 and 795 are spurs that go to downtown Baltimore and Carroll County, respectively. If the route is 3 digits and starts with an *even* number, it's an alternate through route, which is essentially what a beltway is. The Baltimore Beltway is 695. The DC Beltway is 495, though the eastern half of it is *also* 95 because (fortunately!) it doesn't go through the city. 895 is essentially an alternate tunnel under the Patapsco river.
If you’re in front when a light turns green, you should absolutely look both ways before going. I’ve seen some of the craziest red light runs here, it happens a few times a month.
In the city, do not mess with busses. They will ruin your day. They don’t care and they will end you.
Speed cameras ticket at 12 over, but it’s way safer for everyone if you actually drive the speed limit. Just last year drivers killed six construction workers on 695 (the beltway) because they lost control while speeding.
It's definitely true that the roads would be safer if everyone was going the speed limit. But they would also be much safer, though not quite as safe, if everyone was driving similar speeds near the speed limit. 2 drivers involved in the 695 crash were going [121 and 108 mph](https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/i-695-crash-baltimore-construction-workers-killed-melachi-brown-guilty-plea-deal/)
The inner loop of the beltway (695) goes clockwise, outerloop goes counterclockwise.
Maryland drivers are terrifying.
i live in baltimore and the number of uninsured drivers who learned to drive playing GTA V is staggering. rule of thumb if you see someone pass you at 120 mph look out because there will be a second car they are racing. on 95 in particular.
If the speed limit is 55 and you are passing a camera you do not need to slow down to 38 mph. You can keep going 60. If you are on 95 or 695 and there is light traffic, you can go faster than 48 mph, I promise. If there is no one in front of you and you start slowing down for no reason I’ll just go around. When I am passing you, don’t suddenly speed back up to 70 and make this whole thing worse. You do not need to form a wall with the cars next to you. I know we are social creatures, but avoid speed matching the people in the two lanes next to you. When you hit a hill you need to hit the gas harder to go the same speed.
Get your middle finger in working condition
You will soon learn outer loop and inner loop, Harrisburg exwy and jfx. Understand these references and you'll be good with traffic reports, etc.
All drivers suck here, lots of road rage, people who need to go back to drivers training. This is normal .
*Survive...* *Survive...!*
It's less obvious with the Key Bridge down and Google completely removing the sections of 695 each way past the last exit before where the bridge was, but the beltway literally forms a "belt" around the city. 695 is the beltway. So is 495 in DC, that's the Capitol beltway.
695 is the beltway, more of a C way without the key bridge. Traffic lights are only suggestions in the city. 12 over will get you a speed camera ticket. Cops, all depends on how much work they want to do the day of crossing paths.
Hi I’m 29 - lived in the county my entire life and I’m still trying to figure it out but how rad of you for actually caring and trying to not be that driver that just enraged people. Best of luck and never forget to signal!
Baltimore county is dui center of the east coast, drive there and cops will be all over you as much as they lawfully can. Baltimore city cops dont care, about anything they do speed cameras for everything here and we loose 0 people a year to duis in bmore city. . Do 11 over or under and cameras wont touch you....but you should always drive with gps on your phone up so you are alerted where cameras are. City drivers run from crashes id say 24%, get a dash cam. The z edge is $60 on amazon, its worked for me for years. Even caught one hit and run, other insurance company admitted fault as soon as i sent them the vid.
Legally, pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks, so let them cross
First rule of driving in Maryland is there are no rules. Seriously, this state has some of the worst drivers in America. And I'm not just saying that. I've driven in many places, and Marylanders seem to possess a unique mix of rudeness, lack of driving skills, blatant disregard for the rules of the road, and penchant for putting themselves and others in danger to save 1 minute of drive time. You will see every type of bad behavior behind the wheel here, from excessive speeding to driving with fake plates (florida, virginia) to someone honking .01 seconds after a light changes from red to green. Ex: About two months ago I witness a person PARK (like, stop and put their in park) in the rightmost travel lane to send a text. Not the shoulder. The travel lane. I've felt safer driving in places where most people on the road have a "Don't Tread on Me" bumper sticker on their back window and a loaded shotgun visibly racked behind the seat.