The bad news is that drivers in Montgomery County can look forward to 10 new portable speed cameras and 20 new red light cameras before the end of 2013.
This article clears up the confusion about the mysterious boxes, explains what they really are, and explores the impact of Montgomery County’s expanding traffic camera program.
What Are the White Boxes?
Montgomery County residents first reported spotting white rectangular enclosures near roadsides, raising suspicions about hidden traffic cameras. But officials confirmed these are not related to traffic enforcement.
Instead, these boxes are Hot-Box enclosures, manufactured by a company that designs protective housings for underground utility vents. They are part of the county’s infrastructure maintenance and have no surveillance or traffic monitoring capability.
So, while the rumors of “stealth speed cameras” are unfounded, it’s easy to see why residents jumped to conclusions. The resemblance to camera housings is striking, and Montgomery County has a long history of camera use, making drivers more cautious.
The Expansion of Speed Cameras in Montgomery County
While the white boxes are harmless, Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation has confirmed a significant enforcement expansion.
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10 new portable speed cameras will be deployed around the county.
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These cameras are designed to be moved between approved locations, making them less predictable for drivers.
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Portable cameras target school zones, residential areas, and roads with a history of speeding complaints.
Why Expand Speed Cameras?
Montgomery County has one of the most extensive traffic camera programs in Maryland. Officials argue the cameras are necessary because:
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Speeding is a top contributor to serious crashes in suburban neighborhoods.
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Cameras provide consistent enforcement, unlike human patrol officers who cannot be everywhere at once.
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Revenue from citations helps fund traffic safety initiatives and infrastructure.
Critics, however, often argue that cameras are more about generating money than improving safety. The expansion of portable units, which can appear in new locations week to week, raises questions about fairness and transparency.
The Growth of Red Light Cameras
Alongside speed enforcement, Montgomery County plans to add 20 new red light cameras before the end of 2013.
Red Light Camera Details
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These cameras monitor intersections where red light violations are frequent.
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The cameras capture vehicles that enter the intersection after the light turns red, automatically generating tickets mailed to the registered owner.
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Each installation targets intersections with crash histories linked to red light running.
Supporters Say:
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Red light cameras reduce dangerous T-bone collisions caused by drivers running lights.
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Automated systems allow enforcement without risking officer safety in heavy traffic.
Critics Say:
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Drivers may brake suddenly to avoid tickets, sometimes causing rear-end collisions.
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Ticket revenue becomes an incentive for local governments to expand the program beyond true safety needs.
A Brief History of Cameras in Montgomery County
Montgomery County was one of the first counties in Maryland to adopt automated enforcement, dating back to the early 2000s.
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The initial rollout focused on school zones and high-crash corridors.
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Over time, the program expanded to dozens of permanent and portable camera sites.
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Red light cameras followed, with installations at major intersections such as Rockville Pike and Colesville Road.
Today, Montgomery County has one of the largest traffic enforcement networks in the state, rivaled only by Prince George’s County and Baltimore City.
The Legal and Financial Side
Ticket Costs
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Speed camera violations: $40 per ticket, no points on your license.
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Red light camera violations: $75 per ticket, also no points.
Revenue
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Montgomery County collects millions of dollars annually from camera citations.
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Revenue is legally required to be reinvested into public safety programs, though many residents remain skeptical.
Vendor Partnerships
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Like many jurisdictions, Montgomery County contracts with private companies to operate and maintain its camera systems.
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These companies are typically paid per-camera or per-ticket, which fuels criticism that profit motives overshadow safety goals.
Community Reactions
Montgomery County residents are divided over the camera expansion.
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Supporters: Argue that slowing down drivers in residential neighborhoods and busy intersections saves lives. Parents near schools are often the loudest supporters.
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Opponents: See the expansion as “policing for profit” and claim cameras do not address root causes of crashes such as poor road design or distracted driving.
Online forums, neighborhood associations, and even local newspapers often light up whenever new cameras are announced. The debate shows no signs of slowing down.
How Drivers Can Stay Informed
To avoid tickets and drive safely, Montgomery County residents should:
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Check official lists: The county publishes approved camera locations on its Department of Transportation website.
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Watch for warning signs: By law, speed camera zones must be clearly marked with signage.
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Use navigation apps: Apps like Waze and Google Maps often crowdsource real-time alerts about camera locations.
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Drive defensively: Following the speed limit and respecting signals is still the best way to avoid citations—and crashes.
Looking Ahead
Montgomery County’s plan to add 10 portable speed cameras and 20 new red light cameras is part of a broader national trend. Across the U.S., more cities and counties are turning to automation to enforce traffic laws.
While the debate between safety and revenue continues, one thing is certain: automated enforcement is here to stay.
Drivers should expect further expansion in the coming years, particularly as technology evolves and state laws allow more widespread adoption.
Conclusion
The mysterious white “Hot-Box” utility enclosures around Montgomery County are not hidden speed cameras, but residents’ concerns were not unfounded. The county is, in fact, expanding its automated enforcement program with new speed and red light cameras.
For drivers, that means staying alert, respecting speed limits, and anticipating more enforcement in the years ahead.
Love them or hate them, traffic cameras are becoming a permanent fixture of Montgomery County’s roads.
