Maryland's 30 MPH Threshold Changes the Seriousness of a Speeding Allegation
Under Maryland Transportation §21-901.1, reckless driving expressly includes driving a motor vehicle at a speed at least 30 miles per hour above the posted speed limit.
The phrase “at least 30 miles per hour above” means an allegation exactly 30 MPH over reaches the statutory threshold. It does not require an alleged speed 31 MPH or more above the limit.
Reckless driving can also be alleged when a motorist drives in wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property. The actual citations therefore need to be reviewed rather than assuming every reckless-driving allegation is based solely on speed.
What Does 30 MPH Over Look Like?
Compare the speed alleged on the citation with the posted speed limit. Once the difference reaches at least 30 MPH, the allegation falls within the speed provision of Maryland's reckless-driving statute.
What May Matter in a Serious Speeding Case?
- The exact speed alleged
- The posted speed limit
- The statutory sections charged
- The speed-measurement method
- The officer's observations
- The location of the traffic stop
- Vehicle identification
- Additional citations from the incident
A Reckless-Driving Conviction Is More Serious Than an Ordinary Speeding Ticket
Under current Maryland law, a person convicted of reckless driving is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 60 days, a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both.
Maximum imprisonment provided under Maryland's reckless-driving statute.
Maximum statutory fine for a reckless-driving conviction.
Maryland currently lists reckless driving as a six-point violation.
Speeding 30 MPH or more above the posted limit is separately listed at six points.
Why Did I Get Speeding AND Reckless Driving?
A single Anne Arundel County traffic stop can result in several citations. Depending on the allegations, a driver might receive a speeding citation along with reckless driving and other traffic charges.
The charges should be reviewed separately even when they arose from the same event. The statutory basis and eventual disposition can differ.
Questions to Ask About the Alleged Speed
- How was the speed determined?
- What speed appears on the citation?
- What was the posted limit?
- Was radar or lidar involved?
- Was the vehicle paced?
- What observations did the officer document?
- Is relevant video available?
- Were additional citations issued?
Serious Speeding Charges From Annapolis to Glen Burnie and Across Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel County includes major interstate and state highway corridors, densely traveled suburban roads and local streets with widely varying posted speed limits.
Maryland's reckless-driving law applies countywide. The specific location of the stop, however, can still be important when evaluating the posted limit, alleged speed and surrounding circumstances.
Anne Arundel County Has District Courts in Annapolis and Glen Burnie
The District Court of Maryland has Anne Arundel County locations in both Annapolis and Glen Burnie. Maryland Courts identifies traffic violations among the matters handled by these District Court locations.
Annapolis, MD 21401-1586 410-260-1370 In-state toll-free: 1-800-944-2688
Glen Burnie, MD 21061-3705 410-260-1800 In-state toll-free: 1-800-944-2688
Three Steps After an Anne Arundel County 30+ MPH Citation
Retain the complete group of citations and court paperwork issued in connection with the traffic stop.
Check the alleged speed, posted limit, statute numbers and court information appearing on the paperwork.
Consider the citations, available evidence, driving history and circumstances before the scheduled court date.
Talk With Attorney Bennett “Ben” Ostroff
Attorney Bennett “Ben” Ostroff represents motorists in Maryland traffic matters, including reckless-driving and serious speeding allegations.
If your Anne Arundel County citation alleges a speed at least 30 MPH above the posted limit, have all citations and your court information available when contacting the office.
📞 Call 443-629-7278Know What Was Actually Charged
Understanding the exact allegations is the starting point for evaluating an Anne Arundel County traffic case.
- Identify every citation
- Confirm the alleged speed
- Confirm the posted limit
- Identify the statutory sections
- Review available evidence
- Confirm the court location
Anne Arundel County 30+ MPH & Reckless Driving FAQ
Is 30 MPH over the speed limit reckless driving in Maryland?
Maryland Transportation §21-901.1 expressly includes driving at least 30 miles per hour above the posted speed limit within the reckless-driving statute.
Does exactly 30 MPH over reach the reckless-driving threshold?
Yes. The statute says “at least 30 miles per hour above the posted speed limit,” so exactly 30 MPH above reaches the threshold.
Can Maryland reckless driving carry jail time?
Yes. The current statute provides for imprisonment not exceeding 60 days, a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both.
How many points does reckless driving carry in Maryland?
Maryland's current points statute lists reckless driving as a six-point violation.
How many points is speeding 30 MPH or more over?
Maryland's current points statute separately lists speeding 30 miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit as a six-point violation.
Can I receive both speeding and reckless-driving citations?
Yes. A single traffic incident can result in multiple citations. The individual charges and ultimate disposition should be reviewed.
Does Maryland's 30-MPH reckless-driving rule apply throughout Anne Arundel County?
Yes. Maryland Transportation §21-901.1 is a statewide statute.
Where are Anne Arundel County traffic cases heard?
Anne Arundel County has District Court locations in Annapolis and Glen Burnie. Drivers should use the courthouse information on their citation and official court notice for their individual case.
What evidence can matter in a serious speeding case?
Depending on the case, relevant information may include the alleged speed, posted speed limit, speed-measurement method, officer observations, vehicle identification and other available evidence.
Who handles Anne Arundel County reckless-driving cases?
Attorney Bennett “Ben” Ostroff of Maryland's Ticket Fighter represents motorists in Maryland traffic matters, including reckless-driving and serious-speeding allegations. Call 443-629-7278.