Why the 30 MPH Threshold Matters in Charles County
Maryland Transportation §21-901.1 includes operating a motor vehicle at least 30 miles per hour above the posted speed limit within the definition of reckless driving.
The statute also includes driving in wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property, or in a manner indicating that disregard.
Because the statute contains different grounds for reckless driving, the exact charges and allegations on the citations matter. A driver should not assume that every high-speed stop results in the same charge or outcome.
Does Exactly 30 MPH Over Count?
Yes. The law uses the words âat least 30 miles per hour above the posted speed limit.â Each of these examples reaches the statutory threshold:
These are illustrative calculations, not reports of actual Charles County traffic stops.
What Details Can Matter?
- Alleged speed and posted limit
- Exact statutes listed on each citation
- Roadway and location of the stop
- Speed-measurement method
- Officer observations
- Vehicle identification
- Available video or documentation
- Additional citations from the incident
Reckless Driving Can Carry Jail Time, Fines and MVA Points
Maryland's current reckless-driving statute authorizes imprisonment not exceeding 60 days, a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both. Maryland's current points statute assigns six points to reckless driving and separately assigns six points to speeding 30 MPH or more above the posted speed limit.
Can One Traffic Stop Produce Multiple Citations?
Yes. A Charles County traffic stop may result in speeding and reckless-driving citations, along with other alleged traffic violations depending on the circumstances.
The charges should be reviewed individually. The fact that multiple citations arise from one incident does not mean they have identical legal elements or consequences.
Keep These Records Together
- Every citation issued by the officer
- Official hearing or scheduling notices
- Photographs or recordings, if available
- Information about the posted limit
- Correspondence concerning the case
- Notes about the alleged incident
Serious Speeding Allegations in Waldorf, La Plata and Southern Maryland
Charles County includes major commuter routes, commercial corridors, smaller communities and rural roads. The alleged speed and posted limit must be considered in the context of the specific roadway.
Maryland's reckless-driving statute applies throughout Charles County, including these communities:
These routes are geographic references only and are not statements about traffic-enforcement practices or particular stop locations.
Where Are Charles County Traffic Cases Heard?
Maryland Courts identifies the District Court of Maryland for Charles County in La Plata as a court that hears traffic violations. Drivers should follow the courthouse and hearing information on their citation and official court notice.
11 Washington Avenue
La Plata, MD 20646-3070
Mailing address: P.O. Box 3070, La Plata, MD 20646-3070
301-934-5110
In-state toll-free: 1-800-941-3463
Confirm the Correct Court
Charles County also has a separate Circuit Court at 200 Charles Street in La Plata. Do not assume that the District Court and Circuit Court locations are interchangeable.
Always follow your official hearing notice.
Contact Ben OstroffThree Steps After Receiving a Charles County 30+ MPH Citation
Preserve the Paperwork
Keep all citations, court notices and other documents relating to the incident.
Identify Every Charge
Check the alleged speed, posted limit, statute numbers and court instructions.
Discuss Your Circumstances
Consider having an attorney review the allegations, evidence and relevant court information.
Speak With Attorney Bennett âBenâ Ostroff
Attorney Bennett Ostroff represents motorists in Maryland traffic matters, including serious-speeding and reckless-driving allegations.
If your Charles County citation alleges driving at least 30 MPH above the posted limit, have the complete citations and court information available when contacting the office.
Call 443-629-7278Understand What Was Actually Charged
- Identify all citations from the stop
- Confirm the alleged speed
- Confirm the posted speed limit
- Review the statutes charged
- Preserve potentially relevant evidence
- Confirm the hearing information
Charles County 30+ MPH and Reckless Driving FAQs
Is 30 MPH over the speed limit reckless driving in Maryland?
Maryland Transportation §21-901.1 expressly includes driving at least 30 MPH above the posted speed limit within the reckless-driving statute.
Does exactly 30 MPH over reach the statutory threshold?
Yes. The statute applies to driving at least 30 MPH above the posted speed limit, which includes exactly 30 MPH over.
Can reckless driving carry jail time in Maryland?
Yes. The current statute authorizes imprisonment not exceeding 60 days, a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both.
How many MVA points does reckless driving carry?
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 MPH or more above the posted limit at six points.
Can one traffic stop result in both speeding and reckless-driving citations?
Yes. Multiple citations can arise from the same incident. The exact charges and ultimate disposition determine the legal consequences.
Where is Charles County District Court?
The District Court is located at 11 Washington Avenue in La Plata, Maryland. Confirm the courthouse listed on your official hearing notice.
Does the reckless-driving law apply in Waldorf and Indian Head?
Yes. Maryland Transportation §21-901.1 is a statewide statute that applies throughout Charles County.
Can radar or lidar evidence matter in a serious speeding case?
Depending on the circumstances, speed-measurement methods and available supporting evidence may be relevant to reviewing the allegation.
Who can I contact about a Charles County reckless-driving charge?
Attorney Bennett âBenâ Ostroff of Maryland's Ticket Fighter represents motorists in Maryland traffic matters. Call 443-629-7278 to discuss your situation.