Why Driving 30 MPH Over the Posted Limit Is a Serious Legal Matter
Under Maryland Transportation §21-901.1, reckless driving includes operating a motor vehicle at a speed at least 30 miles per hour above the posted speed limit.
The statute also includes driving in wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property, or driving in a manner indicating that disregard.
Because the law contains multiple definitions of reckless driving, drivers should review the exact statutory sections on their citations instead of assuming every case involves the same allegations.
Does Exactly 30 MPH Over Count?
Yes. The law uses the words “at least 30 miles per hour above the posted speed limit.” These examples reach that threshold:
These are mathematical examples, not descriptions of actual Harford County citations.
What Information May Matter?
- Exact speed alleged
- Posted speed limit
- Statutes listed on the citations
- Radar, lidar or pacing information
- Officer observations
- Roadway and stop location
- Vehicle identification
- Any additional citations
Reckless Driving Can Carry Jail Time, Fines and MVA Points
Maryland's current reckless-driving statute provides for imprisonment not exceeding 60 days, a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both. Maryland Transportation §16-402 assigns six points to reckless driving and separately lists speeding 30 MPH or more above the posted limit at six points.
Can Speeding and Reckless Driving Be Charged Together?
A single Harford County traffic stop may lead to more than one citation. Depending on the circumstances, speeding and reckless-driving charges may be issued from the same event.
Each citation has its own statutory basis. The specific allegations and eventual disposition should be examined individually.
Documents Worth Keeping
- Every citation issued
- Any court scheduling notice
- Relevant photographs or recordings
- Information about the posted limit
- Documents relating to the stop
- Correspondence from the court
Serious Speeding Cases in Bel Air, Aberdeen, Edgewood and Surrounding Communities
Harford County includes interstate travel, state highways, suburban corridors, small towns and rural roads. The exact location and posted speed limit matter when examining a high-speed traffic allegation.
Maryland's reckless-driving law applies throughout Harford County, including the following communities:
These roadways are geographic references only and do not imply particular enforcement practices or a specific frequency of traffic stops.
Where Are Harford County Traffic Cases Heard?
Maryland Courts identifies the District Court of Maryland for Harford County in Bel Air as a court that hears traffic violations. Drivers should confirm the hearing date and courthouse location using their actual citation and official court notice.
2 South Bond Street, Suite 100
Bel Air, MD 21014-3737
410-836-4545
In-state toll-free: 1-800-943-6344
District Court vs. Circuit Court
Harford County also has a separate Circuit Court in Bel Air. Do not assume the two courthouse addresses are interchangeable. Follow the location listed on your official case documents.
Contact Ben OstroffThree Steps After a Harford County 30+ MPH Citation
Keep All Citations
Retain the entire set of citations and court paperwork related to the incident.
Confirm the Charges
Review the alleged speed, posted limit, statutory sections and hearing information.
Discuss the Case
Consider having an attorney review the citations, evidence and individual circumstances.
Talk With Attorney Bennett “Ben” Ostroff
Attorney Bennett Ostroff represents motorists in Maryland traffic matters, including serious-speeding and reckless-driving allegations.
If your Harford County citation involves an alleged speed at least 30 MPH above the posted limit, have your citations and court information available when contacting the office.
Call 443-629-7278Know What Was Actually Charged
- Identify each traffic citation
- Confirm the alleged speed
- Confirm the posted speed limit
- Check the statutes charged
- Preserve relevant documents
- Confirm the hearing information
Harford 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 miles per hour above the posted speed limit within the reckless-driving statute.
Does exactly 30 MPH over reach the statutory threshold?
Yes. The statute uses the phrase “at least 30 miles per hour above the posted speed limit,” which includes exactly 30 MPH over.
Can reckless driving result in jail time?
Yes. The current statute authorizes imprisonment not exceeding 60 days, a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both.
How many Maryland MVA points is reckless driving?
Maryland's current points statute lists reckless driving as a six-point violation.
How many points is speeding 30 MPH or more over?
Maryland separately lists speeding 30 MPH or more above the posted speed limit as a six-point violation.
Can one stop result in both speeding and reckless-driving citations?
Yes. Multiple citations can arise from one incident. The exact charges and final disposition determine the legal consequences.
Where is Harford County District Court?
The Harford County District Court is at 2 South Bond Street, Suite 100, Bel Air, Maryland 21014-3737. Confirm the courthouse on your official notice.
Does the reckless-driving law apply in Aberdeen and Edgewood?
Yes. Maryland Transportation §21-901.1 is a statewide statute that applies throughout Harford County.
Can radar or lidar evidence be relevant?
Depending on the circumstances, the method used to determine speed and available supporting evidence may be relevant when reviewing the charge.
Who can I contact about a Harford County reckless-driving charge?
Attorney Bennett “Ben” Ostroff of Maryland's Ticket Fighter handles Maryland traffic matters. Call 443-629-7278 to discuss your situation.