Maryland’s New Speeding & Reckless Driving Law
What Maryland drivers need to know about the October 1, 2025 changes affecting reckless driving, extreme speeding, penalties and MVA points.
Why This Law Matters to Maryland Drivers
Maryland changed its reckless-driving law in 2025 through the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act.
The most important change for many drivers is that driving at least 30 miles per hour above the posted speed limit is now expressly included within Maryland’s reckless-driving statute.
The law also added potential incarceration for reckless driving and changed several point and penalty provisions affecting traffic offenses.
What Changed?
30+ MPH Over
Driving at least 30 mph above the posted speed limit is expressly included in the reckless-driving statute.
Jail Exposure
A reckless-driving conviction can carry imprisonment not exceeding 60 days.
Point Changes
Speeding 30 mph or more above the posted limit is assessed six MVA points.
What Counts as Reckless Driving in Maryland?
Under current Maryland Transportation §21-901.1, reckless driving can be established in three ways.
Wanton or Willful Disregard
Driving in wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property.
Manner of Driving
Driving in a manner that indicates wanton or willful disregard for safety.
Extreme Speed
Driving at least 30 miles per hour above the posted speed limit.
What Can a Reckless-Driving Conviction Mean?
Why Maryland Changed the Law
The 2025 legislation was enacted as the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act and changed several provisions involving reckless, negligent and aggressive driving.
Among the changes, lawmakers expanded reckless driving to expressly include driving at least 30 mph above the posted speed limit and added potential incarceration for reckless-driving convictions.
The law also increased the maximum fine for negligent driving and expanded the list of traffic violations that can contribute to an aggressive-driving allegation.
What If You Were Allegedly 30+ MPH Over?
The exact alleged speed and posted speed limit now matter even more because the 30-mph threshold appears directly in the reckless-driving statute.
A defense review may involve the method used to determine speed, the exact roadway location, vehicle identification, officer observations and the other citations issued during the stop.
The 2025 Law Also Expanded Aggressive Driving
Maryland’s aggressive-driving statute lists a group of traffic offenses that can contribute to an aggressive-driving charge when the statutory requirements are met.
The 2025 legislation expanded that list to include additional conduct, including certain traffic-control, passing, pedestrian, school-bus, motorcycle and other violations.
Under the current statute, aggressive driving remains subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000.
Steps to Take Before Your Court Date
Keep Every Citation
Save every citation, summons and court notice associated with the traffic stop.
Preserve Evidence
Save video, photographs, witness information and other potentially relevant material.
Review the Charge
Speak with a Maryland traffic attorney about the actual statute, evidence and potential consequences.
Attorney Ben Ostroff Handles Serious Maryland Traffic Cases
Attorney Bennett “Ben” Ostroff represents motorists facing traffic charges throughout Maryland, including reckless driving, high-speed speeding allegations and other serious driving offenses.
Cases can arise in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Harford County, Frederick County, the Eastern Shore and other Maryland jurisdictions.
Maryland Speeding & Reckless Driving Law FAQ
Charged Under Maryland’s Updated Traffic Laws?
Speak with Attorney Bennett “Ben” Ostroff about a reckless-driving charge, high-speed speeding citation or other serious Maryland traffic matter.
⚖️ Legal Disclaimer
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Maryland traffic laws, penalties, court procedures and MVA consequences can change and depend on the particular charge and circumstances. Viewing this page or contacting the office does not create an attorney-client relationship unless representation is formally accepted. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Attorney Ben Ostroff at 443-629-7278 regarding your individual matter.