Maryland Law Now Expressly Includes the 30 MPH Threshold
Maryland Transportation §21-901.1 provides that a person is guilty of reckless driving if the person drives a motor vehicle at a speed at least 30 miles per hour above the posted speed limit.
The words “at least 30 miles per hour above” are important. An alleged speed exactly 30 MPH over the posted limit reaches the statutory threshold.
The statute also covers driving in wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property, or in a manner indicating that disregard. The exact statutory section and allegations appearing on the citations should therefore be reviewed.
What Does “30 MPH Over” Mean?
The calculation compares the speed alleged by the officer with the posted speed limit.
What Should Be Examined?
- Speed alleged on the citation
- Posted speed limit
- Exact statutes charged
- Method used to determine speed
- Officer observations
- Location of the alleged violation
- Vehicle identification
- Additional citations issued
A Reckless-Driving Conviction Carries Serious Potential Penalties
Under current Maryland law, a reckless-driving conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 60 days, a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both.
Maximum imprisonment authorized for reckless driving.
Maximum fine provided by the reckless-driving statute.
Maryland currently assigns six points for reckless driving.
Speeding 30 MPH or more above the posted limit is separately listed at six points.
Can I Be Cited for Speeding and Reckless Driving?
A single Montgomery County traffic stop may result in multiple citations. Depending on what is alleged, the driver may receive a speeding citation together with reckless driving or other traffic charges.
Each citation should be identified individually. The charges may arise from the same incident while still involving different statutory provisions.
Questions That May Matter
- How was the alleged speed measured?
- What speed appears on the citation?
- What was the posted limit?
- Was radar or lidar involved?
- Was pacing used?
- What observations were documented?
- Is relevant video available?
- Were other citations issued?
Serious Speeding Cases Across Montgomery County
Montgomery County contains interstate highways, major commuter corridors, state highways and heavily traveled local roads with very different posted speed limits.
Maryland's reckless-driving statute applies throughout Montgomery County. The location of the stop still matters when evaluating the posted limit, alleged speed, roadway and surrounding circumstances.
Montgomery County Has District Court Locations in Rockville and Silver Spring
Maryland Courts identifies District Court locations in both Rockville and Silver Spring, and both locations hear traffic violations. Use the courthouse information appearing on your citation and official hearing notice for your individual case.
Rockville, MD 20850-2630 Traffic & Criminal: 301-563-8800 Toll-free in Maryland: 1-800-944-1341
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3364 301-563-8500 Toll-free in Maryland: 1-866-873-9785
Three Steps After a Montgomery County 30+ MPH Citation
Retain the entire set of traffic citations and court paperwork associated with the stop.
Check the alleged speed, posted limit, statute numbers and court information appearing on the paperwork.
Consider the citations, available evidence, driving history and individual circumstances before court.
Talk With Attorney Bennett “Ben” Ostroff
Attorney Bennett “Ben” Ostroff represents motorists facing Maryland traffic matters, including reckless-driving and serious-speeding allegations.
If your Montgomery County citation alleges a speed at least 30 MPH above the posted limit, have all citations and court information available when contacting the office.
📞 Call 443-629-7278Know Exactly What You're Facing
Understanding the precise charges is the starting point for evaluating a serious Montgomery County traffic case.
- Identify every citation
- Confirm the alleged speed
- Confirm the posted speed limit
- Identify the statutes charged
- Review available evidence
- Confirm the correct courthouse
Montgomery 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 threshold?
Yes. The statute uses the words “at least 30 miles per hour above the posted speed limit,” so exactly 30 MPH above reaches the statutory threshold.
Can reckless driving carry jail time in Maryland?
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 limit as a six-point violation.
Can I receive speeding and reckless-driving citations from the same stop?
A single traffic incident can result in multiple citations. Each charge and the ultimate disposition should be reviewed individually.
Does Maryland's 30-MPH reckless-driving provision apply throughout Montgomery County?
Yes. Maryland Transportation §21-901.1 is a statewide statute.
Where are Montgomery County traffic cases heard?
Montgomery County has District Court locations in Rockville and Silver Spring. Drivers should follow the courthouse information on their citation and official hearing notice.
What evidence can matter in a high-speed traffic case?
Depending on the case, relevant information may include the alleged speed, posted limit, speed-measurement method, officer observations, vehicle identification and other available evidence.
Who handles Montgomery 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.