Effective October 1, 2025: Maryland’s Reckless Driving Law NOW CARRIES JAIL TIME

Drivers in Maryland need to be aware of a new Maryland law, effective October 1, 2025, which makes reckless driving a jailable offense. According to the Maryland State Police and county agencies, officers plan to aggressively enforce this new law. It’s no longer reasonable to assume that a speeding violation will result in “just a ticket.” Instead, if a driver with a lead foot gets carried away on Maryland’s highways, they could face long-lasting problems — potentially even a criminal record.

Carey Law Office is an experienced criminal defense law firm that’s ready to help drivers protect their rights, including those related to this new legislation. If you’re facing charges, you should reach out right away.

Why the law changed

The new law is named the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act (SB 590 / Chapter 447) after the Montgomery County officer who lost both legs after a reckless driver struck him while traveling at over 100 mph. The driver who seriously injured Officer Kepp was handed a lengthy prison sentence for his actions, but the incident also sparked this new legislation. The Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act, named in the officer’s honor, aims to increase accountability and deter reckless and aggressive driving.

What counts as reckless driving under the new law

Reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle with “wanton or willful disregard” for the safety of persons or property. Driving at 30 mph or more over the posted speed limit is now indicative of reckless driving. Penalties include up to 60 days in jail, and/or a fine of up to $1,000. It’s possible to face a criminal conviction, which would mean having a criminal record, receiving 6 additional points on your driver’s license, possibly causing a license suspension and paying higher insurance rates.

Negligent driving changes

Negligent driving includes careless or imprudent driving that endangers other individuals or their property. The updates to the law include a new penalty, which is an increased fine of up to $750. Still, negligent driving is not a jailable offense, but it is more costly and will have lasting effects on drivers.

Aggressive driving update

Aggressive driving carries a higher potential fine than negligent driving, but like negligent driving, it does not carry the possibility of jail. This offense occurs if a driver commits three or more traffic violations in a single continuous period. The violations included in the law are:

• Disobeying traffic signals
• Improper passing/overtaking
• Passing on the right
• Failure to maintain a lane
• Tailgating
• Failure to yield
• Speeding

While aggressive driving will not result in jail time, it can lead to a fine of up to $1,000.

Why the changes to the law matter for Maryland drivers

Offenses that once resulted in high-tier speeding tickets (30+ mph over the limit) are now criminal offenses. A conviction could result in jail time, a criminal record, increased insurance rates, and license suspension points. In some instances, drivers may face other consequences, including impacts on custody, immigration status, or their job (for instance, if the person is a commercial truck driver).

It’s likely that there will be more traffic-related criminal charges following the new law. Police have also announced aggressive enforcement campaigns, which will start on October 1, 2025. So, if drivers are thinking that they will get a pass for early violations of the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act, they are likely mistaken.

Defense strategies & legal rights

Just because you are facing charges doesn’t mean you are guilty. The law is very clear that you’re innocent until proven guilty, and this applies in the case of driving offenses as well. Many reckless driving charges result from police observations. There may be opportunities to challenge the charges or to have them reduced to something less severe. A defense lawyer can fight back in several ways, including challenging the traffic stop or radar evidence, arguing that driving behavior did not rise to the “wanton/willful” legal threshold, or negotiating charges down to negligent driving or speeding.

The best strategy and approach in your case will depend on the specific facts. You may have more options than you think, which is why seeking immediate legal representation is so important. Our team can help preserve your legal rights.

How Carey Law Office can help

At the Carey Law Office, we have decades of experience defending Maryland residents facing criminal charges, including traffic-related violations. We are committed to providing personalized, nonjudgmental advocacy for every client who reaches out to us for help. Joseph Carey and his team understand clients are people, not case numbers. We work to give you a second chance, to minimize the long-term consequences of one mistake, and to protect your future.

Remember that starting October 1, 2025, reckless driving is no longer “just a ticket” — it’s a crime punishable by jail. It’s more important than ever to know your rights and to act quickly if you are facing charges. If you or someone you love is facing a reckless driving charge in Maryland, don’t wait. Contact Carey Law Office today by filling out our online form to schedule a confidential consultation.