Updates to the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act: What Maryland Drivers Should Know in February 2026

In December 2025, we wrote about the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act and what it meant for Maryland drivers. Now, in February 2026, lawmakers are discussing additional measures to curb excessive speeding and aggressive driving across the state, including technologies such as Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) devices that monitor speed limits for high-risk drivers.

Neighboring jurisdictions, such as Washington, D.C., and Virginia, have already enacted speed-control technology. Maryland might not be too far behind.

Refresher: What is the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act?

Sergeant Patrick Kepp, a Montgomery County Police Department sergeant, was struck by a motorist in 2023. A 19-year-old driver was traveling over 100 mph on I-270 when he hit Kepp, who lost both of his legs. The driver was found guilty of 13 charges.

In response to Sgt. Kepp’s case, the Maryland General Assembly tightened enforcement on reckless speeding and passed legislation, known as the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act, which went into effect on October 1, 2025.

New laws established by the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act make local roads safer for motorists, pedestrians, and first responders. Specifically, aggressive drivers now face harsher penalties, including increased fines and additional points on their licenses, for reckless, negligent, or aggressive driving. For example, law updates under the Act are as follows:

Reckless driving

A driver traveling 30 mph or more over the speed limit may be charged with reckless driving. Penalties for reckless driving include up to 60 days in jail, up to a $1,000 fine, and six points on a driver’s license.

Negligent driving

Negligent driving generally involves driving in a careless or imprudent manner that endangers property or another person. Penalties include fines up to $750 and two points on your driver’s license.

Aggressive driving

Defined as three or more specified traffic violations in a single continuous period of driving – such as speeding, tailgating, unsafe passing, or failing to yield – penalties for aggressive driving include fines of up to $1,000 and license points.

What is being proposed to the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act in 2026?

Lawmakers have discussed additional measures aimed at expanding the court’s authority to address reckless, negligent, and aggressive driving. According to FOX5, supporters of the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act, including Sgt. Kepp, testified in favor of an Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) pilot program, but as of February 2026, the program has not been enacted.

If the bills eventually pass, they would require individuals with suspended or revoked licenses for speeding or reckless driving to participate in the program. The bills would require the Motor Vehicle Administration to issue restricted licenses that require the use of ISA technology in vehicles and prohibit operating a motor vehicle in violation of the program’s requirements.

How does Intelligent Speed Assistance work?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), ISA is a vehicle-based technology designed to reduce speeding and improve roadway safety. The technology is conceptually similar to ignition interlock devices used in DUI cases. However, it’s different from cruise control as it responds to posted speed limits in real time; it does not maintain a set speed chosen by the driver.

The in-vehicle tech – which can include GPS data, digital speed limit databases, and traffic-sign recognition cameras – can identify posted speed limits and automatically alert drivers via audible or visual warnings. When ordered by a court or required by regulation, ISA can physically prevent vehicles from exceeding speed limits. Maryland’s proposed ISA program would be court-ordered and would apply primarily to high-risk or repeat offenders, not all drivers.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration identifies ISA as an emerging speed management strategy designed to reduce speeding-related crashes by combining vehicle technology with real-time speed limit data. Research cited by NHTSA shows ISA systems are associated with reductions in speeding behavior, lower average travel speeds, and potential reductions in crash risk when implemented.

While the ISA pilot program has not yet been enacted in Maryland, interest is ongoing among legislators, road-safety advocates, and supporters like Sgt. Kepp.

Contact Carey Law Office, LLC today

The Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act is fully in effect. While the proposed Intelligent Speed Assistance pilot program has not yet become law, future legislation could expand court authority to ISA technology for certain high-risk or repeat offenders.

At Carey Law Office, LLC, we stay up-to-date on legislative changes to best serve our clients. If you’ve been charged with a traffic offense, reach out to our team today. Submit our online contact form to arrange a free consultation and discuss your legal options.