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Published on 10/1/2025, 12:16:00 PM

Can You Go to Jail for Speeding in Maryland?

Short answer: yes if you are 30+ mph over the limit, police can now charge reckless driving, which carries up to 60 days in jail. If you're going slower than that, a standalone speeding ticket is a civil offense in Maryland and doesn't carry jail time. Automated speed camera tickets are also civil by statute.

If you're cited for reckless or aggressive driving on top of speeding, talk to a lawyer right away.

When speeding becomes a criminal problem

Two situations turn a "mere" speeding ticket into something that can land you in front of a judge facing harsher consequences:

  1. Reckless driving based on speed
    Maryland's reckless driving law covers driving "in wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property," and our site notes that 30 mph or more over the posted limit is now a basis for a reckless charge under the 2025 updates. Reckless driving is a criminal traffic offense.

  2. Aggressive driving charged with your speed
    "Aggressive driving" occurs if you commit three or more listed violations in a single continuous drive including exceeding the maximum or posted speed limit even if none alone would be criminal. It's a serious citation and often accompanies high-speed stops.

So, can you actually go to jail?

Yes, if you are going fast enough you can be charged with reckless driving and you can go to jail.

  • Standard speeding: No jail (civil). If it's a camera ticket, it's expressly civil.
  • Reckless driving: Historically fined (up to $1,000), and per the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act described on our site up to 60 days in jail.
  • Aggressive driving: Significant fine (non-jailable), but it can bolster a prosecutor's case when paired with high speed or reckless conduct.

Bottom line: Speed alone is usually not jailable, but 30+ over can get you charged with reckless, which is where jail exposure comes in (especially under the 2025 changes).

How officers and prosecutors use these charges

In real cases, police frequently pair a DUI or high-speed stop with reckless or negligent driving citations. Reckless requires "wanton or willful disregard," while negligent is "careless or imprudent" driving that endangers others; reckless historically carries a higher maximum penalty.

What about speed cameras?

Automated speed monitoring systems (e.g., school zones, residential areas, certain corridors) issue civil citations payable fines, no jail, and specific statutory procedures for signage, calibration, and hearings.

What to do if you're ticketed for high speed in Maryland

  • Check the exact charge. If you see reckless driving alongside speeding especially for 30+ over you've moved into criminal territory with potential jail.
  • Consider defenses. Speed measurement, officer observations, and the basis for any aggressive or reckless allegation can be challenged. Our team regularly contests radar/LIDAR setup and statutory compliance.
  • Ask about PBJ. In some cases, Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) may protect your record and points exposure. See our PBJ explainer.
  • Talk to a lawyer early. Early strategy can reduce charges (e.g., reckless ? negligent) or protect your license/insurance.

Related resources (internal)

FAQs

Q: Is speeding alone in Maryland a jailable offense?

A: No. Standard speeding is a civil infraction. Speed camera tickets are also civil by statute. Jail exposure arises when speeding is charged as reckless driving (e.g., 30+ mph over), which is a criminal offense.

Q: What's the legal definition of reckless vs. negligent driving?

A: Reckless means driving in wanton or willful disregard for the safety of people or property; negligent means careless or imprudent driving that endangers others.

Q: What counts as aggressive driving?

A: Committing three or more listed violations in a single continuous drive such as running steady-signal lights, improper passing, failing to stay in a lane, following too closely, and exceeding a maximum or posted speed limit.

Q: What's the maximum penalty for reckless driving?

A: The statute lists a fine up to $1,000, and per the 2025 updates explained on our site up to 60 days in jail for reckless driving, including 30+ mph over.

If your ticket lists reckless or aggressive driving or you were cited for 30+ over your case is no longer "just a ticket." Reach out to our Maryland traffic defense team to talk strategy before your court date. Contact FrizWoods.