New Maryland Law Targets Reckless and Aggressive Drivers: What You Need to Know

Maryland has passed significant updates to its traffic laws under the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act, enacted as Chapter 447 (Senate Bill 590). This legislation, effective October 1, 2025, increases penalties and refines the definitions of reckless, negligent, and aggressive driving. Here’s a breakdown of what the changes mean and how they may affect drivers throughout the state.

Why the Law Changed

Named in honor of Sergeant Patrick Kepp, who was seriously injured in a reckless driving incident, the law aims to deter dangerous driving behavior. It does so by elevating certain offenses, imposing stricter penalties, and clarifying the statutory definitions of aggressive and reckless driving.

Key Changes Under the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act

1. Increased Penalties for Reckless and Negligent Driving

Reckless Driving: Previously only subject to a fine, this now carries a potential penalty of up to 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Negligent Driving: The penalty increases to a fine of up to $750, signaling the state’s intent to treat all forms of dangerous driving more seriously.

2. New Basis for Reckless Driving: 30+ MPH Over the Limit

A major change is the classification of driving 30 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit as a form of reckless driving. This reclassification transforms what was previously a high-tier speeding ticket into a criminal traffic offense punishable by jail time, fines, and points on your license.

3. Updated Aggressive Driving Statute

The definition of aggressive driving has been streamlined. A person now commits aggressive driving by violating three or more of the following traffic laws in a single, continuous period of driving:

Section 21-202 - Disobeying traffic lights with steady indications
Section 21-303 - Improper overtaking and passing
Section 21-304 - Passing on the right
Section 21-309 - Failure to stay in a single lane (laned roadways)
Section 21-310 - Following too closely (tailgating)
Section 21-403 - Failure to yield the right-of-way
Section 21-801.1 - Speeding over the posted maximum speed limit

A conviction under this section carries a fine of up to $1,000, though it remains a non-jailable offense.

Impacts on Speeding and Traffic Defense Cases

These changes will have real effects on how cases are charged and defended in Maryland courts:

A speeding ticket over 30 MPH can now be elevated to reckless driving with criminal penalties.
Multiple minor violations in a single drive could now form the basis for an aggressive driving charge, even if none would normally result in criminal consequences on their own.
Increased fines and points mean more at stake for your license, insurance rates, and record.

These enhanced definitions make it even more important to consult a qualified Maryland traffic defense attorney if you’re charged with any moving violation.

Helpful Legal Resources

Explore these related pages for more information:

FAQs

Q: Is jail time possible for reckless driving in Maryland now?

A: Yes. The new law allows up to 60 days in jail for reckless driving, including for driving 30+ MPH over the speed limit.

Q: What is required to be charged with aggressive driving?

A: A driver must commit three or more of seven specific traffic violations during one continuous drive.

Q: Will these violations affect my insurance or driving record?

A: Yes. These offenses carry higher point assessments, which can lead to insurance increases and license suspensions depending on your history.

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