Reckless Driving Defense in Maryland
In Maryland, reckless driving can be charged if you drive with wanton or willful disregard for safety, in a manner indicating that disregard, or at a speed 30 mph or more over the posted limit. A reckless conviction can bring up to 60 days in jail and a fine up to 1,000 dollars, along with 6 points. Negligent driving is a separate offense with a maximum 750 dollar fine and 2 points. Aggressive driving is now two or more specified violations during one continuous drive and is punishable by a fine up to 1,000 dollars.
Reckless driving is a criminal traffic charge with real consequences for your record, license, and insurance. Our goal is to keep you out of jail, protect your privileges, and resolve the case with the best possible outcome.
What counts as reckless driving
Transportation Article section 21-901.1 states that a person is guilty of reckless driving if they drive a motor vehicle:
- With wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property, or
- In a manner that indicates a wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property, or
- At a speed that is at least 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit
Penalties and points
- Reckless driving: up to 60 days in jail and a fine up to 1,000 dollars, plus 6 points when based on 30 miles per hour over.
- Negligent driving: fine up to 750 dollars and 2 points. See Transportation Article section 21-901.1 and Transportation Article section 16-402.
Six points can trigger Motor Vehicle Administration consequences. Insurance increases and employment issues can follow. Where appropriate we seek dismissal, a reduction to negligent driving, or Probation Before Judgment to avoid points. Learn more about PBJ in Maryland.
Aggressive driving after the 2025 change
Transportation Article section 21-901.2 now defines aggressive driving as committing two or more of the following during a single, continuous drive:
- Failure to obey a traffic control device or leaving the roadway to avoid a traffic control device under section 21-201
- Traffic lights with a steady indication under section 21-202
- Overtaking and passing vehicles under section 21-303
- Passing on the right under section 21-304
- Driving left of center in overtaking and passing under section 21-305
- Driving on the left in a no passing zone under section 21-307
- Driving on laned roadways under section 21-309
- Following too closely under section 21-310
- Failure to yield the right of way under section 21-403
- Crosswalk duties under sections 21-502 a 2 and 21-502 c
- Overtaking and passing a stopped school vehicle with red lights under section 21-706
- Stop signs and yield signs under section 21-707
- Exceeding a maximum or posted maximum speed limit under section 21-801.1
- Skidding, spinning wheels, and excessive noise under section 21-1117
- Discharging diesel emissions onto another under section 21-1131
- Avoiding collision and bicycle or EPAMD or motor scooter passing duties under section 21-1209 a
- Motorcycle passing in the same lane and lane splitting under section 21-1303 c and section 21-1303 d
Penalty: fine up to 1,000 dollars. This offense is non jailable.
How we defend reckless driving
- The stop and observations. We challenge the legal basis for the stop and whether the observations meet the reckless standard.
- Speed evidence. We attack radar, lidar, or pacing through calibration records, training, distance, and sight lines. If 30 plus is not proven, the reckless count is weakened.
- Video and witnesses. Body camera and dash camera often undercut claims of wanton or willful disregard.
- Reduction strategy. We negotiate toward negligent driving where facts or proof do not meet the reckless elements.
- Disposition planning. Documented remediation supports PBJ.
- Collateral issues. We coordinate with MVA hearings strategy when points may trigger action.
Read more on the 2025 changes here: New Maryland Law Targets Reckless and Aggressive Drivers. For speed focused stops see Speeding Ticket Lawyer. If alcohol is alleged, start at our Maryland DUI Defense hub and our guide to Field Sobriety Testing. Explore broader strategy within Traffic Defense.
Where we appear
We regularly defend cases in Anne Arundel, Howard, Prince George's, Calvert, Baltimore City, and Baltimore County courts. For venue context, visit:
Meet your Maryland traffic defense team
Meet Your Maryland Traffic Defense Team
Max Frizalone
Max brings an aggressive and strategic approach to traffic defense cases across Maryland.
- Former Assistant State's Attorney in Prince George's County and public defender in multiple counties
- Has represented thousands of clients in speeding, reckless driving, and MVA hearings
- Known for securing dismissals and reduced charges in even the most serious traffic cases
Luke Woods
Luke is a veteran traffic and criminal defense attorney with a courtroom reputation that spans over two decades.
- Former JAG officer and District Public Defender in Calvert County
- Has tried hundreds of contested traffic trials across Maryland
- Focused on protecting clients' driving records, licenses, and livelihoods
At FrizWoods, we've handled thousands of traffic defense cases across Maryland-from minor citations to serious criminal traffic charges. We don't just show up in court-we come prepared to win.
FAQs
Does reckless driving carry jail time
Yes. As of October 1, 2025, reckless driving can bring up to 60 days in jail and a fine up to 1,000 dollars.
Is 30 miles per hour over automatically reckless
It is an express basis to charge reckless driving. The State still must prove the speed with admissible evidence.
How many violations make aggressive driving
Two or more qualifying violations during a continuous drive. The offense is non jailable and carries a fine up to 1,000 dollars.
How many points are at stake
Negligent is 2 points. Speeding 30 or more over is 6 points. Reckless carries 6 points when based on 30 or more over. The Motor Vehicle Administration can take action at point thresholds.
Speak with an experienced traffic attorney
You do not need to navigate this alone. Get a tailored plan for your facts and your venue. Contact our team through the Traffic Defense hub, or go directly to Maryland DUI Defense and Speeding Ticket Lawyer for targeted resources.