New Maryland Law Targets Reckless Drivers
The State of Maryland recently made major changes to its traffic laws under the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act (SB 590). The new law, which is effective October 1, 2025, increases the penalties and expands the definitions of reckless, negligent, or aggressive driving. In this article, the Bel Air, MD, criminal defense lawyers at Schlaich & Thompson Chartered will discuss the new law and what you should know about it to keep your hands clean.
Why did the law change?
The new law was named in honor of Sergeant Patrick Kepp, who was seriously injured in a reckless driving accident. The law targets dangerous and aggressive drivers. It accomplishes this by elevating certain offenses, imposing stricter penalties, and expanding the statutory definitions of aggressive and reckless driving.
What key changes does the law make?
The new law will increase penalties for reckless and negligent driving.
- Reckless driving – Prior to the new law, the penalty for reckless driving included fines only. Now, it carries a potential penalty of up to 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- Negligent driving – The new law increases the fine to up to $750.
The new law provides a new basis for reckless driving. You can now be charged with reckless driving for driving 30 or more miles over the speed limit. Previously, you would only get a high-tier speeding ticket. Now, you face a criminal charge punishable by a jail sentence.
The state also operates under a new definition of aggressive driving. A person can now commit aggressive driving by violating three or more of the following traffic laws in a single, continuous period:
- Disobeying traffic lights with steady indications
- Improper overtaking or passing
- Passing on the right
- Failure to maintain a lane
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Speeding over the maximum speed limit
A conviction for aggressive driving carries a fine of up to $1,000. However, you cannot be sent to jail for this particular offense.
The impact of the new law
The new law will provide a real impact on how cases are charged and defended in the State of Maryland:
- A speeding ticket of over 30 mph can now be elevated to a criminal act (reckless driving), which is punishable by actual jail time.
- Multiple minor violations in a single drive can now result in an aggressive driving charge. This remains true even if none of the minor offenses would result in a criminal charge.
- Increased fines and points on your license mean that the stakes are considerably higher than they were before. Violations can mean higher insurance rates and a criminal record.
These expanded definitions make it much more important for you to contact a qualified Maryland criminal defense lawyer if you’ve been charged with a moving violation.
Talk to a Bel Air, MD Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
Schlaich & Thompson Chartered represents the interests of those charged with traffic offenses in the State of Maryland. Call our Bel Air criminal defense lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin preparing your defense immediately.
