Maryland’s New Reckless Driving Law: What 30 MPH Over the Speed Limit Means for Drivers
Maryland has changed the way serious speeding can be charged. Under the current reckless-driving statute, driving a motor vehicle at least 30 miles per hour above the posted speed limit is expressly included within Maryland’s definition of reckless driving.
For drivers who receive a high-speed citation, that distinction matters. What may appear at first to be a speeding ticket can involve a reckless-driving charge, six points and substantially more serious potential penalties.
What Changed in Maryland’s Reckless Driving Law?
Maryland’s General Assembly passed House Bill 744, known as the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act, during the 2025 legislative session. The law took effect October 1, 2025.
Maryland’s reckless-driving statute already prohibited driving in wanton or willful disregard for the safety of people or property. The law now includes another specific basis for reckless driving: driving at least 30 MPH above the posted speed limit.
Conduct-Based Reckless Driving
Maryland law addresses driving showing a wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property.
30+ MPH Is Expressly Included
The statute now also provides a specific speed-based basis: driving at least 30 MPH above the posted speed limit.
What Does “30 MPH Over” Look Like?
The threshold is measured against the posted speed limit. That means the same 30-MPH difference can occur on roads with very different posted limits.
A citation alleging a speed above any of those examples would also exceed the 30-MPH threshold. The precise charge written on the citation and the circumstances surrounding the traffic stop should still be reviewed carefully.
What Are the Penalties for Reckless Driving in Maryland?
Under Maryland Transportation §21-901.1, a person convicted of reckless driving is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 60 days, a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both.
Maryland’s current points statute also lists reckless driving as a 6-point violation. It separately lists speeding 30 miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit as a 6-point violation.
Six Points
Maryland’s point-assessment statute lists reckless driving as a six-point violation.
Up to 60 Days
The reckless-driving statute provides for potential imprisonment not exceeding 60 days.
Up to $1,000
The statute provides for a potential fine not exceeding $1,000.
Have the Citation Reviewed Before Your Court Date
Provide the listed speed, posted limit, Maryland county, court information and a clear copy of the citation.
What Should Be Reviewed in a 30+ MPH Reckless Driving Case?
A serious-speed case should be reviewed in context. The number written in the speed box is important, but it is not the only information that may matter.
Exact Charge
Review every offense actually listed on the citation.
Posted Speed Limit
Confirm the posted limit at the location of the stop.
Alleged Speed
Compare the officer’s alleged speed with the posted limit.
Driving Record
Prior traffic history and existing points may be relevant.
Maryland County
Identify the jurisdiction and court location handling the case.
License Type
CDL holders should identify their commercial-license status immediately.
Why the New Law Is Especially Important for CDL Drivers
Commercial drivers may have more at stake when facing a serious traffic citation. In addition to the immediate Maryland charge, a CDL holder may need to consider professional driving privileges and employer requirements.
If you hold a CDL, identify that fact at the beginning of a traffic case review — even if the citation occurred while you were operating a personal vehicle.
Additional case categories are available on the Maryland Traffic Ticket Practice Areas page.
Does the 30+ MPH Reckless Driving Law Apply Throughout Maryland?
Yes. Transportation §21-901.1 is a Maryland state law. The 30-MPH threshold is not limited to Baltimore or any one county.
The location of the traffic stop still matters because the citation identifies the jurisdiction and court handling the case.
High-Speed Traffic Defense Across Key Maryland Counties
Marylands Ticket Fighter focuses on Maryland speeding, reckless-driving and other serious traffic matters throughout targeted jurisdictions.
What Should You Do After Receiving a 30+ MPH Maryland Speeding or Reckless Driving Citation?
Start by keeping the citation and reviewing exactly what was charged. Note the alleged speed, posted speed limit, court location and any scheduled hearing information.
Do not assume that the consequences of a high-speed citation are the same as an ordinary speeding ticket. Maryland’s 30-MPH provision makes the exact alleged speed particularly important.
Helpful information for a case review includes:
- A clear photograph or copy of the citation.
- The speed alleged by the officer.
- The posted speed limit.
- Every offense listed on the ticket.
- The Maryland county where the stop occurred.
- The court location and scheduled date, if available.
- Whether you hold a CDL.
- Relevant information about your driving record.
If you would like Marylands Ticket Fighter to review the traffic matter, submit those details through the case review form .
Questions About Maryland’s New 30+ MPH Reckless Driving Law
When did Maryland’s new reckless-driving law take effect?
The Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act took effect October 1, 2025.
Is 30 MPH over the speed limit reckless driving in Maryland?
Maryland Transportation §21-901.1 expressly includes driving at least 30 miles per hour above the posted speed limit within the statutory definition of reckless driving.
What is the maximum penalty for reckless driving in Maryland?
Under the current statute, a reckless-driving conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 60 days, a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both.
How many points does reckless driving carry in Maryland?
Maryland’s current points statute lists reckless driving as a six-point violation. It also separately lists speeding 30 MPH or more above the posted speed limit as a six-point violation.
Does the 30+ MPH law apply throughout Maryland?
Yes. Transportation §21-901.1 is a Maryland state law and applies statewide.
Does being charged with reckless driving mean I am already convicted?
No. A citation or charge is an allegation, not a conviction. The final disposition depends on the court proceedings and circumstances of the case.
What information should I provide for a reckless-driving case review?
Helpful information includes a copy of the citation, alleged speed, posted speed limit, Maryland county, court location, scheduled court date, license type and relevant driving-record information.
Sources for This Maryland Law Update
Maryland Transportation §21-901.1 — Reckless and Negligent Driving: Maryland General Assembly
Maryland Transportation §16-402 — Driver Point Assessments: Maryland General Assembly
Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act — HB 744 / Chapter 446: Maryland General Assembly
Were You Ticketed for 30 MPH or More Over the Speed Limit in Maryland?
Contact Marylands Ticket Fighter and provide the citation, alleged speed, posted limit, Maryland county and court information.