Huge Changes to Maryland Traffic Violations
Effective October 1, 2025, The Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act goes into effect. This act significantly increases penalties for reckless, negligent, and aggressive driving. The main changes are listed below.
Maryland Reckless Driving Redefined
Driving 30 mph or more over the posted speed limit now classifies as reckless driving. The penalties for Reckless Driving in Maryland now include:
- Up to 60 days in jail, up to $1,000 fine, or both
- 6 points assessed on MVA record
Negligent Driving:
Negligent driving now carries fines up to $750 and 2 points on the driving record.
Aggressive Driving:
Now defined as committing three or more specified violations in a continuous driving episode. Some of these include:
- Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device or Leaving the Roadway to avoid a Traffic Control Device
- Improper overtaking or passing
- Passing on the right
- Failure to maintain lane
- Tailgating
- Failure to yield right-of-way
- Speeding over posted limit
- Following Too Closely
- Failure to Stop for a Pedestrian in Crosswalk
- Overtaking and Passing a School Vehicle
- Stop Sign and Yield Violations
- Skidding, Spinning Wheels, and Excessive Noise
- Avoiding Collision and Overtaking and Passing a Bicycle, EPAMD, or Motor Scooter
- Certain Motorcycle Violations
Why This Matters
This legislation marks a major escalation in Maryland’s approach to traffic enforcement:
- Excessive speeding (30+ mph over) is now treated as a “serious” traffic offense, rather than a “minor” or “payable” violation.
- Court appearances are mandatory for reckless driving charges—drivers can no longer pay the ticket to avoid a court appearance.
- Convictions could trigger license suspensions, higher insurance premiums, and long-term record implications.
At the Law Offices of David R. Waranch, LLC we have been handling these types of violations for decades all over the State of Maryland. Please be safe out there! Should you need assistance, please call us anytime at 301-563-9575 or fill out the contact form below.