Maryland’s new reckless driving statute has gone into effect, and if a person is convicted of reckless driving, that person faces a potential jail term of sixty days and/or a fine of up to $1,000. See Md. Transportation Code, § 21-901.1. A person convicted of reckless driving will also now have 6 points assessed against their driving record (instead of 5) for purposes of having their license potentially suspended or revoked. See here.

The big change is that “reckless driving” is now defined as speeding 30 miles an hour over the posted speed limit, AND reckless driving now carries a potential jail term. Prior to the new statute, reckless driving only entailed the possibility of a hefty civil fine.

If you have been arrested and charged with a crime here in Maryland, you want top-tier criminal legal defense. It is your best chance of avoiding jail time, fines, and other serious life consequences that result from a conviction or plea of guilty. Contact us here at the Law Office of Robert Castro. Use our contact page or call us at (301) 870-1200. We are available around the clock, 24/7. We have offices in Waldorf, Maryland. Below is more information about the new reckless driving statute.

According to the statute, “reckless driving” is now defined as one of the following:

• Driving in a wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property
• Driving in a manner that indicates a wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property OR
• Driving at a speed of at least 30 miles per hour above the posted speed limit

The new law is problematic for Maryland drivers because the statute now has a very precise definition of “reckless driving.” As can be seen, prior to the amendment, “reckless driving” was pretty nebulous and left a good deal of room for argument in front of the jury. Juries find it difficult to figure out what “wanton and willful” means. However, “30 miles over the speed limit” is pretty easy to understand. It is likely that more motorists will be convicted under the new definition.

The new law, called the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act, went into effect at the beginning of October 2025. The law was named after Mr. Kepp, a police officer from Montgomery County, who was injured by a repeat offender driver who was driving faster than 30 miles over the speed limit. The officer lost both of his legs as a result of being hit. See the report here.

It is important to work with experienced Maryland criminal defense attorneys to obtain an acquittal if the matter goes to trial or plead down the charges to something that does not have a jail sentence attached. Aggressive or negligent driving might be possible options. Both mean large fines are potentially imposed (and significant impacts on insurance and your driving record), but neither risks any time in jail. In our experience, prosecutors are willing to “work with” a person arrested, particularly if the arrest is a first-time arrest and there are no aggravating factors (like a crash involving death or serious bodily injuries) or other more serious charges.

Contact Waldorf, Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer Robert Castro Today

This article has been provided by the Law Office of Robert Castro. For more information or questions, contact our office to speak to an experienced Maryland criminal defense lawyer at (301) 870-1200. We are Waldorf, MD, Criminal Defense lawyers. Our address is 11701 Central Avenue, Suite 200, Waldorf, MD 20601.