If you drive in Maryland, there is a new law you need to know about. Effective October 1, 2025, the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act (Senate Bill 590) fundamentally changed how reckless driving is defined and punished in our state. What was previously treated as a serious traffic infraction can now result in criminal charges, up to 60 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, and six points on your license.
At The Cohen Law Firm, we have already seen clients come to us surprised — and frightened — to learn that a speeding stop turned into a criminal matter. This article explains exactly what changed, what the penalties are, and most importantly, what you should do if you have been charged.
⚠ Important: Effective October 1, 2025 — Driving 30 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit in Maryland is now automatically classified as reckless driving — a criminal offense, not a traffic citation.
Who Was Sergeant Patrick Kepp?
The law is named in honor of Sergeant Patrick Kepp, a Montgomery County Police Department sergeant who was struck by a motorist in 2023 while on duty. The driver, a 19-year-old, was traveling over 100 mph on I-270 when he hit Sergeant Kepp, who lost both of his legs as a result of the collision. The driver was ultimately found guilty of 13 charges. In response to this tragedy, the Maryland General Assembly acted swiftly to tighten the state's traffic laws, resulting in the passage of the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act.
What Changed Under the New Law?
1. Reckless Driving Now Includes Speeding 30+ MPH Over the Limit
Before October 1, 2025, reckless driving in Maryland was defined as operating a vehicle with a "willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property." That definition still applies — but now, driving 30 miles per hour or more over any posted speed limit automatically qualifies as reckless driving, regardless of other circumstances.
This means that if you are on a 55 mph highway and are clocked at 85 mph or above, you are no longer looking at a speeding ticket — you are facing a criminal charge.
2. The Definition of Aggressive Driving Was Revised
The law also changed the definition of aggressive driving. Previously, a driver could be charged with aggressive driving by committing two or more specified traffic violations simultaneously. Under the new law, the threshold has been raised to three or more violations in a single, continuous period of driving. The list of qualifying violations was also expanded and now includes:
- Disobeying traffic signals
- Speeding
- Tailgating (following too closely)
- Unsafe or improper passing
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Improper lane changes
- Failure to obey traffic control devices
What Are the Penalties?
The consequences under the new law are significant and should not be taken lightly. Here is a breakdown by offense:
| Offense | Jail Time | Maximum Fine | License Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reckless Driving (including 30+ mph over limit) | Up to 60 days | $1,000 | 6 points |
| Aggressive Driving (3+ violations) | Non-jailable | $1,000 | 5 points |
| Negligent Driving | Non-jailable | $750 | 2 points |
Beyond the court-imposed penalties, a reckless driving conviction can also result in:
- Significant increases in your auto insurance premiums
- Suspension or revocation of your driver's license
- Loss of a provisional or restricted license
- A permanent criminal record that can affect employment
- Professional licensing consequences for certain careers
What If I Just Received a Speeding Ticket?
This is one of the most important questions we hear. Many drivers receive a citation at a traffic stop and assume it is a routine speeding ticket — only to discover later that it was written as a reckless driving charge. If your citation references Maryland Transportation Article § 21-901.1 or mentions "reckless driving," you are facing a criminal matter, not a civil traffic infraction.
A reckless driving citation is a Must Appear citation — you cannot prepay it or pay it online. You are required to appear in court. This is because reckless driving is a criminal offense, not a payable traffic infraction. There is no option to simply mail in a fine and move on. You must appear before a judge, which is exactly why having an experienced attorney by your side is critical.
⚠ Reckless Driving Is a Must Appear Citation — Court Appearance Is Required — A reckless driving citation is a Must Appear citation — you cannot prepay it or pay it online. You are required to appear before a judge. A conviction carries 6 license points, up to a $1,000 fine, and potential jail time. Call us at 410-332-0414 before your court date.
Possible Defenses to Reckless Driving in Maryland
Being charged with reckless driving does not mean you will be convicted. There are a number of defenses that an experienced Maryland traffic attorney can explore on your behalf, including:
- Challenging the speed measurement — Radar and laser devices must be properly calibrated and operated. We can request calibration records and challenge the accuracy of the reading.
- Questioning officer observations — The officer's subjective interpretation of your driving behavior may be challenged, particularly in cases that do not involve a radar reading.
- Emergency circumstances — In limited situations, a genuine emergency that required driving at excessive speed may be relevant to the defense.
- Negotiating a reduced charge — In many cases, it may be possible to negotiate with the State's Attorney to reduce a reckless driving charge to a lesser traffic infraction, avoiding a criminal conviction entirely.
What Is Coming Next — The ISA Program
Maryland lawmakers are currently discussing additional measures beyond the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act. As of early 2026, the state legislature is considering an Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) pilot program that would require certain high-risk or repeat offenders to install in-vehicle technology that monitors — and in some cases limits — driving speed. While this program has not yet been enacted, it reflects the direction Maryland is heading when it comes to traffic enforcement.
Charged With Reckless Driving in Maryland? Call Us Today.
The Cohen Law Firm has represented clients in traffic and criminal matters throughout Maryland for over 30 years. We appear regularly in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, and courts across the state. If you or someone you know has been charged with reckless driving — or received a citation you are unsure about — please call us before taking any action.
Charged With Reckless Driving in Maryland?
Do not go to court without speaking to an attorney first. The Cohen Law Firm offers same-day consultations and evening and weekend availability. Call us now — we are here to help.
📞 Call 410-332-0414This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein reflects the law as of the date of publication and may not reflect subsequent legal developments. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this article. For advice specific to your situation, please contact The Cohen Law Firm directly at 410-332-0414.
Adam Sean Cohen, Esq.
Adam Sean Cohen is a Maryland attorney with over 30 years of experience in criminal defense, DUI and traffic law, family law, and personal injury. He is a Super Lawyers honoree and holds an AVVO rating of 10.0. He represents clients in courts throughout Maryland, including Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and surrounding counties. Learn more →