Maryland’s New Reckless Driving Law: 30+ MPH Over the Limit Now a Criminal Offense

As of October 1, 2025, Maryland has significantly increased the stakes for drivers who excessively speed. Under a new law known as the Ser

geant Patrick Kepp Act, driving 30 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit is now automatically considered reckless driving—a major shift from prior law.

This change transforms what was once treated as a serious traffic violation into a criminal offense with potentially life-altering consequences.

What Changed Under the New Law?

Previously, speeding—even at very high speeds—was typically charged as a traffic infraction unless additional dangerous behavior could be proven. That is no longer the case.

Now, Maryland law creates a bright-line rule:

30+ mph over the speed limit = reckless driving

No additional proof of dangerous intent required

This gives police and prosecutors a clear standard and makes it much easier to charge drivers criminally for extreme speeding.

Penalties for Driving 30+ MPH Over the Limit

If you are charged under this new law, you are no longer dealing with a simple ticket. You are facing a misdemeanor criminal offense.

Potential consequences include:

Up to 60 days in jail

Fines up to $1,000

6 points on your driving record

Mandatory court appearance

Possible license suspension and increased insurance rates

Unlike standard speeding citations, you cannot simply pay the fine and move on—you must appear in court.

Why Maryland Passed This Law

The law was enacted in response to growing concerns about high-speed crashes and was named after Sergeant Patrick Kepp, a Maryland police officer who was seriously injured by a speeding driver in 2023.

Lawmakers aimed to:

Deter extreme speeding

Reduce fatal and serious crashes

Hold high-risk drivers accountable

In short, Maryland is taking a much tougher stance on dangerous driving behavior.

How This Impacts Drivers

This law has immediate and serious implications:

1. High-Speed Driving Is Now Criminal

Going 90 in a 60—or even 65 in a 35—can now result in a criminal record, not just a ticket.

2. Increased Risk of Arrest

Because reckless driving is a criminal offense, it is now an arrestable charge in many situations.

3. Court Is Mandatory

You will need to appear before a judge, and your case may involve prosecutors—similar to other misdemeanor charges.

4. Insurance and Licensing Consequences

Points, potential suspension, and long-term insurance increases can follow a conviction.

Defending a 30+ MPH Reckless Driving Charge

Even under this stricter law, defenses still exist. Common strategies may include:

Challenging the accuracy of speed measurement (radar/lidar calibration)

Questioning officer observations or procedure

Presenting mitigating circumstances

Negotiating for a reduction to a lesser offense

Because the charge is now criminal, having experienced legal representation is more important than ever.