Maybe not draconian, but certainly stringent. The new Maryland speeding law is coming. Any speeding offense 30 MPH or more over the speed limit will now be ticketed as reckless driving.
What’s the penalty for the new Maryland speeding law? Up to 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, or both. This new MD violation takes effect on October 1, 2025.
Before this new speeding law came into effect, 30 MPH over the limit carried 5 points on your driving record. The new law now increases it to 6 points.
Further, Maryland’s new driving law expands the definition of aggressive driving. The law now says aggressive driving means committing 3 or more specific traffic violations during a single, continuous trip.
The charges, that can be ticketed as aggressive driving, include:
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Following another vehicle too closely (tailgating)
- Failing to maintain a single lane
- Improperly overtaking or passing another vehicle
- Disobeying traffic signals
- Speeding
Lastly, There will be an increased penalty for negligent driving. Specifically, a higher fine. For a conviction of negligent driving, the maximum fine has now been set to $750.
What Are Legal Insiders Saying About this New Law?
I don’t have a crystal ball. But, courts are certainly warning people in advance of the law taking effect. The consensus seems to be – that a weekend away from home may be on the table for some people.