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Maryland Law Update: Reckless Driving Is Now an Incarcerable Offense

  • Writer: Alexander Kavouras
    Alexander Kavouras
  • Jan 14
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jan 16

Police officer talks to a woman in a parked car. The officer holds a notebook, and the woman appears attentive. The car is dark-colored.

Understanding the Implications for Drivers

Starting on October 1, 2025, Maryland made a small but significant change in its traffic laws that will alter the State’s reputation as a speeder’s paradise. More precisely, the Maryland legislature amended its traffic laws to make reckless driving an incarcerable offense, carrying a maximum possible punishment of up to 60 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine, as well as six (6) points on a driver’s license.


Under the new law, a driver can be found guilty of reckless driving if the person drives a motor vehicle: (1) in disregard for the safety of persons or property; (2) in a manner that indicates disregard for the safety of persons or property; or (3) at a speed that is at least 30 miles per hour above the posted speed limit. See Maryland Code Annotated, Transportation Article § 21-901.1 (Reckless and Negligent Driving).


How the reckless driving law has changed in MarylandThis additional punishment for reckless driving marks a significant and wide-ranging departure from the previous version of the law, where a conviction was punishable by a $350 fine only, with the possibility of six (6) points being assessed on one’s driver’s license by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).


Negligent driving remains a non-incarcerable traffic violation, with the maximum possible penalty being a $750 fine, as well as three (3) points on a driver’s license administered by the Maryland MVA.


Judges throughout the State have uniformly praised the law as a necessary measure to regulate drivers who routinely drive at excessive speeds and under unsafe conditions. Law enforcement agencies are also likely to increase vigilance and enforcement efforts to ensure compliance with the updated statute.

If you have been charged with reckless or negligent driving, contact the Law Office of Mike Rothman for a consultation before appearing for your trial date.


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