Yes, you can now go to jail for reckless driving in Maryland. Starting October 1, 2025, a new law known as the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act will significantly increase the penalties for reckless driving, including the possibility of jail time.
What Is Reckless Driving in Maryland?
Reckless driving in Maryland is defined as operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Under the new law, driving 30 mph or more over the posted speed limit automatically qualifies as reckless driving.Yes — under Maryland’s newly passed Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act, you can now face jail time for reckless driving. This law marks a major shift in how traffic offenses are handled in the state, especially when excessive speeding is involved. Starting October 1, 2025, certain reckless driving behaviors will carry the potential for criminal penalties, including incarceration.
What Is Reckless Driving in Maryland?
Maryland law defines reckless driving as operating a motor vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Traditionally treated as a serious traffic offense, reckless driving could result in fines and points on your license—but not jail time.
That changes with the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act.
Under the new law, anyone driving 30 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit will automatically be considered guilty of reckless driving. That means if you’re driving 85 in a 55 mph zone, you’re not just speeding — you’re committing a jailable offense.
What Is the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act?
This law is named in honor of Sergeant Patrick Kepp, a Montgomery County police officer who was critically injured in 2023 after being struck by a reckless driver traveling over 100 mph. The collision resulted in the loss of both of Sgt. Kepp’s legs. The driver, who was reportedly trying to provoke a police chase, received relatively minor penalties under the laws in place at the time.
In response to this tragedy, Maryland legislators passed the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act to hold reckless drivers more accountable. The law was passed in 2024 and takes effect October 1, 2025.
Key Provisions of the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act
This law brings several important changes:
- Mandatory Court Appearance: Drivers charged with reckless driving under this law must appear in court. You can no longer simply prepay a fine to avoid legal proceedings.
- Jail Time: Reckless driving is now punishable by up to 60 days in jail.
- Fines: Courts may impose fines up to $1,000.
- License Points: A conviction carries 6 points on your driving record, which can lead to increased insurance rates and even license suspension.
- Expanded Definition: Driving 30 mph or more over the speed limit now qualifies as reckless driving, regardless of other circumstances.
Why This Law Matters
This law drastically raises the stakes for drivers in Maryland. What was once considered a serious but non-criminal traffic offense can now lead to jail time. A reckless driving conviction may:
- Appear on your permanent record
- Result in lost employment opportunities, especially for those who drive for a living
- Cause insurance premiums to skyrocket
- Lead to license suspension or revocation
- Impact custody or immigration proceedings in some cases
What Should You Do If Charged with Reckless Driving?
If you’re facing a reckless driving charge in Maryland, you need to take it seriously. A conviction can have long-lasting consequences. Don’t walk into court alone. An experienced criminal defense attorney can:
- Evaluate whether the stop and citation were legal
- Argue for dismissal or reduction of the charges
- Advocate for alternatives to jail, such as probation or traffic school
- Help protect your driving privileges
Get Help from a Trusted Criminal Defense Lawyer
At Southern Maryland Criminal Defense, we are committed to defending your rights and minimizing the consequences of criminal charges—including reckless driving.
If you’ve been charged under the new reckless driving law or are worried that your speeding ticket could now carry criminal penalties, don’t wait. Visit somdcriminaldefense.com to schedule a consultation today. We know the law, we know the courts, and we’re here to help.
Drive safe. Drive smart. And if you need help — we’re ready.
