Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act: Jail Time for Speeding in Maryland

Maryland has passed a new law under Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act, effective October 01, 2025, which targets reckless, negligent, and aggressive drivers who could be found incarcerable if exceeding the speed limit by 30 mph.

Back of police office checking car speed on road.

Current and New Law – Reckless, Negligent, and Aggressive Driving:

Reckless Driving – Current. An individual convicted of a reckless driving offense was only subject to a fine of up to $1,000 and MVA assessing six points against a violator’s driver’s license.

Reckless Driving – New. Reckless driving will be a must-appear offense, punishable by imprisonment for up to 60 days and/or a maximum fine of $1,000. MVA will assess six points against the driver’s license for speeding 30 mph or more above the speed limit, in addition to assessing six points against their license for reckless driving.

Negligent Driving – Current. An individual in violation of negligent driving is subject to a fine of up to $500 and MVA assessing one point against an individual’s driver’s license, or three points if the offense contributes to an accident.

Negligent Driving – New. The maximum fine under the new bill increased and will be up to $750 and MVA will assess two points on a driver’s license for a negligent driving offense, or three points if the offense contributes to an accident.

Aggressive Driving – Current. The maximum statutory penalty is a $500 fine, and MVA assesses five points against a violator’s driver’s license. Aggressive driving is also commissioned to the following traffic offenses: (1) failure to obey traffic lights with steady indication; (2) overtaking and passing vehicles; (3) passing on the right; (4) driving on landed roadways; (5) following too closely; (6) failure to yield the right-of-way; or (7) exceeding a maximum speed limit or posted maximum speed limit.

Aggressive Driving – New. Under the new bill, aggressive driving fine increased to $1,000. And expanded the list of traffic offenses, which includes the following violations of the Transportation Article:

o   § 21-201 – Disobeying or evading traffic control devices.

o   § 21-305 – Improper overtaking and passing of vehicle.

o   § 21-307 – Driving in no-passing zone on left side.

o   § 21-502(a)(2) – Failure to stop for pedestrians in crosswalk.

o   § 21-502(c) – Overtaking and passing stopped vehicle for pedestrians in crosswalk.

o   § 21-706 – Overtaking and passing stopped school buses with flashing red lights.

o   § 21-707 – Failure to stop at stop signs.

o   § 21-1117 – Prohibited from skidding, spinning wheels, and making excessive noises.

o   § 21-1131 – Discharging diesel emissions.

o   § 21-1209(a) – Improper passing or failure to avoid collision with bicycle, mobility device or scooter.

o   § 21-1303(c) – Motorcycle overtaking and passing another vehicle in the same lane.

o   § 21-1303(d) – Motorcycle operating between lanes.

These penalties reflect Maryland’s current approach to addressing excessive speeding violations and represent the legal consequences drivers may face when exceeding posted speed limits by 30 mph or more. Understanding these established consequences allows drivers to make informed decisions about their driving behavior and helps them anticipate the potential legal and financial implications of excessive speeding violations under Maryland law.

Reach out to Williams, McClernan, & Stack LLC as the first step to resolving your traffic related offenses with confidence.