Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers | June 24, 2026 | Reckless Driving

What Are the Criminal Penalties for Reckless Driving in Maryland?

Reckless driving in Maryland is not just a traffic ticket, but a criminal offense that can carry jail time. Many people expect it to be handled like a simple speeding ticket, but it carries much more serious consequences. Depending on the case, a reckless driving charge can result in a criminal record and license suspension or revocation

What Is Reckless Driving in Maryland?

Under Maryland Transportation Code § 21-901.1, reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle with a wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property. Reckless driving includes:

  • Excessive speeding; driving 30+ mph over the speed limit
  • Aggressive driving like tailgating, weaving, or unsafe lane changes
  • Street racing or attempting to race another vehicle
  • Failing to stop at red lights or stop signs, and putting other motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians at risk
  • Passing improperly, including in no-passing zones or on blind curves
  • Failure to yield when it creates a clear safety risk
  • Driving too fast for conditions (e.g., rain, fog, heavy traffic, school or construction zones)
  • Distracted or reckless conduct that endangers others (i.e., using the phone and driving recklessly)
  • Combined with drinking and driving

Can You Get Jail Time for Reckless Driving?

Unlike most speeding offenses, reckless driving in Maryland is a misdemeanor criminal offense that can carry jail time and other consequences. While jail time isn’t automatic, it’s a possible penalty, specifically in cases involving aggravating factors or a history of serious traffic offenses. A reckless driving conviction in Maryland can carry:

  • Up to 60 days in jail
  • Fines up to $1,000

What Are the Long-Term Consequences for Reckless Driving Charge?

A reckless driving conviction in Maryland can have lasting consequences beyond the immediate penalties, which can include:

  • Higher insurance premiums
  • Finding employment, especially for jobs that involve driving
  • Background checks showing a criminal misdemeanor
  • Driving privileges and points accumulation
  • Points on your driving record
  • Possible license suspension or revocation 

These consequences are serious, so it’s important to take the charge seriously. Contact an experienced reckless driving attorney at Alpert Schreyer, LLC 24/7 by calling us at (301) 720-1309 or filling out our online form. 

Negligent Driving vs. Reckless Driving in Maryland

While both offenses involve unsafe driving, reckless driving is a more serious charge. Negligent driving usually shows careless or inattentive conduct that creates a risk of harm, while reckless driving involves conduct that demonstrates a conscious disregard for roadway safety.

How Maryland Traffic Laws Define Violations and Penalties

Maryland has updated its roadway safety laws in recent years through legislation enacted in 2025, including Senate Bill 590, also known as the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act. The law expanded the circumstances that can qualify as reckless driving, and increased penalties for serious violations. In most cases, reckless driving is a misdemeanor traffic offense in Maryland that requires a court appearance rather than being resolved with a payable fine. A judge will review the facts of the case and consider the level of risk and surrounding circumstances when determining the appropriate penalties.

Contact Our Maryland Reckless Driving Lawyers 24/7 for a Free Consultation

Courts must establish that your conduct created a genuine risk of harm, so having an experienced criminal defense attorney at Alpert Schreyer, LLC will ensure your rights are protected and evidence is reviewed thoroughly. If you have been charged with reckless driving, contact our criminal defense attorneys in Maryland 24/7 by calling us at (301) 720-1309 or filling out our online form. During your consultation we will:

  • Conduct a comprehensive review of your arrest record.
  • Review your charges and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and any legal issues that may affect the evidence
  • Explain potential penalties, including fines, probation, jail or prison time, and collateral consequences
  • Go over potential defenses and legal arguments for your case
  • Assessment of the evidence, including police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and forensic evidence
  • Explain what the next steps are

We proudly serve Prince George’s County, Calvert County, Frederick County, St. Mary’s County, County, Charles County and the surrounding areas. We have offices in Waldorf, Rockville, Lanham, and Frederick.

FAQs

Reckless driving is classified as a misdemeanor traffic offense in Maryland which means it’s treated as a criminal charge rather than a traffic infraction.

In most cases, you have to appear in court for a reckless driving charge in Maryland.

No, negligent driving involves careless or inattentive behavior, while reckless driving is a willful or careless  disregard for safety, making it the more serious offense.

A reckless driving charge is a misdemeanor in Maryland that can carry serious penalties, including fines, jail time, and points on your record. An Alpert Schreyer, LLC attorney can challenge the evidence, protect your rights, and make sure you get the best outcome. Contact us 24/7 at (301) 720-1309 or fill out our online form.