Authorities have reinforced traffic legislation in the United States, through which, starting October 1, 2025, Maryland’s Road Safety laws will be toughened against offenders. The new regulation is called the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Law, and includes changes such as 60-day jail sentences for negligent driving, as well as fines of $1,000. This new law brings with it more changes, such as re-defining what reckless driving is, which now includes exceeding the speed limit, not respecting traffic signals, and maneuvering between lanes.
The term aggressive driving has also been redefined, which now includes running a red light, improper passing, exceeding speed limits, reckless driving, or not respecting the safe distance from another vehicle. From now on, speeding will be treated as a criminal offense, so exceeding the speed limit by 30 miles per hour will be penalized with jail time and additional fines.
Negligent driving, which includes dangerous but less severe violations, will also increase the amount of fines up to $750. This new law aims to make drivers safer on the roads, to save lives, and to prevent accidents. Additionally, it also aims for irresponsible and reckless drivers not to go unpunished and to face the consequences of their actions.
Changes in traffic and road safety laws
The traffic law regulations in the United States will undergo a series of changes aimed at toughening penalties and consequences for those who violate road safety rules. The state of Maryland will see these changes take effect starting October 1, 2025, when the new Sergeant Patrick Kepp Law comes into force. This new measure intends to increase penalties for offenders who previously only faced a fine, without truly taking responsibility for the consequences of their reckless decisions behind the wheel.
Sergeant Patrick Kepp Law
Under the name of the seriously injured officer being honored, the Sergeant Patrick Kepp law has meant a makeover for some of the most common violations, significantly toughening the consequences. There are 4 main changes that drivers need to take into account:
Reckless driving
Until now, this type of sanction was resolved with a fine and nothing more. From now on, these sanctions can result in jail sentences of up to 60 days, in addition to the monetary fine, which can reach up to $1,000. What violations does reckless driving include?
- Driving at an excessive speed.
- Failing to obey traffic signals.
- Making dangerous maneuvers between lanes.
Aggressive driving
The state has predefined this term with what I believe has been good judgment. Starting in October, it will be considered that an aggressive driving offense is committed if at least 3 of the following offenses occur on the same route:
- Running a red lightImproper overtaking.
- Exceeding the speed limit.
- Driving recklessly, without respecting lanes.
- Tailgating another vehicle.
Is speeding considered a criminal offense?
From now on, yes. This is one of the most notable modifications to this new law. At the moment the new law goes into effect in October, exceeding the speed limit by 30 miles per hour or more will be considered a criminal offense. It will not just be a traffic violation, but the driver may face penalties such as jail time, in addition to fines.
Negligent driving
Negligent driving encompasses all those violations that are, of course, dangerous, but are considered less serious. This type of violations will result in fines of up to $750.
Will this changes work?
The intention of the authorities with this new law is to reinforce security on the roads, reducing accidents and saving lives as much as possible. It is aimed at ensuring that offenders do not get away with their reckless actions or only face laughable fines. That is why penalties are being toughened with prison sentences and an increase in the amount of fines to persuade offenders.
Have you heard about the Beam Law and how it works for repeat offenders of speeding?