Motor Vehicles - Reckless, Negligent, and Aggressive Driving (Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act)
Summary
SB590, the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act, revises Maryland’s motor vehicle laws governing reckless driving, negligent driving, and aggressive driving. The bill adds a new reckless driving trigger for operating a vehicle at least 30 miles per hour above the posted speed limit, lowers the number of qualifying offenses needed for an aggressive driving charge from three to two, and expands the list of traffic offenses that can be used to establish aggressive driving. It also updates the point system by assigning points for negligent driving and for speeding 30 miles per hour or more over the limit.
The bill increases penalties for certain dangerous driving conduct. Reckless driving remains a misdemeanor with potential jail time, but the bill clarifies and broadens the conduct that can qualify. Negligent driving is subject to a fine, and aggressive driving remains punishable by a fine of up to $1,000. The act takes effect October 1, 2025, and amends provisions in the Transportation Article related to driver points and traffic offenses.
Impact
SB590 amends Maryland Transportation Article sections 16-402, 21-901.1, and 21-901.2. It changes how points are assessed against drivers, adds a points penalty for negligent driving, and creates a points penalty for speeding 30 mph or more over the posted limit. It also broadens the statutory definitions of reckless and aggressive driving, which may increase the number of drivers subject to criminal charges, fines, and license-point consequences under Maryland law.
Sentiment
The available voting history shows strong, unanimous support in both chambers, with the Senate passing the bill 44-0 and the House passing it 135-0. No committee transcript excerpts were provided, but the recorded votes suggest broad bipartisan agreement that the bill addresses serious traffic safety concerns and strengthens penalties for dangerous driving behavior.
Contention
No specific opposition or controversy is reflected in the provided materials. The main policy choices in the bill are the lower threshold for aggressive driving, the new reckless-driving trigger based on extreme speeding, and the expanded list of predicate offenses. If there was any contention, it would likely have centered on whether the tougher penalties and broader definitions could sweep in more conduct than before, but the unanimous votes indicate little visible resistance in the legislative record provided.