$425 Penality + 60 days Jail – U.S. State introduced a New Rules for Reckless and Negligent Driving

Maryland has launched a new and tougher approach to tackling speeding and reckless driving, especially targeting “super speeders.” On October 1, 2023, the state replaced the old flat $40 speeding fine with a tiered penalty system. The faster you go over the speed limit, the higher the fine you will face—up to $425 for extreme speeds.

Law Enforcement – Sergeant Tom Riley, Maryland State Police,”The introduction of speed cameras and the higher penalties for extreme speeding will allow us to address dangerous driving more effectively. In my years on the force, I’ve seen firsthand how excessive speed contributes to severe accidents. This new approach helps us focus on the real threats on the road, making our highways safer for everyone.”

This change is designed to crack down on dangerous driving, with new rules in place for how speeding violations are handled. Here’s what drivers need to know about the new system and the penalties for reckless driving.

New Tiered Speeding Fines

Under the updated system, Maryland drivers will face graduated fines based on how much they exceed the speed limit. The fines are automatically issued through speed cameras, which capture a photo of the speeding vehicle along with its license plate. The penalty is then mailed to the registered vehicle owner.

Here’s a breakdown of the new speeding fines in Maryland:

Speed Over Limit	Fine Amount
1–15 mph	$40
16–19 mph	$70
20–29 mph	$120
30–39 mph	$230
40+ mph	$425

Previously, any speeding caught by a camera was a flat $40 fine, regardless of how much the driver exceeded the speed limit. Under the new law, fines increase significantly for faster speeds, with those driving more than 40 mph over the limit facing the highest penalty of $425.

How Speed Cameras Work?

The new law also emphasizes the use of speed cameras to automatically catch offenders. Here’s how it works:

• Speed cameras capture a picture of the vehicle along with the license plate number.
• The fine is sent to the vehicle’s registered owner, not necessarily the person who was driving at the time of the violation.

This means that even if someone else was driving your vehicle (such as a friend or family member), the registered owner is responsible for paying the fine unless they can prove otherwise.

Important: You might not know about the fine until it arrives in the mail. So, it’s important to check your mail regularly, especially if you’ve lent your car to someone else.

New Penalties for Reckless and Negligent Driving

In addition to the new tiered speeding fines, Maryland has also introduced stricter penalties for reckless and negligent driving. These offenses now carry more severe consequences:

Reckless Driving

If you’re caught driving 30 mph or more over the speed limit, you could face:

• Up to 60 days in jail
• A fine up to $1,000
• Six points added to your driver’s license

Negligent Driving

For negligent driving, which includes behaviors like failing to drive with due caution, the penalties include:

• Fines up to $750
• Two points on your license

This means that just speeding by 30 mph or more could now result in jail time, a hefty fine, and points on your license.

Insurance Expert – Jennifer Lee, Senior Analyst at SafeDrive Insurance,“As an insurer, we know that speed is a leading factor in both the frequency and severity of accidents. By increasing penalties for excessive speeding, Maryland is not only deterring dangerous drivers but also protecting the broader community from the financial and emotional toll of these accidents. It’s a win for both road safety and insurance premiums in the long run.”

What Drivers in Maryland Need to Know?

If you live in Maryland or plan to drive through the state, here are a few key things to remember:

• Watch your speed: Even going slightly over the speed limit could now result in a higher fine.
• Be careful about lending your car: If someone else gets caught speeding in your vehicle, you’re responsible for paying the fine unless you can prove you weren’t driving.
• Check your mail regularly: Tickets are sent to the registered vehicle owner, not the driver. So, you may not know you’ve been fined until the ticket arrives.

Speeding Fine Tiers in Maryland

Here’s a quick reference to the new speeding fine system:

Speed Over Limit	Fine Amount
1–15 mph	$40
16–19 mph	$70
20–29 mph	$120
30–39 mph	$230
40+ mph	$425

Maryland has introduced a tough new speeding law with tiered fines and stricter penalties for reckless and negligent driving. Drivers could face fines up to $425 and jail time if caught speeding excessively. This system is designed to send a clear message that speeding will not be tolerated, and that the faster you go, the more you’ll pay for breaking the law. Learn the new rules and how they affect you starting October 1, 2023.

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