Is a Reckless Driving Charge Based on How Fast You Were Going?

 Posted on September 17, 2026 in English

Reckless driving is a more serious offense than just getting pulled over. You can get pulled over for something simple, like accidentally running a stop sign at a slow speed. This is considered "careless" driving and is not automatically reckless. Reckless driving means that you were acting in a way that showed no concern for other people’s safety.

Extreme speeding can qualify as reckless driving. However, speeding isn’t the only violation that can be charged as reckless in 2026. An Anne Arundel County, MD reckless driving lawyer can explain what other actions can qualify.

What Counts as Reckless Driving in Maryland?

Under Maryland Code, Transportation Section 21-901.1, reckless driving means driving in a way that shows a "wanton or willful disregard" for the safety of people or property. "Willful or wanton" means that the actions were intentional or that the driver clearly didn’t care about other people’s safety.

There are many things that can contribute to reckless driving besides the speed of the car. Some include:

• Weaving through traffic

• Speeding through a school zone or residential area

• Ignoring traffic signals or stop signs

• Severe tailgating

• Evading police

• Driving the wrong way down a road

• Driving too fast for the weather conditions

• Passing in no-passing zones

• Racing another vehicle

Sometimes, it’s a combination of actions that makes someone’s driving reckless. Speeding alone is bad, but not always considered reckless. If you are also ignoring traffic signals while you speed, you can be charged with reckless driving.

There is one speeding offense that is automatically considered reckless driving. Since last year, driving at least 30 miles per hour over the posted limit counts as reckless driving on its own.

Is Reckless Driving a Criminal Charge in Maryland?

Reckless driving is a criminal charge in Maryland. A conviction can lead to up to 60 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Unlike a normal speeding ticket, a reckless driving conviction adds six points to your license. This may affect your driving record for years, and it makes penalties worse if you get another ticket later.

What Should I Do if I’m Charged With Reckless Driving in Maryland?

When you get pulled over, say as little as possible to the officer. You can say, "I want to speak to my lawyer before I answer." If you say something to the officer that makes it sound like you’re admitting to doing something wrong, they can use it to make a case that you knew you were breaking the law. This is true even if you weren’t actually doing something wrong.

If you were driving less than 30 mph over the speed limit, the officer still has to show that you were driving in a way that showed no concern for safety. Talk to a lawyer about what happened and why you were driving the way you were. They can help you know what to say to the authorities.

Keep any evidence that supports the story that you weren’t driving recklessly. Write down what you remember about the incident. Keep Dashcam footage, weather reports, or witness statements that support that you were driving safely.

Can a Reckless Driving Conviction Affect My Insurance in Maryland?

Reckless driving can affect your insurance. Insurance companies often treat a reckless driving conviction as a red flag. Rate increases after a conviction are common. The exact effect on your policy depends on your insurer and driving history.

Can a Reckless Driving Charge Lead to Losing My Maryland License?

Reckless driving can make it more likely that you lose your license. Whether you do depends on your record and the specifics of the stop. Points from a reckless driving conviction can add up faster than points from a typical ticket, and enough points can trigger a suspension hearing with the Motor Vehicle Administration. A prior driving record with other violations can make this outcome more likely.

Call a Frederick County, MD Reckless Driving Lawyer Today

A reckless driving charge is more serious than an average traffic stop, but a lawyer can help you do the right things afterward.

Our Anne Arundel County, MD criminal defense attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are criminal defense attorneys who won’t push you into a plea deal just to close your case. Attorney Mallon Snyder has more than 45 years of legal experience and strong relationships with judges.

Call Law Offices of Mallon Snyder at 301-762-7500 for a free consultation. Se habla español.