Maryland Injury Attorney Blog
We’ve all witnessed excessive speeding on our Baltimore, Maryland area highways, city streets, and rural backroads. Drivers in an awful hurry to get where they’re going, as well as thrill seekers, whiz by at high rates of speed, with no regard for the safety of other motorists, as well as pedestrians, around them.
Speeding is among the primary forms of aggressive, dangerous driving that can lead to motor vehicle accidents resulting in injury and death. Now, a new Maryland traffic law named for a gravely injured police officer will make certain speeding violations a criminal offense.
The Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act became effective October 1, 2025 — named after a Montgomery County, Maryland police officer who lost both his legs in 2023 after being struck by a repeat speeding offender.
The Montgomery County Police Department defines changes related to the Kepp Act as follows:
- Reckless Driving: Driving 30 mph or more over the speed limit now qualifies as reckless driving. Penalties include up to 60 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, and six points on a driver’s license.
- Negligent Driving: Penalties increased to a fine of up to $750 and two points, with additional consequences if a crash is involved.
- Aggressive Driving: Defined as three or more traffic violations in a single continuous period of driving, such as speeding, tailgating, unsafe passing, or failing to yield. Penalties include fines of up to $1,000 and license points.
The Montgomery County Police Department also notes that “these changes have now made traveling 30 mph or more above the posted speed limit an arrestable offense.”
Sgt. Kepp was deploying stop sticks in an attempt to stop a teenage driver, known to police for illegal street racing, who was clocked going 160 mph on Interstate 270. The driver slammed into Sgt. Kepp, nearly killing him. The Sergeant had both of his legs amputated and endured multiple surgeries as a result of his injuries. A jury found the driver guilty of 13 charges, including assault and leaving the scene of a crash. He was sentenced to 22 years behind bars.
Lawmakers hope adding teeth to Maryland’s existing speeding laws will help deter drivers from speeding — and prevent tragic motor vehicle accidents, like the one that cost Sgt. Kepp his legs.
Sources:
Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act Takes Effect October First
Montgomery County Department of Police – Press Release collected online April 13, 2026
Driver acquitted of most serious charges for running over officer on I-270
NBC 4 Washington April 12, 2025