How Does Maryland Differentiate Between Reckless, Negligent & Aggressive Driving?
Drivers who commit traffic offenses are the cause of many car and truck accidents across the State of Maryland. As a result of these accidents, many victims sustain physical injury or property damage. In the worst cases, traffic offenses and accidents can even result in death, depending on the circumstances.
Recognizing this reality, Maryland employs strict laws against certain types of dangerous driving behavior. More specifically, Maryland law prohibits all drivers from engaging in reckless, negligent, or aggressive driving. To understand exactly what that means, the following sections will examine the specific features of each offense under Maryland law.
What Qualifies as Reckless Driving in Maryland?
The definition of reckless driving appears under Maryland Code of Transportation Section 21-901.1. To qualify as reckless driving, a person must operate a motor vehicle:
- With willful or wanton disregard for the safety of other people or property; or
- In a manner that reasonably indicates a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of other people or property.
Under Maryland law, reckless driving is typically a misdemeanor offense. The punishment for this offense normally involves a maximum fine of $1,000.
What Qualifies as Negligent Driving in Maryland?
The definition of negligent driving also appears under Section 21-901.1. To qualify as negligent driving, a person must:
- Operate a motor vehicle in a careless or imprudent way; and
- Create a risk of injury to other people or property in the process.
Under Maryland law, negligent driving is typically a misdemeanor offense. The punishment for this offense normally involves a maximum fine of $500.
What Qualifies as Aggressive Driving in Maryland?
The definition of aggressive driving appears under Maryland Code of Transportation Section 21-901.1. To qualify as aggressive driving, a person must commit three or more of the following traffic offenses at the same time:
- Failure to obey certain traffic lights (Maryland Code of Transportation Section 21-202);
- Improper passing or overtaking of other vehicles (Maryland Code of Transportation Section 21-303);
- Passing other vehicles on right-hand side (Maryland Code of Transportation Section 21-304);
- Neglecting to obey regulations for certain roadways (Maryland Code of Transportation Section 21-309);
- Disregarding the rules for proper distance between vehicles (Maryland Code of Transportation Section 21-310);
- Failure to yield the right-of-way (Maryland Code of Transportation Section 21-403); or
- Speeding in excess of posted limits (Maryland Code of Transportation Section 21-801.1).
Under Maryland law, aggressive driving is typically a traffic offense. The punishment for this offense normally involves a maximum fine of $500.
Do You Need Legal Help?
If you have legal questions about reckless, negligent, or aggressive driving in Maryland, it can be demonstratively useful to reach out to an accomplished Baltimore criminal attorney. The attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP have the necessary qualifications to help defend against many types of criminal charges, including reckless, negligent, and aggressive driving. If you need legal help, contact us today for a free initial consultation.
