Maryland Aggressive Driving Laws

The Washington D.C. metro area has been ranked the nation's worst for traffic congestion according to the Texas Transportation Institute's "Urban Mobility Report" which tracks time and fuel commuters lose in traffic delays. The study states the average Washington D.C. commuter spends 67 hours a year sitting in traffic. That is the equivalent of approximately two full work weeks spent behind the wheel each year.

The number of commuters during rush hour and peak times creates significant delays for drivers in the region. For example, when heading from Richmond, Virginia to Virginia Beach, drivers are expected to experience at least 1 hour and 20 minutes of delay due to traffic during peak times. When heading to Ocean City, MD, drivers are expected to experience at least 2 hours and 40 minutes of delay during peak times.

Washington D.C. metro area drivers are used to feeling frustration, impatience, and anger when stuck in traffic congestion. Oftentimes, these feelings of irritability can lead to pushy behavior in a vehicle and aggressive driving. According to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, aggressive driving occurs when an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses that endanger other people or property. Behaviors include a variety of dangerous driving maneuvers such as speeding, tailgating, running a red light and stop signs, improper passing, and weaving.

Maryland motorists face a penalty of $355 for aggressive driving when they commit at least three of these traffic offenses in close proximity: speeding, disregarding a traffic sign or light, passing another vehicle unsafely, passing another vehicle on the right, driving improperly on a laned road, following another vehicle too closely, and failing to yield the right of way.

Defending against a charge of aggressive driving will often involve creating a defense against the underlying charges. The experienced attorneys at Portner & Shure have represented numerous clients facing aggressive driving charges. They have successfully convinced the court that the state has failed to meet the burden of proof as the police officer has not presented sufficient evidence. If you are facing an aggressive driving charge, you should consult an attorney who is experienced in dealing with traffic violations to help you prevent paying high fines and potential increases in your insurance premium.