Maryland Implements Penalties For Exhibition Driving Effective June 1, “What Laws Are?”

Early in May, Maryland Governor Wes Moore is anticipated to sign the legislation into law.

CHEVERLY, Maryland — Beginning this summer, Maryland is anticipated to crack down on pop-up auto rallies by fining drivers who engage in “exhibition driving.”

Present-day Maryland law prohibits up to a year in jail for racing or speed contest participation, but not for stunt driving or loud driving.

In what authorities are referring to as a “street takeover,” more than 200 cars shut down the intersection of Landover Road and Kilmer Street in Cheverly at 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, according to Prince George’s County Police. According to police, the mob that proceeded to Beltsville was dispersed by officers.

A Prince George’s County Police official stated that while a car was seized and numerous tickets were issued, no one was taken into custody.

“We are going to put a stop to it because it’s dangerous, potentially fatal, and disruptive to our communities,” Delaware Representative Mary Lehman said to WUSA9.

The law that targets exhibition driving was proposed by the Maryland delegate who represents portions of Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties. According to her, throughout the epidemic, coordinated and widely publicized gatherings grew increasingly frequent and dangerous.

Related To – Ohio Drivers, Take Note: Yes, You Can Turn Left on Red!

According to Lehman’s bill, attending an automobile meetup can result in a $1,000 fine. In addition, drivers may receive eight points on their license and spend up to sixty days in jail. Serious injury results in an increase in points to 12 and a potential one-year jail sentence.

“Even if you have had a completely clean record, and you are cited, and you go to court, if you are convicted, you automatically get enough points to be in suspension range or expulsion range,” Lehman stated.

The legislation imitates the measures used by Ocean City to curb risky gatherings. During a House of Delegates inquiry, witnesses stated that in the seaside city in 2023, just one ticket was given out.

According to Lehman, the best deterrent is to make this offense a “must-appear offense.”

“You will go to court; you don’t get to prepay the fine anymore like you would for some other traffic violation,” she continued. “It is just as bad as receiving a DUI. You’ll go appear before a judge.

With Governor Wes Moore’s signature expected next week, the bill is scheduled to take effect on June 1.