AGGRESSIVE DRIVING LAWYER IN BALTIMORE

Baltimore, Maryland, has one of the longest commutes in the nation. According to the 2017 American Community Survey, Baltimore ranked 7th among major U.S. metropolitan areas with the longest average travel times to and from work. Understandably, many drivers may witness or engage in acts of aggressive driving out of frustration; yet, driving aggressively tends to provoke harm to the frustrated driver and others around him rather than help the driver get ahead on his journey.

In Maryland, aggressive driving is a traffic violation that may result in penalties upon a conviction. Although it is not a criminal offense, it can tarnish your driving record and incur points against your license. Over time, these points can accumulate, putting your driving privilege at risk. If you’ve been cited for aggressive driving in Baltimore and surrounding areas, it’s best to discuss the citation with a lawyer who resolves these cases.

DEFINING AGGRESSIVE DRIVING IN MARYLAND

No single driving behavior can stand as aggressive driving on its own. Aggressive driving is a traffic offense in which an individual commits a “combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property.” In Maryland, an individual who commits three (3) or more specific driving offenses at the same time or during a single and continuous period of driving may be charged with aggressive driving.

Aggressive driving is less severe than reckless driving; as such, it is not a criminal offense. Specific offenses that may lead to an aggressive driving charge include:

• Failure to yield
• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Passing drivers in the right lane
• Running red lights and/or stop signs
• Passing drivers on a shoulder
• Driving in the emergency lane
• Weaving in and out of traffic lanes
• Unsafe lane changes

Drivers charged with aggressive driving may face fines in the hundreds of dollars and five (5) points against their license.

MARYLAND AGGRESSIVE DRIVING LAW

Maryland is one of a few states in which traffic laws specifically address aggressive driving. Aggressive driving charges depend on whether the law enforcement officer issuing the citation noticed three (3) or more of the violations listed above. Only then may an officer charge a driver with aggressive driving.

If you face a charge of aggressive driving, your Baltimore aggressive driving lawyer can challenge the officer’s observations in your case when defending you in court.

HOW AGGRESSIVE DRIVING DIFFERS FROM RECKLESS DRIVING

While aggressive driving is a serious traffic violation, the penalties do not include incarceration or the loss of your Maryland driver’s license. Aggressive driving differs from reckless driving in that reckless driving is the deliberate operation of a motor vehicle with disregard for the safety of persons or property; an aggressive driver does not intentionally drive with such disregard for the safety of others.

A reckless driving conviction is a misdemeanor offense that goes on a criminal record. Reckless driving incurs six (6) points against a Maryland driver’s license and up to $500 in fines. A person whose reckless driving results in property damage, serious injury, or a fatality may face jail time and a license suspension.

COMBAT AGGRESSIVE DRIVING CHARGES WITH A BALTIMORE TRAFFIC LAWYER

Attorney Hillel Traub of The Law Office of Hillel Traub is a Baltimore aggressive driving lawyer who handles all kinds of traffic offenses in Baltimore and surrounding areas. Mr. Traub has served as an Assistant Attorney General for the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. He has over 20 years of experience putting his experience with the MVA to use defending drivers throughout the state.

Contact Hillel Traub by calling (410) 580-1100 or complete this contact form for a free consultation.

Call Now – (410) 580-1100