Negligent Driving Laws in Maryland

Negligent Driving:
Maryland has another offense called “negligent driving.” Negligent driving—which is a “lesser included offense” of reckless driving—is defined as driving a vehicle “in a careless or imprudent manner that endangers any property or the life or person of any individual.” (Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-901(b) (2017).)

The difference between reckless and negligent driving is a matter of degree, and the dividing line isn’t always clear. Basically, reckless driving involves the operation of a vehicle that’s obviously dangerous, whereas more subtle instances of bad driving might be in the negligent driving category.
The penalties for negligent driving are less severe than those for reckless driving. Like reckless driving, negligent driving is a misdemeanor. But the schedule fine for negligent driving is only $140, and the maximum fine a judge can impose in court is $500. A negligent driving conviction puts three points on the driver’s record. (Md. Code Ann., Transp. §§ 16-402, 16-404, 27-101 (2017).)