Beginning Saturday, drivers participating in street racing and exhibition driving face more serious penalties.
Under a new Maryland law, these drivers will now face mandatory court appearances, up to one year in prison and a doubling of fines to $1,000. They also will have increased points assessed if they are convicted and possibly have their license suspended or revoked.
In February, Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones told members of the county council’s public safety committee that many street rallies never take place, because police received information and worked together with neighboring forces to have a large presence at the site before the rally even starts.
However, he noted, street rallies still take place in the county.
Stephanie Helsing, President and CEO of the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce, stated in a news release, “The Chamber heard from property owners, businesses themselves and residents who have been caught up in these terrifying rallies and exhibitions, sometimes unable to get away for hours because they are blocked in. We are convinced now, more than ever, that this legislation will have a significant positive impact, not only on the Silver Spring community, but the State of Maryland as a whole.”
John Seng, chair of the Maryland Coalition for Roadway Safety (SafeRoadsMD), also is pleased with the new law.
“Thanks to the unified willpower for road and street safety demonstrated by our elected State officials, with the stroke of his pen, Governor Moore knocked down the ‘Welcome to Maryland’ sign for perpetrators of organized, criminal exhibition driving violence,” he said in a statement.
“Maryland lawmakers decided that safety and calm on roads and in communities really matters. Continued roadway, shopping center and city center disruptions will not be tolerated. Violators will suffer significant penalties,” he added.
According to a hearing before the state Senate Judiciary Proceedings Committee, 139 major exhibition driving incidents occurred in Maryland during 2023. These include stunt and speed events.
“We are thankful that the legislature and Governor Moore have strengthened the penalties to deter street racing and other dangerous behavior on public roads,” said Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy.
“The new law will help to hold violators accountable. Simply stated, speed kills. Exhibition driving also places motorists and pedestrians in grave danger. This is a step in the right direction when it comes to keeping our roadways safe,” he added.
Penalties under the new law also target timekeepers and flag holders.
Anyone convicted of driving in a racing or speeding contest that results in serious bodily injury to another person faces imprisonment not exceeding one year or a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both, according to the new law.
Under the new law, exhibition driving involves operating a motor vehicle near a crowd in a manner that results in at least two of the following – skidding, squealing or smoking tires, swerving vehicles, disturbing loud noise, grinding gears, backfiring, airborne wheels and passengers hanging out of windows or on car hoods.
