The legislature has followed in Virginia's footsteps and enacted a new law that will make reckless driving and some speeding tickets incarcerable. Under the new law, anyone charged with reckless driving or speeding 30 or more miles over the speed limit can face charges carrying up to 60 days in jail and a $1,000.00 fine. This is a change to the current law where all reckless driving driving and speeding charges do not carry jail time. The new law takes effect October 1, 2025.

The law was named for Sgt. Patrick Kepp, a Montgomery County police officer, who lost both legs in an accident caused by a speeding motorist in 2023. The MVA will assess 6 points for convictions under the new law rather than 5 as it currently stands. Motorists may want to watch their speed or they will face harsh consequences starting this October.