Starting October 1, 2025, Maryland enacts new laws affecting driving, criminal justice, healthcare, consumer rights, and housing regulations statewide.
Frederick, Md. (DG) – On October 1, 2025, Maryland will implement over 400 new laws across various sectors, including transportation, criminal justice, healthcare, and consumer rights. Here are some of the key changes:
Traffic and Driving Laws:
Reckless Driving Penalties: Driving 30 mph or more above the speed limit is reclassified as reckless driving, carrying a penalty of up to $1,000 and 60 days in jail.
Speed Camera Fines: Fines for speeding through automated cameras will increase, with penalties reaching up to $425 for speeds exceeding 40 mph over the limit.
Criminal Justice and Expungement:
Expungement Reform Act: This act allows individuals to expunge certain misdemeanor convictions, such as driving without a license and using a bad check or stolen credit card, more easily.
Child Victims Act Amendments: The law now limits compensation for child sexual abuse survivors to $400,000 for public institutions and $700,000 for private institutions, applicable to claims filed after June 1, 2025.
Healthcare and Abortion Access
Abortion Access Fund: Unused funds from a $1 surcharge on Affordable Care Act insurance plans will be redirected to a grant program supporting abortion access, with $25 million available immediately.
Consumer Rights and Data Privacy
Online Data Privacy Act: This act imposes new limits on how businesses collect and use personal data, granting residents the right to access and delete certain information.
Housing and Community Associations:
Reserve Funding Requirements: Condominiums, homeowner associations, and housing cooperatives must develop funding plans to meet reserve study recommendations, with provisions for financial hardship.