Beginning October 1, 2025, several new Maryland laws took effect addressing roadway safety, family law, tenant protections, healthcare access, and criminal record reform, among other areas. As a law firm dedicated to keeping Maryland residents informed, we believe it’s important to understand how these changes may impact you and your family.
Maryland’s updated Move Over law expands protections for emergency and service workers on highways. Drivers are now required to change lanes, when safe, or slow down significantly when passing stopped emergency, tow, or service vehicles. Additionally, penalties for reckless driving have become more severe, with increased fines and potential license suspensions for drivers caught speeding.
For families, the state has introduced new child custody guidelines that outline specific factors courts must consider when determining the best interests of a child. This change is designed to make custody and visitation decisions more consistent and transparent across the state.
Under the new tenant protection laws, landlords may no longer charge late fees based on the full rent amount. Instead, fees are capped at five percent of the unpaid balance, offering tenants greater protection when making partial payments.
Maryland hospitals are now required to offer financial assistance to families earning up to 500 percent of the federal poverty level. Hospitals are also prohibited from suing patients for debts under $500, helping to reduce medical debt burdens for lower- and middle-income families. In addition, a new initiative known as Eric’s ID Law allows Maryland residents with nonapparent disabilities to voluntarily display a “hidden disability” icon on their driver’s license or state ID. This initiative is intended to promote safer, more informed interactions between individuals with disabilities and law enforcement or emergency responders.
Recent criminal justice reforms include reduced penalties for drug paraphernalia possession and expanded eligibility for record expungement. Certain additional offenses, such as specific theft and driving violations, can now be cleared, giving individuals more opportunities to move forward without the burden of a criminal record.
There may be other new or amended laws that affect you, and the information above is intended as a general summary rather than a complete explanation. If you have questions about how these changes might impact you, your family, or your business, the experienced Annapolis attorneys at Hillman, Brown and Darrow are here to help. Our firm has provided trusted legal guidance throughout Maryland since 1929 in family law, criminal defense, traffic matters, estate planning, landlord–tenant disputes, accident cases, and more.