New laws on speeding, retail theft and tipped minimum wage take effect in D.C., Maryland

New laws on retail theft, speed cameras and the minimum wage for tipped workers take effect Wednesday in the District and Maryland.

This is the second batch of new laws taking effect in both jurisdictions this year: Maryland and the District implemented fresh measures over the summer.

Maryland

Speed cameras: Motorists caught exceeding the limit now face a graduated fine system. Those exceeding the limit by:

• 12-15 mph will be fined $40.

• 16-19 mph will be fined $70.

• 20-29 mph will be fined $120.

• 30 to 39 mph will be fined $230.

• 40 mph or more will be fined $425.

Organized retail theft: Thieves who target businesses in multiple counties over a 90-day period can have all their offenses combined into a single felony prosecution. The law closes a loophole that had allowed theft crews to raid stores in different parts of the state but stay below the $1,500 threshold needed to face felony charges. Now, any county that catches thieves can aggregate their offenses and charge them with a felony.

Early parole: Inmates who committed crimes between 18 and 24 years old and have spent at least 20 years in prison can seek to have their sentences reduced. The “Second Look” law excludes anyone who is convicted of sex crimes, murdered first responders or is serving a life sentence.

Marijuana: Adults 21 years old and older can manufacture marijuana products for personal use or for sharing with other adults in a private residence. Marijuana users cannot use a volatile solvent, such as butane, hexane or propane, to make a product. Those who give away or sell their products risk being charged with felony drug distribution.

Reckless driving: Drivers who exceed the speed limit by 30 mph or more can face a $1,000 fine, jail time or both. The law increasing the penalties was inspired by Montgomery County police Sgt. Patrick Kepp, who lost both legs in 2023 when a teen driver going more than 100 mph struck him on Interstate 270.

Firearms trafficking: Bringing guns into the state for unauthorized sales is now a felony with a maximum sentence of 10 years. Prosecutors need to prove that the illegal trafficking occurred in the past three years.

District

Tipped minimum wage: A brief pause on an increase to the District’s tipped minimum wage is lifted on Wednesday, with waiters, bartenders and other tip-reliant jobs having their hourly wage jump from $10 to $12. The D.C. Council voted this summer to pause the scheduled wage increase after Mayor Muriel Bowser proposed repealing the 2023 law in her budget proposal. The mayor argued the mandated wage increases are hurting city restaurants and making the city less attractive for new eateries.

Sales tax: The District’s sales tax increases from 6% to 6.5% for the next year and then to 7% on Oct. 1, 2026.

Pets: Rental companies can no longer prohibit tenants from having certain dog breeds or sizes in their units. The law also does away with pet fees for animal owners.