OC police cracking down on ordinances as number of visitors increases
Chief of Police in Ocean City Ross Buzzuro released a statement welcoming visitors to Ocean City for the H2O International Event, but also advising people that they will be strict in enforcing community laws.
He says, “We invite you to enjoy our beautiful city with the expectation that you do so safely and respectfully while abiding by our laws and local ordinances.”
Due to the increased number of visitors that OC is anticipating for this event, there is planned to be a large police presence during the weekend of October 1-2. The police say their highest priority is to keep their residents and visitors safe, in addition to ensuring a positive quality of life by using friendly, fair and firm enforcement.
In order to accomplish that, officers will be focusing on the issues listed below:
COMMON VIOLATIONS
- Disorderly conduct, or willfully acting in a manner that disturbs the public peace, is prohibited. Officers will enforce laws concerning disorderly conduct in order to protect the quality of life of our citizens and ensure a peaceful environment.
- Inciting or encouraging others to commit a crime is also prohibited. Citizens may not request, encourage or direct another to break the law, such as inciting burnouts, reckless driving or disorderly conduct.
- Blocking sidewalks and public roadways is prohibited. Citizens may not sit along sidewalks or congregate in the roadway in a manner to prevent others to easily pass.
TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS
- Speeding and aggressive driving behaviors will be strictly enforced. Traffic delays are expected along Coastal Highway throughout the weekend. Speeding and aggressive driving can quickly lead to serious motor vehicle collisions which is why our officers take this behavior very seriously.
- Spinning tires and burnouts are strictly prohibited. A driver can easily lose control of a vehicle during a burnout.
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not tolerated by our officers.
LOCAL ORDINANCES
- Parking a trailer or oversized vehicle on any street or paved public lot without a permit is prohibited between May 1 and October 31.
- No trailer or oversized vehicle may be parked on Baltimore Avenue at any time, regardless of permit.
- Limited trailer parking is available at the 100th Street gravel lot for a small daily fee.
- The fine for trailer and oversized vehicle parking violations is $250.
NOISE ORDINANCES
- The Town of Ocean City Noise Ordinance states that it is unlawful for any person to make, cause or continue any loud, unnecessary, unnatural or unusual noise, or any noise which annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace and safety of others at any time, day or night.
- No disruptive noises may be made between 12 midnight and 7AM in such a manner as to be heard at a distance of 50 feet from the building or structure where it originates. This includes loud noise from a vehicle.
- The use of a megaphone without a permit from the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City is prohibited.
Also, open container and public consumption of alcohol are prohibited.
For additional information about Ocean City ordinances, visit the Town Ordinances page.
