Special Event Zone in Full Effect for Cruisin’ OC

OCEAN CITY, Md. – Visitors to Ocean City may appreciate the classic cars and attractive hotrods that come with Cruisin’ OC, but the town is more concerned with this event’s history of unsafe driving.

The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) has implemented a Special Event Zone ahead of the event returning to the town on Thursday, Apr. 29.

From Tuesday, Apr. 28, through Sunday, May 3, speed limits will be reduced and fines for violations will be increased within the town limits of Ocean City. Under state law, certain motor vehicle violations may carry enhanced penalties, including higher fines and potential arrest.

Additionally, the Town of Ocean City will implement enhanced parking measures for the duration of the event. During this time, paid parking rates will increase by $1.50 per hour, and parking violation fines will be doubled. The enhanced penalties will focus on prohibited parking areas, including red curbs, fire hydrants, sidewalks, and clearly posted no-parking zones. Residents and visitors can also expect a highly visible police presence throughout the event.

“Cruisin’ Ocean City is a longstanding tradition that we are proud to host, but safety remains our top priority,” said OCPD Chief Raymond J. Austin. “Visitors can expect a strong police presence and strict traffic enforcement throughout the event. Reckless driving, pop-up car shows, and roadway takeovers will not be tolerated. Those who choose to engage in this type of dangerous behavior will be held accountable.”

With that, Deputy Communications Manager of OCPD says, “We were starting to see a lot, you know, reckless behavior with driving…Our overall goal is safety.”

Pop-up car shows and roadway takeovers have become a growing concern across the country. Ocean City officials say they will take a strict enforcement approach to this type of activity to protect residents, visitors, and participants. In a message posted to social media, the department says they conducted 22 traffic stops alone on Friday afternoon, resulting in nine warnings and 31 citations being issued.

Although OCPD expects to face criticism for these actions, some members of the public agree with the strict enforcements.

“I agree with a lot of them because there has been situations where there’s been accidents and people have got hurt.” says Louis Brunswick, an Ocean City visitor.

Spectators are reminded to act responsibly. Do not encourage drivers to spin tires, perform burnouts, or engage in reckless behavior. These actions are dangerous, illegal, and subject to enforcement for both drivers and those inciting the activity.

With increased pedestrian traffic expected, everyone is encouraged to walk smart by using marked crosswalks, obeying pedestrian signals, and making sure drivers see you before entering the roadway. Visitors should always park in designated areas and pay for sufficient time to avoid citations.