A MESSAGE FROM THE OCEAN CITY CHIEF OF POLICE

On the behalf of the men and women of the Ocean City Police Department, welcome to Ocean City. We hope your stay is an enjoyable and safe one. The Town of Ocean City is a progressive and energetic city and our goal is to provide our visitors with the best services and vacation possible. We hope you enjoy all that we have to offer during the fall season, including our beautiful beaches and boardwalk, great shops, outstanding accommodations and fine dining. The combination of our unequaled beauty, warm hospitality, and unique public spaces provide a wonderful backdrop for residents and visitors.

We get a lot of questions concerning the Delmarva Bike Week and the local laws, so here are some of the most common ones that the police strictly enforce. This is to help you become aware of these City Ordinances and State Laws so all motorcycle enthusiasts have a safe and enjoyable visit.

The operation of any motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and will not be tolerated. DUI laws and drug violations will be strictly enforced. The unsafe operation of a motorcycle will not be tolerated, including speeding, reckless driving, racing, burnouts, splitting lanes, riding more than two abreast in a single lane, and wheelies. The State of Maryland requires all motorcyclists and passengers to wear approved D.O.T. helmets. Plus, motorcyclists and their passengers must wear eye protection or have a windshield and that protection must be clear at night.

Open containers of alcohol and public consumption are prohibited in public places, except for designated areas at specific venues. Laws governing proper behavior in public will be strictly enforced. Improper displays of behaviors, such as public nudity, urination in public, trespassing, noise violations and disorderly conduct will not be tolerated. Parking violations will be enforced and violators are subject to tow if parked illegally. In Maryland, more than one motorcycle can park in a single parking space; but if the space is metered, all motorcycles must have a receipt showing that they paid to park.

Motorcycles must also meet all Maryland vehicle requirements including correct lighting, handlebars which do not exceed 15 inches above the operator's seat, handlebars which are no more than 18 inches in width, two rearview mirrors in the proper position on the left and right side of the handlebar, and legal exhaust systems which are properly shielded. The registration plate also must be mounted horizontally and be seen from at least 50 feet from the rear. Ocean City encourages you to drive safely and responsibly during your event and please watch out for pedestrians crossing the streets. Again, welcome to Ocean City. We are glad to have you with us. Have a great time at OC Bikefest and enjoy Ocean City's fantastic fall season.

Sincerely,

Bernadette DiPino
Chief of Police

RULES AND REGULATIONS

The Ocean City Police Department wants Ocean City BikeFest to be a successful but SAFE event. The following laws and ordinances are a reminder of conduct that will be strictly enforced by the Ocean City Police Department.

* Carrying an open container of alcohol is a violation of an Ocean City ordinance. This includes the public streets, beach areas, sidewalks and the Boardwalk.

* Consuming alcohol in public by ANYONE is an arrestable offense.

* Loud noise, such as music or parties, is an arrestable under the Town of Ocean City noise ordinance. Visitors are asked to be respectful of those around them and keep loud noises and gatherings to a minimum. 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. Ocean City strongly enforces its ordinances that no disruptive noises be made between 12 midnight and 7 a.m. in such a manner as to be heard at a distance of 50 feet from the building or structure which it is located. In addition, Maryland Motor Vehicle Law and Ocean City Town Ordinance state that no loud noise from a vehicle may be heard at a distance of 50 feet from the vehicle at any time.

* Disorderly conduct and destruction of property are commonly associated with the congregation of large crowds. The Ocean City Police Department will promptly enforce these behaviors to prevent injury and maintain order.

* Parking meters are strictly enforced 24 hours a day on city owned municipal parking lots. In Maryland, more than one motorcycle can park in a single parking space; but if the space is metered, all motorcycles must have a receipt showing that they paid to park. Two parked motorcycles may occupy one vehicle parking space; however, more than two is a violation.

* Parking on red curbs is prohibited.

* Maryland law requires motorcyclist to wear a helmet while operating/or riding on a public roadway.

* Traffic laws will be strictly enforced. Ocean City Police personnel will take strict enforcement measures against speed violations, negligent/reckless driving, spinning wheels, equipment violations and alcohol related driving offenses.

* Pedestrian safety is important to both pedestrians and drivers. With a large number of traffic and spectators, it's important that pedestrians use marked crosswalks and cross with the traffic light. In addition, drivers should be extremely vigilant while driving, keeping consistently aware of pedestrians, bicycles, mopeds and scooters.

For a full list of Town of Ocean City ordinances, please visit http://oceancitymd.gov/ordinances.html. For additional questions or concerns, please contact the Ocean City Police Department at 410.723.6610.