Ocean City Ordinances

In Ocean City, we take safety very seriously. After all, we want everyone to have a pleasurable, safe and fun vacation. Please take a moment to read this very important information regarding our town ordinances, designed with your well-being in mind.

Highway Safety

Millions of visitors travel to Ocean City each summer, so it`s important that vacationers are mindful of our highway laws. There are bus/bike lanes on both sides of Coastal Highway to support flow of traffic. Please do not park or drive in these lanes unless making a right turn. Be alert for bicyclists when entering or leaving the highway. Municipal buses travel in the far right-hand land on Coastal Highway. They stop and pick-up or discharge passengers only at designated bus stops. When following a bus, please keep this in mind. Motorists must yield right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the street at a crosswalk, at any controlled intersection when obeying the traffic signals, and at any non-signaled intersection. Bicyclists must obey the same traffic laws as motorists and may receive citations for failure to obey these rules of the road. The most common violations committed by bicyclists are riding against the flow of traffic in the bike lane and failing to obey traffic signals. At night, a headlight and rear reflector are required on all bicycles being used in Ocean City.

Parking Information

Ocean City has worked hard to ensure that parking is accessible for our visitors. Parking is available in city lots, private lots and on certain public streets unless otherwise noted. Ample free parking is available at the new West Ocean City Park & Ride. Leave the driving to us and park your car for the day, and you can take the city bus into Ocean City for $3. This shuttle service operates from the Park & Ride to the South Division Street Transit Center where passengers can disembark or pick-up a northbound bus. Please do not park in front of any red painted curbs, or in front of any public or private driveways. It is also important to note that when parking next to the curb, please park with the flow of traffic with your vehicles wheels within 12 inches of the curb.

RV Parking

RVs and other oversized vehicles may not park in any municipal lot, public street or alley between June 1 and September 15 of each year by Town Ordinance. An oversized vehicle is defined as 21 feet, 2 inches or more in length, and 6 feet, 8 inches in width, needing more than one parking space. For more information, call the Ocean City Police Department at 410-723-6610.

Boat Trailer Parking

Bringing a boat? Keep in mind that a person may not park a boat trailer on public streets, alleys, or public parking lots from May 1 through October 1. A boat trailer may not be ticketed or towed unless a warning notice has been posted on the boat trailer at least 8 hours prior to ticketing or towing.

Parking Meters

No one wants a ticket. Parking meters on city parking lots are in effect 24 hours a day. Meters on streets may vary in parking time allowed, so please check the hours posted on the meter prior to leaving your vehicle.

Alcohol

In Ocean City, we take laws related to alcohol consumption very seriously. Drinking alcoholic beverages in public is prohibited. This includes on any street, avenue, alleyway, sidewalk, beach, parking lot and vehicle in any of these areas. Possessing an open container of any alcoholic beverage in public is not allowed. Sleeping in any motor vehicle within the city limits of Ocean City is prohibited. Sleeping on the beach also is not allowed between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Beach and Boardwalk Information

Ocean City is proud to be home to one of America`s most popular and family-friendly boardwalks. Our 2.9 mile boardwalk stretches from the Inlet in South Ocean City to 27th Street. In addition to our famous boardwalk, our 10 mile stretch of the beach and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean is free and open to the public from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The remaining hours are used to clean the beach for everyone`s enjoyment the next day. No private vehicles are permitted on the beach at any time.

Swimming

When swimming in the ocean, it`s important to be careful. Ocean surf can be rough and it is best to swim using the buddy system and have someone with you in the water at all times. Beach patrol members are on duty from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily all summer to ensure your safety. Please obey the Beach Patrol when you are on the beach. They are there to protect you and always swim near a lifeguard. For more safe swimming tips, visit the Ocean City Beach Patrols Website: http://oceancitymd.gov/Recreation_and_Parks/Beach_Patrol

Surfing

Want to catch some waves? Ocean City has some great waves, but surfing is only permitted on two surfing beaches announced daily on local radio stations. For everyone`s safety, these two areas are dedicated to surfing only for the day indicated. For more information on surf beaches and beach conditions, call any of the area surf shops.

Surf Fishing

Surf fishing is permitted in Ocean City. However, be sure you are not within 50 yards of swimmers or of anyone on the beach between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Other Beach Activities

Frisbees, ball throwing and other sports are not allowed on the beach from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily from May 30 to September 15, by Town Ordinance.

Pet Parents

Bringing your four-legged friend? It`s important to note that animals are only allowed on the beach and boardwalk between October 1 and April 30. Any handler or owner of a dog must remove any waste deposited on public or private property not owned by the handler or owner in possession of said dog. Also, dogs must be kept on a leash when being walked in and around Ocean City. During peak-season and year-round, a Dog Playground is available at 94th Street and bayside so your pet can let loose and enjoy their time in Ocean City. For more information, contact OC Recreation & Parks at 410-250-0125 or click here.

Skateboards, Bicycles & Roller Blades on the Boardwalk

To ensure safety on this heavily-traveled walkway, certain regulations are in effect during summer months. Skateboards are not permitted on the Boardwalk, public streets, alleys, sidewalks and public lots. However, Ocean City is pleased to offer a skateboard park at 3rd Street and St. Louis Avenue. For up-to-date information on hours and regulations, contact the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department Office at 410-250-0125 or 410-289-2695.

Bicycles

You may enjoy riding your bike on the Boardwalk at the following times: From Saturday of Memoral Day weekend through Labor Day, between 2:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. of the same day. From Tuesday after Labor Day through Friday before Memorial Day, at any time, subject to the following exceptions: Springfest and Sunfest (Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) between 2:00 a.m. and 12 p.m. of the same day.

Noise Regulations

Remember that many folks are here visiting to relax. Please be respectful of your neighbors both on and off the beach. 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 ordinance 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. 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.

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