OCEAN CITY — The forum was different, but the message was strong and consistent this week as a local delegation testified in Annapolis on proposed legislation strengthening the resort’s motorized special event laws.
Last week, a large contingent from Ocean City testified in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on Senate Bill 878, which, among other things, adds the offense of exhibition driving to the original legislation approved by state lawmakers two years ago. Less than a week later, many of those same local delegation members testified in the House Environment and Transportation Committee on sister legislation filed in the House by Delegate Wayne Hartman. The message was clear and concise and delivered with passion for the second time in less than a week.
House Bill 1493 would add the offense of exhibition driving to the existing special event zone legislation. According to the bill’s language, among the offenses under the umbrella of exhibition driving are operating a vehicle in a manner that produces abrupt acceleration or deceleration, skidding, swerving, raucous engine noise, gear grinding or wheels losing contact with the ground. For the first time in the evolution of the special event zone legislation, the potential penalties described in the bill include potential jail time. For example, violations could result in a term of imprisonment not exceeding 60 days, or a fine of $1,000 or both.
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Participants: Go somewhere else. It’s a big country. The old colonial beach in VA would love to have you.
ReplyDeleteShould impound and sell the cars as well. The people of the tri county area need to head down during that weekend and put an end to it
ReplyDeleteawwwwww.....you guys are no fun
ReplyDeleteMOCSA. Make O.C. safe again!
ReplyDeleteHey, can we bring back public hangings, too? THAT would increase tourism!
ReplyDeleteBRING more cars.
ReplyDeleteStop pussy-footing around. There is only ONE way to make sure the majority of participants follow the laws and not go crazy.
ReplyDeleteAnd that is to take away the car on certain serious violations.
There are laws on the books:
Shoot a deer from your car? You lose your car.
Deal drugs from your car? You lose your car.
So why can't the State impound the car for serious traffic violations?
Personally, I like this crowd. Young, enthusiastic, and bringing cash into the town. But some of them do go a little nuts.
Control them. Take their cars if they decide to do something stupid that puts the people in harm's way.
Do this and just maybe someday in the near future we'll welcome this "unofficial event".