Subtitle 7 – Burglar Alarms - Vehicle Alarms
Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.
Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 7-1 (2026)
§ 7-1 Definitions.LinkCopy Citation
(a)In general.
In this subtitle, the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)Audible status indicator.
“Audible status indicator” means any sound reproduction device on a vehicle that emits a continuous or near continuous sound for the purpose of:
(1)
warning that a vehicle alarm system has been installed on the vehicle and is operational; or
(2)
creating the appearance that an alarm system has been installed and is operational.
(c)Vehicle alarm system.
“Vehicle alarm system” means an alarm system that is attached to a vehicle and has an audible noise annunciator, such as a horn, bell, or siren.
History: Ord. 98-263
Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 7-2 (2026)
§ 7-2 Prohibited devices.LinkCopy Citation
(a)Audible status indicator prohibited.
The owner, lessee, or operator of a vehicle may not have in operation any audible status indicator.
(b)Activation to be by contact or remote device.
The owner, lessee, or operator of a vehicle may not have in operation any vehicle alarm system that is capable of being activated other than by:
(1)
direct physical contact with the vehicle; or
(2)
the use of an individual remote activation device that is designed to be used with the alarm system of the vehicle.
(c)Automatic turn-off.
The owner, lessee, or operator of a vehicle may not have in operation any vehicle alarm system unless the system:
(1)
automatically terminates its audible response within 3 minutes of being activated; and
(2)
will not be reactivated other than by one of the methods specified in subsection (b) of this section.
History: Ord. 98-263
Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 7-3 (2026)
§ 7-3 Impounding vehicle.LinkCopy Citation
(a)When authorized.
If the vehicle is parked on a public street or in a parking lot open to the public and all reasonable and necessary steps to locate the owner or operator have been taken without success, the police officer may arrange for the removal and impoundment of the vehicle.
(b)Retrieval by owner.
The owner of a vehicle removed and impounded under this section:
(1)
may retrieve the vehicle as provided in <cite data-path="|31|§31-46">Article 31, § 31-46</cite> of the City Code; and
(2)
must be given an opportunity for a hearing, as set out in <cite data-path="|31|§31-43">Article 31, § 31-43</cite> of the City Code, to determine whether there was a basis for the removal and impoundment.
History: Ord. 98-263
Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 7-4 (2026)
§ 7-4 Civil penalties.LinkCopy Citation
(a)In general.
A person who violates any provision of this subtitle is subject to a civil penalty of $100 for each offense, in addition to any towing and storage charges.
(b)Enforcement by citation.
(1)
In addition to any other civil or criminal remedy or enforcement procedure, this subtitle may be enforced by issuance of:
(i)
an environmental citation under City Code <cite data-path="|1">Article 1</cite>, Subtitle 40 {“Environmental Control Board”}; or
(ii)
a civil citation under City Code <cite data-path="|1">Article 1</cite>, Subtitle 41 {“Civil Citations”}.
(2)
The issuance of a citation to enforce this subtitle does not preclude pursuing any other civil or criminal remedy or enforcement action authorized by law.
History: Ord. 98-263
History: Ord. 99-548
History: Ord. 03-595