Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally — Subtitle 5. Public Roads
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-501 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–501LinkCopy Citation
In this part, “road” includes a street, an avenue, an alley, a lane, or any other public way.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-502 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–502LinkCopy Citation
The provisions in this subtitle that relate to public roads apply to roads in unincorporated towns and villages.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-503 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–503LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to all counties, except Baltimore City.
(b)
The governing body of a county has control over county roads.
(c)
The governing body of a county may appoint:
(1)
road supervisors; and
(2)
civil engineers to oversee the grading, construction, and repair of county roads.
(d)
A civil engineer appointed in accordance with subsection (c) of this section shall:
(1)
hold office for a term, with a salary, under a bond, and subject to regulations of the governing body calculated to secure competent officers and a faithful discharge of duty; and
(2)
direct and manage the grading, construction, and repair of county roads.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-504 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–504LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to all counties, except Baltimore City.
(b)
This section does not apply to a public road in a municipality.
(c)
The governing body of a county:
(1)
may open, alter, or close a county road;
(2)
has control over and may adopt rules and regulations for work on county roads; and
(3)
may pay the cost of work on county roads.
(d)
(1)
The governing body of a county may regulate, by resolution:
(i)
vehicle parking on county roads; and
(ii)
the construction, maintenance, repair, and cleaning of sidewalks.
(2)
A county shall provide for public notice of the regulations on vehicle parking.
(e)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person who violates a resolution adopted under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100.
(2)
In Calvert County, a person who violates a resolution adopted under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-505 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–505LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to all counties except Baltimore City.
(b)
After adopting a resolution stating that a county responsibility or purpose will be served, a governing body of a county may pay, from any highway funds under its control, for a highway project in a municipality.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-506 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–506LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to all counties except:
(1)
Anne Arundel County;
(2)
Baltimore City;
(3)
Baltimore County;
(4)
Cecil County;
(5)
Charles County;
(6)
Howard County;
(7)
Prince George’s County;
(8)
Queen Anne’s County; and
(9)
Worcester County.
(b)
The provisions of §§ 9–105 and 9–106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted by a commission county under this section.
(c)
The governing body of a county may:
(1)
provide for building, maintaining, or repairing any road or sidewalk condemned, ceded, opened, widened, extended, or straightened as public property;
(2)
pay for the cost to build, maintain, or repair a road or sidewalk by imposing a tax on the assessable base of the county or from the county’s share of the State motor fuel tax;
(3)
establish the office of county roads engineer; and
(4)
establish the powers and duties of the county roads engineer.
(d)
The County Commissioners of Somerset County may maintain, repair, or reconstruct any private road that has been used by the public for at least 20 years.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-507 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–507LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to all counties.
(b)
(1)
The governing body of a county shall erect and maintain a sign at each intersection of a county road with a State road or state–aid road that shall:
(i)
contain, in letters at least 3 inches in height, the name of the principal place or places to which the county road leads and the distance to the place or places from the intersection of the county road and the State road or state–aid road; and
(ii)
be securely fastened on a substantial post firmly placed in the ground.
(2)
In a county where the jurisdiction over the county roads is vested by law in a board or other official, the duties of this section shall be the duties of the board or other official.
(c)
A person who defaces, damages, or destroys a sign erected or maintained under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment for not less than 10 days and not exceeding 30 days or a fine for each offense not exceeding $50 or both.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-508 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–508LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to all counties, except Baltimore City.
(b)
This section does not apply to fire hydrants in a municipality.
(c)
The governing body of a county may, by resolution, regulate the location and construction of fire hydrants.
(d)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person who violates a resolution adopted under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100.
(2)
In Calvert County, a person who violates a resolution adopted under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-511 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–511LinkCopy Citation
This part applies to all counties, except Baltimore City and Queen Anne’s County.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-512 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–512LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A resident of the county may request, by petition, that the governing body of a county open, alter, or close a road.
(b)
A resident who intends to submit a petition under this section shall give at least 30 days’ notice by publication once a week for 3 successive weeks in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the county.
(c)
(1)
In response to a petition filed under this section, a resident may submit a counter petition to the governing body of the county.
(2)
The governing body shall consider the counter petition, and any other testimony presented, when deciding whether to approve the petition to open, alter, or close a road.
(d)
The governing body of a county may open, alter, or close any county road under this subtitle on its own initiative if:
(1)
at least 30 days’ notice is given by publication once a week for 3 successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county; and
(2)
a hearing is held to consider any objection or counter petition.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-513 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–513LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The governing body of a county may contract with a property owner for a right–of–way over land that is necessary for:
(1)
the opening or altering of a road;
(2)
a public wharf;
(3)
drains for county roads; or
(4)
other public uses.
(b)
When the governing body of a county contracts for a right–of–way for a road under subsection (a) of this section, the governing body shall:
(1)
have a licensed surveyor make a plat of the road;
(2)
record the plat in the office of the clerk of the circuit court for the county in which the deed conveying the property is required to be recorded; and
(3)
incorporate the plat into the deed conveying the property.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-514 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–514LinkCopy Citation
(a)
If the governing body of a county decides to open, alter, or close a road, the governing body may appoint three examiners to view the property through which the road is intended to run.
(b)
(1)
An examiner:
(i)
shall own real property in the county; but
(ii)
may not have an interest in any property through which the road is proposed to be opened, altered, or closed.
(2)
(i)
An examiner shall take an oath to faithfully and impartially execute the commission of examiner.
(ii)
The oath shall be endorsed on the commission, which shall be returned to the examiner.
(c)
The appointment of examiners does not preclude the governing body of the county from contracting with a property owner as provided in § 12–513 of this subtitle.
(d)
(1)
The examiners shall give 30 days’ notice of their intent to examine the property by publication once a week for 3 successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.
(2)
After expiration of the 30 days’ period, at least two of the examiners shall examine the property and determine whether the public convenience requires that the road be opened, altered, or closed.
(e)
If a petition is submitted to open or alter a road, the examiners shall locate the road so that the public convenience is best promoted.
(f)
The examiners shall submit to the governing body of the county:
(1)
a plat showing:
(i)
the proposed new or altered road; and
(ii)
for a petition to alter or close a road, the old road; and
(2)
a report detailing:
(i)
the examiners’ proceedings;
(ii)
the findings of the examiners regarding the proposal to open, alter, or close a road;
(iii)
if the examiners recommend not opening, altering, or closing the road, the reasons for the recommendation; and
(iv)
a determination of the cost of any damages under § 12–515 of this subtitle.
(g)
(1)
Each examiner is entitled to compensation not to exceed $2 per day, as determined by the governing body of the county, for the examiner’s services.
(2)
The governing body shall determine whether the compensation of the examiners and all costs arising from the survey, attendance of witnesses, or other expenses shall be:
(i)
paid by the petitioner;
(ii)
paid by the county; or
(iii)
apportioned between the petitioner and the county.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-515 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–515LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Taking into account the advantages and disadvantages of opening or altering a road, at least two of the examiners shall determine the cost of damages that may be sustained by a person through whose property an opened or altered road may pass.
(b)
The governing body of the county may ratify, reject, or alter the determination of the cost of damages under subsection (a) of this section.
(c)
(1)
The governing body of the county shall determine whether the damages shall be:
(i)
paid by the petitioner;
(ii)
paid by the county; or
(iii)
apportioned between the petitioner and the county.
(2)
Before the road may be opened, any damages owed shall be paid to the respective property owner, or to the respective property owner’s guardian, agent, or attorney.
(3)
If a property owner dies after the examiners have determined the cost of damages, the damages shall be paid to the property owner’s personal representative.
(d)
(1)
Subject to a determination under subsection (c)(1) of this section, signing a petition for opening, altering, or closing of a road does not make the petitioner liable for the payment of any part of the damages determined by the governing body of the county.
(2)
The governing body may hold a petitioner liable for the costs incurred by a person defending against the petition if the case is decided in favor of the person defending against the petition.
(3)
If the governing body does not order the opening, altering, or closing of a road as requested in a petition, the petitioner shall be liable for all costs incurred by any person as a result of any proceeding relating to the petition under this subtitle.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-516 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–516LinkCopy Citation
At the first meeting of the governing body of a county following the meeting at which the examiners submit their report on the proposed opening, altering, or closing of a road, if no objection is made on the report, the governing body may:
(1)
affirm, reject, or amend a finding or determination of the examiners; or
(2)
continue the proceeding over to the next meeting of the governing body and to successive meetings.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-517 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–517LinkCopy Citation
If a county road cannot be conveniently drained by drains along the road, to make drains on the property outside the road, the governing body of a county may:
(1)
contract for a right–of–way on the property as authorized under § 12–513 of this subtitle; or
(2)
acquire the necessary property through condemnation under Title 12 of the Real Property Article.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-518 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–518LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies only to:
(1)
Allegany County;
(2)
Garrett County; and
(3)
Washington County.
(b)
For the purpose of building a new road, improving or widening an existing road, or draining a road, the county commissioners may acquire the necessary property through condemnation under Title 12 of the Real Property Article.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-519 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–519LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section does not apply to:
(1)
Allegany County;
(2)
Baltimore County;
(3)
Montgomery County;
(4)
Washington County; or
(5)
Wicomico County.
(b)
A road may not be opened or altered to pass through the buildings, gardens, yards, or burial grounds of any person without the written consent of the owner of the property.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-520 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–520LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, a road opened under this subtitle shall be at least 30 feet wide.
(2)
A road opened under this subtitle is a public road.
(b)
If the County Commissioners of Somerset County determine that the difficulty or cost of building a road to the width of 30 feet is excessive, the county may build portions of roads that are less than 30 feet wide in:
(1)
the Smith’s Island district; and
(2)
the Fairmount district on the road leading from the main county highway to the village of Rumbley.
(c)
(1)
The governing body of Anne Arundel County may take over and maintain as a public road any alley or road in the county that is at least 20 feet wide if the road or alley was open or dedicated for use as a road or alley before June 1, 1943.
(2)
(i)
Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the governing body may take over and maintain as a public road any alley in the county that is at least 10 feet wide and is in a subdivision platted before July 1, 1953.
(ii)
If an alley described in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph does not satisfy the standards and requirements of the State Highway Administration for the purpose of receiving a share of highway user revenues, the expense of taking over and maintaining the alley shall be paid by a special tax imposed on the property owners in the affected subdivision.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-521 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–521LinkCopy Citation
If the governing body of a county decides to open or alter a road, the governing body shall:
(1)
at the usual time for imposing taxes, impose a tax on the assessable property of the county in an amount sufficient to open or alter the road and pay any damages awarded and owed by the county; and
(2)
open or alter the road as soon as it can be done conveniently.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-522 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–522LinkCopy Citation
If any road in Frederick County has not been maintained for a period of 20 years before July 1, 1973, it shall be conclusively presumed that the road was closed in accordance with this subtitle.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-523 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–523LinkCopy Citation
The County Commissioners of Allegany County may open or close, or both, any alleys or streets in the county where the purpose of opening the alleys or streets is to give the county commissioners jurisdiction to close the alleys or streets at some later time.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-526 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–526LinkCopy Citation
In this part, “road” includes a street, an avenue, an alley, a lane, or any other public way.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-527 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–527LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies only to:
(1)
Allegany County;
(2)
Baltimore County;
(3)
Calvert County;
(4)
Carroll County;
(5)
Cecil County;
(6)
Frederick County;
(7)
Garrett County;
(8)
Harford County;
(9)
Howard County;
(10)
Montgomery County;
(11)
Prince George’s County;
(12)
St. Mary’s County; and
(13)
Washington County.
(b)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the governing body of a county may adopt and enforce rules and regulations relating to the maximum size and weight of motor vehicles that may be operated on county roads.
(2)
The governing body of a county may not set the maximum weight under paragraph (1) of this subsection at a weight greater than the maximum allowed by the public general laws of the State.
(3)
Rules and regulations adopted under this subsection shall:
(i)
have a reasonable relationship to the construction, use, and character of the road; and
(ii)
be designed to assure the continued safety and good condition of the road.
(c)
A person who violates a rule or regulation adopted under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 60 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-528 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–528LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies only to:
(1)
Somerset County;
(2)
Wicomico County; and
(3)
Worcester County.
(b)
(1)
Subject to subsection (c) of this section, the governing body of a county may contract with the owner of a private road in the county for the county to take over and maintain the private road if the owner pays an annual maintenance charge to the county to cover the maintenance expenses of the county for the private road.
(2)
The governing body may provide that the maintenance charge imposed under this section is a lien on the property affected and shall be collected in the same manner as county real property taxes.
(c)
The County Council of Wicomico County may not enter into a contract in accordance with this section unless the contract concerns a private road on which there are at least three dwelling houses.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-529 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–529LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
The County Commissioners of Calvert County may establish road construction districts by ordinance.
(2)
Two–thirds of the property owners along a road route may request the creation of a road construction district and a road project by presenting a written petition to the county commissioners.
(b)
(1)
Before establishing a road construction district, the County Commissioners of Calvert County shall:
(i)
hold a public hearing on the proposed district;
(ii)
send notice of the time and place of the hearing to each property owner in the proposed district by mail to the address shown on the assessment records; and
(iii)
publish notice of the time and place of the hearing in two newspapers of general circulation in the county for 2 successive weeks.
(2)
At the hearing, the county commissioners shall:
(i)
determine the scope of the road project; and
(ii)
advise the property owners of the approximate cost and estimated individual benefit charges.
(3)
The county commissioners shall:
(i)
determine the feasibility of taking the road into the county roads system and undertaking the road project;
(ii)
determine whether on completion of the project the road can be taken into the county roads system in accordance with subsection (g) of this section; and
(iii)
determine whether to proceed with plans and specifications for the project.
(4)
(i)
If the county commissioners decide to proceed with the project, the county commissioners shall set a date for a final hearing.
(ii)
The date for the final hearing may be changed only if notice is given in accordance with this subsection.
(5)
At the final hearing, if the county commissioners establish the district, the county commissioners shall:
(i)
set the boundaries of the district; and
(ii)
provide for the project scope, cost estimate, and estimated individual benefit charges.
(c)
(1)
The estimated benefit charges on each lot or parcel of land in the road construction district shall be based on the benefits accruing to the lot or parcel of land.
(2)
The County Commissioners of Calvert County shall determine:
(i)
when the property owners shall pay back the costs to the county;
(ii)
whether interest will be charged; and
(iii)
the rate of interest charged, if any.
(d)
If the County Commissioners of Calvert County determine to proceed with the road project, they shall advertise for bids and award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder.
(e)
(1)
On completion of a road project, the County Commissioners of Calvert County shall impose a benefit charge on all real property in the district.
(2)
The benefit charge shall be sufficient to meet the costs of the project, including:
(i)
interest paid if a debt is created by the county commissioners; and
(ii)
administrative costs, including notices to property owners and advertisements.
(3)
The benefit charge is a lien on the real property against which it is assessed and shall be paid annually in the same manner as county real property taxes and for the period of time established by the county commissioners.
(f)
(1)
The County Commissioners of Calvert County may purchase land for use in connection with the road construction district.
(2)
The minimum right–of–way that may be purchased in accordance with this section is 30 feet.
(g)
When completed to county specifications, the County Commissioners of Calvert County shall place the road in the county roads system.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-530 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–530LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section does not apply to a privately owned road in Calvert County that was constructed on or before September 30, 2011.
(b)
By ordinance, the County Commissioners of Calvert County may:
(1)
regulate the grading, constructing, improving, maintaining, and repairing of county roads and new roads intended for future public use, including roads proposed for any subdivision approved by the Calvert County Planning Commission, whether recorded or proposed, including sidewalks, curbs, gutters, driveway entrances, storm drainage facilities, and appurtenances to be located in the subdivision;
(2)
establish standards for utility cuts in and across county rights–of–way;
(3)
regulate access to county–owned roads;
(4)
establish minimum standards to which a new road in a subdivision in Calvert County must be constructed before the issuance of a building permit for a lot served by the road;
(5)
regulate the engineering and constructing of any new public road, bridge, sidewalk, curb, gutter, and storm drainage facility proposed for acceptance into the county roads system;
(6)
regulate the acceptance of any new public road, bridge, sidewalk, curb, gutter, and storm drainage facility into the county roads system;
(7)
establish fees to defray the cost of reviewing plans and performing inspections for the construction of roads and for utility cuts in accordance with an ordinance enacted under this section; and
(8)
provide for a civil penalty for violation of an ordinance enacted under this section.
(c)
A violation of an ordinance enacted under this section shall be enforced in the same manner and to the same extent as provided for municipal infractions under §§ 6–108 through 6–115 of this article.
(d)
In addition to any remedies provided for under an ordinance enacted under this section, the County Commissioners of Calvert County may seek other remedies provided by law.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-531 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–531LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The County Commissioners of Carroll County may regulate any county road that is not in a municipality and that has not been designated or maintained as a part of the State or federal highway system relating to:
(1)
vehicle weight;
(2)
vehicle parking;
(3)
vehicle abandonment;
(4)
building or maintenance by a private or public utility necessary for the performance of the utility’s purpose;
(5)
construction and maintenance of driveway connections where connections are provided; and
(6)
vehicle speed, but only if the speed regulation has been recommended by the Department of State Police.
(b)
To indicate and carry out rules and regulations adopted under subsection (a)(1), (2), and (6) of this section, the County Commissioners of Carroll County shall provide appropriate traffic control devices that conform to State specifications.
(c)
For a new road or drainage system, the County Commissioners of Carroll County may adopt rules and regulations relating to:
(1)
engineering;
(2)
construction; and
(3)
acceptance of the road or drainage system into the county roads system for maintenance by the county.
(d)
(1)
By local law, the County Commissioners of Carroll County may establish that a person who violates a rule or regulation adopted under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $25, exclusive of costs.
(2)
A penalty provision of another public general law prevails over a fine authorized under this subsection.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-532 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–532LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, Cecil County shall obtain the following by competitively bid contract awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder:
(1)
the building or repair of a road; and
(2)
the purchase or lease of road or construction equipment or machinery.
(b)
(1)
The governing body of Cecil County shall advertise for bids on a contract under subsection (a) of this section in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the county.
(2)
The advertisement shall:
(i)
appear at least once;
(ii)
appear at least 1 week, but not more than 30 days, before the final date for submitting bids;
(iii)
if the contract relates to building or repairing a road, set forth the place where the road is to be built or repaired;
(iv)
include a description of the goods or services required under the contract;
(v)
state that sealed bids for goods or services will be received until the date designated in the advertisement; and
(vi)
designate a date for the opening of the bids.
(c)
(1)
Subsections (a) and (b) of this section do not apply to an expenditure that:
(i)
is $10,000 or less; or
(ii)
the governing body of Cecil County by a recorded majority vote taken at a public meeting declares to be an emergency expenditure.
(2)
For an expenditure under this subsection, the governing body may determine:
(i)
the manner of providing for the expenditure; and
(ii)
if the building or repair is by contract, the manner in which the contract is awarded.
(d)
(1)
A contract entered into in violation of subsection (a) or (b) of this section is void, unless:
(i)
a court determines in a judicial action that all parties acted in good faith; and
(ii)
the parties have substantially complied with the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of this section.
(2)
If a contract is void under this subsection, the governing body of Cecil County shall compensate the contractor for costs actually incurred if the contractor:
(i)
acted in good faith;
(ii)
did not directly contribute to the violation; and
(iii)
did not know of the violation.
(e)
A person who willfully violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-533 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–533LinkCopy Citation
To the extent not provided for in Title 8 of the Transportation Article, the powers of the County Commissioners of Charles County relating to the building and maintenance of county roads are governed by §§ 104–1 through 104–8 of the Public Local Laws of Charles County.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-534 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–534LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
The County Commissioners of Charles County shall designate county roads that are not accessible for through traffic by motor vehicles that are over 26,000 pounds.
(2)
The designation of county roads shall:
(i)
have a reasonable relationship to the construction, use, and character of the roads; and
(ii)
be designed to assure the continued safety and good condition of the roads.
(b)
The County Commissioners of Charles County shall provide for the installation of traffic control devices that give notice of the restricted access to the designated roads on or at the entrances to the roads.
(c)
A person who violates an ordinance or regulation adopted under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 60 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-535 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–535LinkCopy Citation
In accordance with § 21–1119 of the Transportation Article, the County Commissioners of Garrett County and the County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County may:
(1)
designate a county road to be an “emergency snow route”;
(2)
regulate travel on an emergency snow route;
(3)
provide for a method of declaring a snow emergency;
(4)
prohibit the parking or abandoning of a vehicle on an emergency snow route during a snow emergency; and
(5)
authorize the removal of a vehicle parked or abandoned on an emergency snow route during a snow emergency.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-536 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–536LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The County Commissioners of Garrett County may enact an ordinance to regulate the height, size, location, and setback of an advertising sign adjacent to a State or county road in Garrett County.
(b)
An ordinance enacted under this section may not be less stringent than any applicable State or federal law.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-537 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–537LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “visible from the traveled way” means capable of being seen, whether or not legible, without visual aid by an individual with normal visual acuity.
(b)
This section does not apply to:
(1)
outdoor advertising signs promoting a business or other activity conducted on the same property as the sign;
(2)
outdoor advertising signs located under the authority of zoning permits in commercial or industrial zones;
(3)
outdoor advertising signs authorized in districts zoned commercial and industrial by a municipality within the boundaries of the municipality;
(4)
temporary real estate signs;
(5)
official directional signs installed by the State Highway Administration or Harford County;
(6)
signs denoting places of religious worship or a historic monument, provided that the signs are located in accordance with the rules and regulations of the State Highway Administration; and
(7)
outdoor advertising signs erected before June 1, 1972.
(c)
In Harford County, a person may not lease, rent, use, or permit the use of property for the purpose of erecting an outdoor advertising sign adjacent to a State or county highway if the sign is visible from the traveled way of the highway.
(d)
This section may not be construed to permit the erection of an outdoor advertising sign in Harford County that is otherwise prohibited by State or local law or by local zoning ordinance.
(e)
(1)
The State Highway Administration or Harford County may acquire by purchase, gift, or condemnation outdoor advertising signs that are visible from the traveled way of State or county highways if the outdoor advertising signs were erected before June 1, 1972.
(2)
(i)
The State Highway Administration or Harford County shall pay just compensation for the removal of an outdoor advertising sign under this section.
(ii)
Compensation may not be paid for any outdoor advertising signs erected after June 1, 1972.
(iii)
Compensation may be paid only for the following:
(1)
taking from the owner of the sign all right, title, leasehold, and interest in the sign; and
(2)
taking from the owner of the property on which the sign is located the right to erect and maintain the sign on the property.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-538 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–538LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County may regulate for any public road, sidewalk, curb, gutter, or storm drainage facility in the county that is not in a municipality and that has not been designated or maintained as a part of the State or federal highway system relating to:
(1)
vehicle weight;
(2)
vehicle parking;
(3)
vehicle abandonment;
(4)
building or maintenance by a private or public utility necessary for the performance of the utility’s purpose;
(5)
building or maintenance of driveway connections where connections are provided; and
(6)
vehicle speed.
(b)
(1)
This subsection applies to roads proposed for subdivisions, including sidewalks, curbs and gutters, driveway entrances, and storm drainage facilities and appurtenances to be located in the subdivision.
(2)
The County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County shall enact, by ordinance, rules and regulations that govern the grading, building, improving, maintaining, and repairing of roads, used or intended for use by the public.
(c)
If required by an ordinance enacted under subsection (a) of this section, the County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County shall provide appropriate traffic control devices.
(d)
For a new road, sidewalk, curb, gutter, or storm drainage facility, the County Commissioners of St. Mary’s County may regulate relating to:
(1)
engineering;
(2)
construction; and
(3)
acceptance of the road, sidewalk, curb, gutter, or storm drainage facility into the county roads system.
Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't § 12-539 (2026)
Title 12. Other Powers of Counties -- Generally
Subtitle 5. Public Roads
§ 12–539LinkCopy Citation
The County Council of Talbot County may maintain, repair, and reconstruct any private dirt or gravel road that was being maintained when the county roads ordinance was adopted in November 1975.