Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road — Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-101 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
§ 21–101LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this title and Title 25 of this article the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
“Alley” means a street that:
(1)
Is intended to provide access to the rear or side of a lot or building in an urban district; and
(2)
Is not intended for through vehicular traffic.
(c)
“Bicycle path” means any travelway designed and designated by signing or signing and marking for bicycle use, located within its own right–of–way or in a shared right–of–way, and physically separated from motor vehicle traffic by berm, shoulder, curb, or other similar device.
(d)
(1)
“Bicycle way” means:
(i)
Any trail, path, part of a highway, surfaced or smooth shoulder, or sidewalk; or
(ii)
Any other travelway specifically signed, marked, or otherwise designated for bicycle travel.
(2)
“Bicycle way” includes:
(i)
Bicycle path; and
(ii)
Bike lane.
(e)
“Bike lane” means any portion of a roadway or shoulder designated for single directional bicycle flow.
(f)
“Business district” means an area that adjoins and includes a highway where at least 50 percent of the frontage along the highway, for a distance of at least 300 feet, is occupied by buildings used for business.
(g)
“Controlled access highway” means a highway or roadway to or from which persons, including the owners or occupants of abutting lands, have no right of access except at the points and in the manner determined by the public authority with jurisdiction over the highway or roadway.
(h)
“Crossover” means a transverse roadway or opening that connects the separate roadways of a divided highway at a point other than an intersection of the divided highway with another highway.
(i)
“Crosswalk” means that part of a roadway that is:
(1)
Within the prolongation or connection of the lateral lines of sidewalks at any place where 2 or more roadways of any type meet or join, measured from the curbs or, in the absence of curbs, from the edges of the roadway;
(2)
Within the prolongation or connection of the lateral lines of a bicycle way where a bicycle way and a roadway of any type meet or join, measured from the curbs or, in the absence of curbs, from the edges of the roadway; or
(3)
Distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings.
(i–1)
(1)
“Dedicated bus lane” means a lane designated for use by mass transit vehicles owned, operated, or contracted for by the Maryland Transit Administration, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, or a local department of transportation.
(2)
“Dedicated bus lane” includes transit bus stops located proximate to lanes designated for use by mass transit vehicles.
(j)
“Electric personal assistive mobility device” or “EPAMD” means a pedestrian device that:
(1)
Has two nontandem wheels;
(2)
Is self–balancing;
(3)
Is powered by an electric propulsion system;
(4)
Has a maximum speed capability of 15 miles per hour; and
(5)
Is designed to transport one person.
(k)
“Expressway” means a major highway of 2 or more traffic lanes in each direction that is designed to eliminate principal traffic hazards and has the following characteristics:
(1)
A median divider separating opposing traffic lanes to eliminate head–on collisions and sideswiping;
(2)
Grade separation structures to eliminate the conflict of cross streams of traffic at each intersection;
(3)
Points of entrance and exit limited to predetermined locations;
(4)
Vertical curves long enough to provide long sight distances; and
(5)
Shoulders wide enough to permit vehicles to stop or park out of traffic lanes.
(l)
(1)
“Intersection” means:
(i)
The area within the prolongation or connection of the lateral curb lines or, in the absence of curbs, the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of two highways that join at or approximately at right angles; or
(ii)
The area within which vehicles traveling on different highways joining at any other angle may come in conflict.
(2)
If a divided highway includes two roadways that are 30 feet or more apart, every crossing of each roadway of the divided highway by an intersecting highway is a separate intersection. If the intersecting highway also includes two roadways that are 30 feet or more apart, every crossing of two roadways of these highways is a separate intersection.
(l–1)
“Interstate highway” means a State highway that is part of the national interstate system in the State, as designated by the Administration and approved by the United States Secretary of Transportation under Title 23 of the United States Code.
(m)
“Play vehicle” means a vehicle that:
(1)
Has two or more wheels;
(2)
Is propelled only by human power;
(3)
Is not a bicycle, as defined in Title 11 of this article; and
(4)
Is not a wheelchair.
(n)
“Private road or driveway” means any way or place that:
(1)
Is privately owned; and
(2)
Is used for vehicular travel by its owner and by those having express or implied permission from the owner, but not by other persons.
(o)
“Public bicycle area” means any highway, bicycle path, or other facility or area maintained by this State, a political subdivision of this State, or any of their agencies for the use of bicycles.
(p)
“Railroad” means a carrier of people or property on cars that are operated on stationary rails.
(q)
“Railroad sign” or “railroad signal” means any sign, signal, or device placed by authority of a public body or official or by a railroad to warn of the presence of railroad tracks or the approach of a railroad train.
(r)
“Railroad train” means any locomotive or any other car, rolling stock, equipment, or other device that, alone or coupled to others, is operated on stationary rails.
(s)
“Residential district” means an area that:
(1)
Is not a business district; and
(2)
Adjoins and includes a highway where the property along the highway, for a distance of at least 300 feet, is improved mainly with residences or residences and buildings used for business.
(t)
“Right–of–way” means the right of one vehicle or pedestrian to proceed in a lawful manner on a highway in preference to another vehicle or pedestrian.
(t–1)
“Safety corridor” means a segment of a highway that is identified by the State Highway Administration as an area of high risk to vulnerable road users in a vulnerable road user safety assessment prepared under 23 U.S.C. § 148.
(u)
“Safety zone” means an area in a roadway that:
(1)
Is officially set apart for the exclusive use of pedestrians; and
(2)
Is protected or is so marked or indicated by adequate signs as to be plainly visible at all times while set apart as a safety zone.
(v)
“Shoulder” means that portion of a highway contiguous with the roadway for the accommodation of stopped vehicles, for emergency use, for use by bicycles and motor scooters, and for the lateral support of the base and surface courses of the roadway.
(w)
“Sidewalk” means that part of a highway:
(1)
That is intended for use by pedestrians; and
(2)
That is between:
(i)
The lateral curb lines or, in the absence of curbs, the lateral boundary lines of a roadway; and
(ii)
The adjacent property lines.
(x)
“Through highway” means a highway or part of a highway:
(1)
On which vehicular traffic is given the right–of–way; and
(2)
At the entrances to which vehicular traffic from intersecting highways is required by law to yield the right–of–way to vehicles on that highway or part of a highway, in obedience to either a stop sign or yield sign placed as provided in the Maryland Vehicle Law.
(y)
“Urban district” means an area that:
(1)
Adjoins and includes any street; and
(2)
Is built up with structures that are:
(i)
Devoted to business, industry, or dwelling houses; and
(ii)
Situated at intervals of less than 100 feet, for a distance of at least a quarter of a mile.
(z)
“Wheelchair” means a mobility aid belonging to any class of three– or four–wheeled devices that:
(1)
Is usable indoors;
(2)
Does not exceed 30 inches in width and 48 inches in length, when measured 2 inches above the ground; and
(3)
Is designed for and used by a mobility impaired individual, whether operated manually or powered.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-101.1 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
§ 21–101.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The provisions of this title relating to the driving of vehicles refer only to the driving of vehicles on highways, except:
(1)
As provided in subsection (b) of this section; and
(2)
Where a different or additional place specifically is provided for.
(b)
(1)
A person may not drive a motor vehicle in violation of any provision of this title on any private property that is used by the public in general, or on any private roadway located within:
(i)
A residential subdivision or community in Calvert County; or
(ii)
For the period beginning October 1, 2025, and ending July 1, 2028, the Queen Anne Village community in Owings Mills in Baltimore County.
(2)
A person may not drive a motor vehicle in violation of any provision of this title on any property that is owned by or under the control of this State or any of its political subdivisions, county boards of education, or community colleges and that is open to vehicular traffic and used by the public in general.
(3)
Any person who violates any provision of this subsection is in violation of the law to the same extent and is subject to the same penalty as if the motor vehicle were driven on a highway.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-102 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
§ 21–102LinkCopy Citation
A person may not do any act prohibited or fail to do any act required by this title.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-103 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
§ 21–103LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
A person may not willfully disobey any lawful order or direction of any police officer.
(2)
This subsection may not be construed to authorize a police officer at a motor vehicle checkpoint, as defined in § 25–114 of this article, to target only motorcycles for inspection or evaluation, except as appropriate at a police checkpoint established as part of a police search or investigation.
(b)
(1)
A police officer may summon witnesses to testify under oath on any charge brought under the Maryland Vehicle Law.
(2)
A person may not willfully disobey a summons.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-104 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
§ 21–104LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Every person riding an animal or driving an animal–drawn vehicle on a roadway has all the rights granted to and is subject to all the duties required of the driver of a vehicle by this title, except for those provisions of this title that by their very nature cannot apply.
(b)
(1)
Except in Charles, Worcester, and St. Mary’s counties, or as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person may not ride an animal or drive an animal–drawn vehicle on:
(i)
Any divided highway where the posted maximum speed limit is more than 35 miles per hour; or
(ii)
Any controlled access highway.
(2)
In Anne Arundel County, a person may ride an animal on any part of a highway described in paragraph (1) of this subsection, other than on its roadway or shoulder.
(c)
(1)
In this subsection, “horse” includes donkeys, mules, and ponies.
(2)
(i)
Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, this subsection applies only to horse riding on:
(1)
A highway;
(2)
A public horse–riding path or trail; or
(3)
The grounds of a facility:
(A)
Whose primary purpose is equestrian activities; and
(B)
That solicits or offers to the public recreational, educational, therapeutic, or competitive equestrian activities.
(ii)
This subsection does not apply to a minor who is:
(1)
Crossing a public highway that separates privately owned land;
(2)
Engaged in an agricultural practice or pursuit;
(3)
A member of an Amish or a Mennonite community; or
(4)
Receiving therapy services from a licensed medical provider and for whom the use of an alternative helmet is necessary, appropriate, and in compliance with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International’s Guidelines for Alternative Helmet Use.
(3)
An adult who is present and directly supervising a minor may not allow the minor to ride a horse unless the minor is wearing a properly secured helmet that meets or exceeds the standards of the American Society of Testing and Materials for protective headgear used in equestrian riding.
(4)
A violation of this subsection involving an adult supervising multiple minors at the same time shall be treated as a single violation.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-104.1 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
§ 21–104.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “all–terrain vehicle” includes an off–highway motorcycle.
(b)
Any person operating an all–terrain vehicle or a snowmobile on any portion of a highway designated for all–terrain vehicle or snowmobile use under § 25–102(a)(14) of this article has all the rights granted to and is subject to all the duties required of the driver of a vehicle by this title, except for those provisions of this title that by their very nature cannot apply.
(c)
In Allegany County and Garrett County a person may not operate an all–terrain vehicle or a snowmobile on a controlled access highway.
(d)
Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, in Allegany County and Garrett County a person may operate an all–terrain vehicle or a snowmobile on a State highway when crossing or traveling on the State highway in accordance with § 25–102(a)(14) of this article.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-104.2 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
§ 21–104.2LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Subject to subsection (b) of this section, a person who operates a golf cart on a county or municipal highway without registration, as authorized under § 13–402(c)(11) of this article:
(1)
May operate the golf cart only:
(i)
On a highway on which the maximum posted speed limit does not exceed:
(1)
Except as provided in item 2 of this item, 30 miles per hour; or
(2)
In Golden Beach Patuxent Knolls, St. Mary’s County, 35 miles per hour;
(ii)
Between dawn and dusk; and
(iii)
If the golf cart is equipped with lighting devices as required by the Administration;
(2)
Shall keep the golf cart as far to the right of the roadway as feasible; and
(3)
Shall possess a valid driver’s license.
(b)
The governing body of a county or municipality may designate the county or municipal highways under their respective jurisdictions within the county or municipality on which a person may operate a golf cart.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-104.3 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
§ 21–104.3LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Personal delivery device” means a powered device that:
(i)
Is operated primarily on shoulders, sidewalks, and crosswalks;
(ii)
Is intended for the transport of property on public rights–of–way;
(iii)
Weighs not more than 550 pounds, excluding cargo; and
(iv)
Is capable of navigating with or without the active control or monitoring of an individual.
(3)
(i)
“Personal delivery device operator” means an entity or its agent that exercises active or passive physical control or monitoring over the navigation system and operation of a personal delivery device.
(ii)
“Personal delivery device operator” does not include a person that:
(1)
Requests or receives the services of a personal delivery device to transport property; or
(2)
Arranges for and dispatches a personal delivery device to provide service to another person.
(b)
Subject to § 21–1205.1(f) of this title, a personal delivery device may operate without registration on any roadway, sidewalk, shoulder, or crosswalk in the State.
(c)
A personal delivery device may not:
(1)
Unreasonably interfere with traffic;
(2)
Block public rights–of–way;
(3)
Transport hazardous materials regulated under the Hazardous Materials Transport Act and required to be placarded under 49 C.F.R. Part 172, Subpart F; or
(4)
Operate on a sidewalk or crosswalk at a speed exceeding 7 miles per hour.
(d)
A personal delivery device operated on any roadway, sidewalk, shoulder, or crosswalk in the State shall:
(1)
Be visibly marked with a unique identifying number;
(2)
Be visibly marked with a means of identifying the personal delivery device operator;
(3)
If the personal delivery device operator is acting on behalf of a corporate entity, be visibly marked with contact information for that entity;
(4)
Be equipped with a system that enables the personal delivery device to come to a controlled stop;
(5)
Be covered by:
(i)
An insurance policy that provides general liability coverage of at least $100,000 for damages; or
(ii)
Another form of security acceptable to the Administration that adequately provides the benefits required by item (i) of this item;
(6)
Be equipped with lighting devices as required by the Administration after consultation with industry stakeholders;
(7)
Obey all traffic and pedestrian control devices; and
(8)
Be subject to municipal or county permitting requirements, where applicable.
(e)
Any information required by this section to be visibly marked on a personal delivery device shall also be marked in braille lettering.
(f)
(1)
Prior to beginning operations in the State, each operator of a personal delivery device shall file with the Administrator an emergency response plan designed to inform first responders about the personal delivery device, including information on its equipment and attributes and on how to deal with the device when it is encountered on public rights–of–way.
(2)
The Administrator, after consultation with industry stakeholders, may adopt policies outlining what must be included in an emergency response plan.
(3)
The Administrator shall be responsible for making each emergency response plan filed with the Administrator available to the appropriate first responder agencies of the State.
(g)
An operator of a personal delivery device shall:
(1)
Notify the governing body of each county and municipality within which the operator intends to operate the personal delivery device at least 30 days before the operator begins operating the personal delivery device in the county or municipality; and
(2)
Comply with all local ordinances, regulations, and rules of each county and municipality for which the operator is required to provide notice under item (1) of this subsection.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-105 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
§ 21–105LinkCopy Citation
Unless specifically made applicable, the provisions of this title, except for those in Subtitle 9 of this title, do not apply to persons, motor vehicles, and equipment while engaged in construction or maintenance work on a highway. However, the provisions of this title do apply to these persons, vehicles, and equipment when traveling to or from this work.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-106 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
§ 21–106LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Subject to the conditions stated in this section:
(1)
The driver of an emergency vehicle registered in any state may exercise the privileges set forth in this section while:
(i)
Responding to an emergency call;
(ii)
Pursuing a violator or suspected violator of the law;
(iii)
Responding to, but not while returning from, a fire alarm;
(iv)
Transporting on an emergency basis a human organ for transplantation; or
(v)
Transporting medical personnel on an emergency basis for the purpose of performing human organ recovery or transplantation;
(2)
The driver of an emergency vehicle registered in the State or a local jurisdiction in the State may exercise the privileges set forth in this section while performing motorcade or escort duty if the motorcade or escort duty involves:
(i)
Homeland security;
(ii)
A funeral;
(iii)
A dignitary; or
(iv)
Facilitating the safe movement of vehicles or pedestrians that are or will be near the motorcade or escort; and
(3)
(i)
The Administration may designate an organ delivery vehicle as an emergency vehicle only if it is registered to a federally designated organ procurement organization or a professional organ transportation organization; and
(ii)
A person may not exercise the privileges authorized under this section while operating an organ delivery vehicle unless the person is certified to operate emergency vehicles through completion of an emergency vehicle operator course approved by the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute.
(b)
Under the circumstances stated in subsection (a) of this section, the driver of an emergency vehicle may:
(1)
Park or stand without regard to the other provisions of this title;
(2)
Pass a red or stop signal, a stop sign, or a yield sign, but only after slowing down as necessary for safety;
(3)
Exceed any maximum speed limit, but only so long as the driver does not endanger life or property;
(4)
Disregard any traffic control device or regulation governing direction of movement or turning in a specified direction; and
(5)
Travel through any local jurisdiction in the State as necessary to perform and return from motorcade or escort duty.
(c)
(1)
Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the privileges set forth in this section apply only while the emergency vehicle is using audible and visual signals that meet the requirements of § 22–218 of this article, except that an emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle need not be equipped with or display the visual signals.
(2)
The privileges set forth in subsection (b)(1) of this section apply only while the emergency vehicle is using visual signals that meet the requirements of § 22–218 of this article.
(3)
(i)
The driver of an emergency vehicle may not use flashing lights or a bell, siren, or exhaust whistle while returning from an emergency call, fire alarm, or motorcade or escort, except that fire apparatus carrying standing firefighters may use flashing lights that are visible only to the rear.
(ii)
The driver of an emergency vehicle, while parking or backing the emergency vehicle, may use flashing lights within 100 feet of the entrance ramp to a:
(1)
Fire station; or
(2)
Rescue station.
(4)
Before exercising the privileges set forth in subsection (b)(5) of this section, the jurisdiction that employs the driver of a motorcade or escort shall provide notice of the motorcade or escort to any jurisdiction that the driver will enter while performing or returning from the motorcade or escort duty.
(d)
This section does not relieve the driver of an emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-107 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
§ 21–107LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A school crossing guard who meets the qualifications in subsection (b) of this section may stop or otherwise direct vehicles and pedestrians on a highway or on school grounds to assist:
(1)
Pedestrians in the safe crossing of highways at a school crossing;
(2)
School vehicles in entering and leaving school grounds; and
(3)
Except in Baltimore City, vehicles that are not school vehicles in entering and leaving school grounds.
(b)
A school crossing guard is qualified to direct traffic as described in subsection (a) of this section if the school crossing guard:
(1)
Is 18 years of age or older;
(2)
Is under the control of a local law enforcement agency or a county school board;
(3)
Has completed training to perform any traffic direction duties to which the guard is assigned as prescribed by the law enforcement agency or county school board that has control over the school crossing guard; and
(4)
Is wearing an appropriate uniform as specified by the law enforcement agency or county school board that has control over the school crossing guard.
(c)
A person may not willfully disobey a lawful direction of a school crossing guard exercising the authority granted in this section.
(d)
Nothing in this section prohibits a school crossing guard who does not meet the qualifications specified in subsection (b) of this section from assisting a pedestrian to cross a highway, providing the school crossing guard does not attempt to do so by directing traffic.