Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road — Subtitle 2. Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-201 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 2. Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings
§ 21–201LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Subject to the exceptions granted in this title to the driver of an emergency vehicle, the driver of any vehicle, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall obey the instructions of any traffic control device applicable to the vehicle and placed in accordance with the Maryland Vehicle Law.
(2)
The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection controlled by a traffic control device may not drive across private property or leave the roadway for the purpose of avoiding the instructions of a traffic control device.
(b)
(1)
If a provision of the Maryland Vehicle Law or of an ordinance or regulation of a local authority requires a traffic control device, the provision is unenforceable against an alleged violator if, at the time and place of the alleged violation, the traffic control device is not in proper position and legible enough to be seen by an ordinarily observant individual.
(2)
Unless a provision of the Maryland Vehicle Law or of an ordinance or regulation of a local authority states that a traffic control device is required, the provision is effective and enforceable even if no traffic control device is in place.
(c)
Unless the contrary is established by competent evidence, if a traffic control device is placed in a position approximately meeting the requirements of the Maryland Vehicle Law, the device is presumed to have been placed by the official act or direction of lawful authority.
(d)
Unless the contrary is established by competent evidence, if a traffic control device is placed in accordance with the Maryland Vehicle Law and purports to meet the lawful requirements governing these devices, the device is presumed to meet the requirements of the Maryland Vehicle Law.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-202 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 2. Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings
§ 21–202LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Except for special pedestrian signals that carry a legend, where traffic is controlled by traffic control signals that show different colored lights or colored lighted arrows, whether successively one at a time or in combination, only the colors green, red, and yellow may be used.
(2)
These lights apply to drivers and pedestrians as provided in this section.
(b)
Vehicular traffic facing a circular green signal may proceed straight through or, unless a sign at the place prohibits the turn, turn right or left.
(c)
Vehicular traffic described under subsection (b) of this section, including any vehicle turning right or left, shall yield the right-of-way to any other vehicle and any pedestrian lawfully within the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk when the signal is shown.
(d)
Vehicular traffic facing a green arrow signal, whether shown alone or with another indication, cautiously may enter the intersection, but only to make the movement indicated by the arrow or to make another movement permitted by other indications shown at the same time.
(e)
Vehicular traffic described under subsection (d) of this section shall yield the right–of–way to any pedestrian or bicycle lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to any other traffic lawfully using the intersection.
(f)
Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal as provided in § 21-203 of this subtitle, a pedestrian facing any green signal, unless the green signal is only a turn arrow, may cross the roadway, within any marked or unmarked crosswalk, in the direction of the green signal.
(g)
(1)
Vehicular traffic facing a steady yellow signal is warned that the related green movement is ending or that a red signal, which will prohibit vehicular traffic from entering the intersection, will be shown immediately after the yellow signal.
(2)
Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal as provided in § 21-203 of this subtitle, a pedestrian facing a steady yellow signal is warned that there is not enough time to cross the roadway before a red signal is shown, and a pedestrian may not then start to cross the roadway.
(h)
(1)
Vehicular traffic facing a steady circular red signal alone:
(i)
Shall stop at the near side of the intersection:
(1)
At a clearly marked stop line;
(2)
If there is no clearly marked stop line, before entering any crosswalk; or
(3)
If there is no crosswalk, before entering the intersection; and
(ii)
Except as provided in subsections (i), (j), and (k) of this section, shall remain stopped until a signal to proceed is shown.
(2)
Vehicular traffic facing a steady red arrow signal:
(i)
May not enter the intersection to make the movement indicated by the arrow;
(ii)
Unless entering the intersection to make a movement permitted by another signal, shall stop at the near side of the intersection:
(1)
At a clearly marked stop line;
(2)
If there is no clearly marked stop line, before entering any crosswalk; or
(3)
If there is no crosswalk, before entering the intersection; and
(iii)
Except as provided in subsections (i), (j), and (k) of this section, shall remain stopped until a signal permitting the movement is shown.
(i)
Unless a sign prohibiting a turn is in place, vehicular traffic facing a steady red signal, after stopping as required by subsection (h) of this section, cautiously may enter the intersection and make:
(1)
A right turn; or
(2)
A left turn from a one-way street onto a one-way street.
(j)
If a sign permitting any other turn is in place, vehicular traffic facing a steady red signal, after stopping as required by subsection (h) of this section, cautiously may enter the intersection and make the turn indicated by the sign.
(k)
In each instance, vehicular traffic described in subsections (i) and (j) of this section shall yield the right–of–way to any pedestrian or bicycle lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another roadway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard.
(l)
Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal as provided in § 21-203 of this subtitle, pedestrians facing a steady red signal alone may not enter the roadway.
(m)
Except for those provisions of this section that by their very nature cannot apply, this section applies to a traffic control signal placed at a location other than an intersection. Each stop required by the signal shall be made at a sign or marking on the pavement indicating where the stop shall be made or, if there is no sign or marking, at the signal.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-202.1 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 2. Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings
§ 21–202.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Agency” means:
(i)
For a traffic control signal operated and maintained at an intersection under the control of the State, the law enforcement agency primarily responsible for traffic control at that intersection; or
(ii)
For a traffic control signal operated and maintained at an intersection under the control of a political subdivision, a law enforcement agency of the political subdivision that is authorized to issue citations for a violation of the Maryland Vehicle Law or of local traffic laws or regulations.
(3)
(i)
“Owner” means the registered owner of a motor vehicle or a lessee of a motor vehicle under a lease of 6 months or more.
(ii)
“Owner” does not include:
(1)
A motor vehicle rental or leasing company;
(2)
A holder of a special registration plate issued under Title 13, Subtitle 9, Part III of this article; or
(3)
A peer–to–peer car sharing program under § 19–520 of the Insurance Article.
(4)
“Recorded images” means images recorded by a traffic control signal monitoring system:
(i)
On:
(1)
Two or more photographs;
(2)
Two or more microphotographs;
(3)
Two or more electronic images;
(4)
Videotape; or
(5)
Any other medium; and
(ii)
Showing the rear of a motor vehicle and, on at least one image or portion of tape, clearly identifying the registration plate number of the motor vehicle.
(5)
“Traffic control signal monitoring system” means a device with one or more motor vehicle sensors working in conjunction with a traffic control signal to produce recorded images of motor vehicles entering an intersection against a red signal indication.
(b)
(1)
The agency primarily responsible for traffic control at an intersection monitored by a traffic control signal monitoring system shall ensure that the length of time that a traffic control signal displays a yellow light before changing to a red signal indication is set in accordance with regulations adopted by the State Highway Administration consistent with standards or guidelines established by the Federal Highway Administration.
(2)
An agency may not issue a citation for a violation recorded by a traffic control signal monitoring system at a traffic control signal that does not comply with the timing requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(c)
This section applies to a violation of § 21-202(h) of this subtitle at an intersection monitored by a traffic control signal monitoring system.
(d)
(1)
Unless the driver of the motor vehicle received a citation from a police officer at the time of the violation, the owner or, in accordance with subsection (g)(5) of this section, the driver of a motor vehicle is subject to a civil penalty if the motor vehicle is recorded by a traffic control signal monitoring system while being operated in violation of § 21-202(h) of this subtitle.
(2)
A civil penalty under this subsection may not exceed $100.
(3)
For purposes of this section, the District Court shall prescribe:
(i)
A uniform citation form consistent with subsection (e)(1) of this section and § 7-302 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article; and
(ii)
A civil penalty, which shall be indicated on the citation, to be paid by persons who choose to prepay the civil penalty without appearing in District Court.
(e)
(1)
Subject to the provisions of paragraphs (2) through (4) of this subsection, an agency shall mail to the owner liable under subsection (d) of this section a citation which shall include:
(i)
The name and address of the registered owner of the vehicle;
(ii)
The registration number of the motor vehicle involved in the violation;
(iii)
The violation charged;
(iv)
The location of the intersection;
(v)
The date and time of the violation;
(vi)
A copy of the recorded image;
(vii)
The amount of the civil penalty imposed and the date by which the civil penalty should be paid;
(viii)
A signed statement by a technician employed by the agency that, based on inspection of recorded images, the motor vehicle was being operated in violation of § 21–202(h) of this subtitle;
(ix)
A statement that recorded images are evidence of a violation of § 21–202(h) of this subtitle; and
(x)
Information advising the person alleged to be liable under this section:
(1)
Of the manner and time in which liability as alleged in the citation may be contested in the District Court; and
(2)
Warning that failure to pay the civil penalty or to contest liability in a timely manner is an admission of liability and may result in refusal or suspension of the motor vehicle registration.
(2)
The agency may mail a warning notice in lieu of a citation to the owner liable under subsection (d) of this section.
(3)
Except as provided in subsection (g)(5) of this section, a citation issued under this section shall be mailed no later than 2 weeks after the alleged violation.
(4)
An agency may not mail a citation to a person who is not an owner under subsection (a)(3)(ii) of this section.
(5)
A person who receives a citation under paragraph (1) of this subsection may:
(i)
Pay the civil penalty, in accordance with instructions on the citation, directly to the political subdivision or to the District Court; or
(ii)
Elect to stand trial for the alleged violation.
(6)
To mail the citation or warning notice, an agency shall use:
(i)
The current mailing address on file with the Administration; or
(ii)
If a mailing address is unavailable, the current residential address on file with the Administration.
(f)
(1)
A certificate alleging that the violation of § 21-202(h) of this subtitle occurred, sworn to or affirmed by a duly authorized agent of the agency, based on inspection of recorded images produced by a traffic control signal monitoring system shall be evidence of the facts contained therein and shall be admissible in any proceeding alleging a violation under this section.
(2)
Adjudication of liability shall be based on a preponderance of evidence.
(g)
(1)
The District Court may consider in defense of a violation:
(i)
That the driver of the vehicle passed through the intersection in violation of § 21-202(h) of this subtitle:
(1)
In order to yield the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle; or
(2)
As part of a funeral procession in accordance with § 21-207 of this subtitle;
(ii)
Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, that the motor vehicle or registration plates of the motor vehicle were stolen before the violation occurred and were not under the control or possession of the owner at the time of the violation;
(iii)
That under § 21-201 of this subtitle, this section is unenforceable against the owner because at the time and place of the alleged violation, the traffic control signal was not in proper position and legible enough to be seen by an ordinarily observant individual;
(iv)
Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, evidence that the person named in the citation was not operating the vehicle at the time of the violation; and
(v)
Any other issues and evidence that the District Court deems pertinent.
(2)
In order to demonstrate that the motor vehicle or the registration plates were stolen before the violation occurred and were not under the control or possession of the owner at the time of the violation, the owner must submit proof that a police report about the stolen motor vehicle or registration plates was filed in a timely manner.
(3)
To satisfy the evidentiary burden under paragraph (1)(iv) of this subsection, the person named in the citation shall provide to the District Court evidence to the satisfaction of the court of who was operating the vehicle at the time of the violation, including, at a minimum, the operator’s name and current address.
(4)
(i)
The provisions of this paragraph apply only to a citation that involves a Class E (truck) vehicle with a registered gross weight of 26,001 pounds or more, Class F (tractor) vehicle, Class G (trailer) vehicle operated in combination with a Class F (tractor) vehicle, and Class P (passenger bus) vehicle.
(ii)
To satisfy the evidentiary burden under paragraph (1)(iv) of this subsection, the person named in a citation described under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph may provide to the District Court a letter, sworn to or affirmed by the person and mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, that:
(1)
States that the person named in the citation was not operating the vehicle at the time of the violation; and
(2)
Provides the name, address, and driver’s license identification number of the person who was operating the vehicle at the time of the violation.
(5)
(i)
If the District Court finds that the person named in the citation was not operating the vehicle at the time of the violation or receives evidence under paragraph (4)(ii)2 of this subsection identifying the person driving the vehicle at the time of the violation, the clerk of the court shall provide to the agency issuing the citation a copy of any evidence substantiating who was operating the vehicle at the time of the violation.
(ii)
Upon the receipt of substantiating evidence from the District Court under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, an agency may issue a citation as provided in subsection (e) of this section to the person that the evidence indicates was operating the vehicle at the time of the violation.
(iii)
A citation issued under subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph shall be mailed no later than 2 weeks after receipt of the evidence from the District Court.
(h)
If the civil penalty is not paid and the violation is not contested, the Administration may refuse to register or reregister the motor vehicle.
(i)
A violation for which a civil penalty is imposed under this section:
(1)
Is not a moving violation for the purpose of assessing points under § 16-402 of this article and may not be recorded by the Administration on the driving record of the owner or driver of the vehicle;
(2)
May be treated as a parking violation for purposes of § 26-305 of this article; and
(3)
May not be considered in the provision of motor vehicle insurance coverage.
(j)
(1)
In consultation with local governments, the chief judge of the District Court shall adopt procedures for the issuance of citations, the trial of civil violations, and the collection of civil penalties under this section.
(2)
The standards and requirements for the use, processing, and disposal of recorded images and associated data established under § 12–113.1 of this article apply to citations issued under this section.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-203 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 2. Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings
§ 21–203LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Where special pedestrian control signals showing the words “walk”, “dont walk”, or “wait” or the symbols of “walking person” or “upraised hand” are in place, the signals have the indications provided in this section.
(b)
A pedestrian facing a “walk” or “walking person” signal may cross the roadway in the direction of the signal and shall be given the right-of-way by the driver of any vehicle. At an intersection where an exclusive all-pedestrian interval is provided, a pedestrian may cross the roadway in any direction within the intersection.
(c)
A pedestrian may not start to cross the roadway in the direction of a “dont walk” or “upraised hand” signal.
(d)
A pedestrian may not start to cross the roadway in the direction of a “wait signal”.
(e)
If a pedestrian has partly completed crossing on a “walk” or “walking person” signal, the pedestrian shall proceed without delay to a sidewalk or safety island while the “dont walk”, “wait”, or “upraised hand” signal is showing.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-204 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 2. Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings
§ 21–204LinkCopy Citation
(a)
If a flashing red or yellow light is used in a traffic signal or with a traffic sign, it requires obedience by vehicular traffic as provided in this section.
(b)
If a red lens is lit with rapid intermittent flashes, the driver of a vehicle shall stop at the near side of the intersection at a clearly marked stop line.
(c)
If a red lens is lit with rapid intermittent flashes, the driver of a vehicle shall stop at the near side of the intersection, if there is no clearly marked stop line, before entering any crosswalk.
(d)
If a red lens is lit with rapid intermittent flashes, the driver of a vehicle shall stop at the near side of the intersection, if there is no crosswalk, before entering the intersection.
(e)
The right to proceed after making the stop is subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign.
(f)
If a yellow lens is lit with rapid intermittent flashes, the driver of a vehicle may proceed through the intersection or past the signal only with caution.
(g)
This section does not apply at any railroad grade crossing.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-204.1 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 2. Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings
§ 21–204.1LinkCopy Citation
Where lane direction control signals are placed over the individual lanes of a highway, vehicular traffic may travel in any lane over which a green signal is shown, but may not enter or travel in any lane over which a red signal is shown.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-205 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 2. Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings
§ 21–205LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not place, maintain, or display on or in view of any highway any unauthorized sign, signal, marking, or device that purports to be, is an imitation of, or resembles a traffic control device or a railroad sign or signal.
(b)
A person may not place, maintain, or display on or in view of any highway any unauthorized sign, signal, marking, or device that attempts to direct the movement of traffic.
(c)
A person may not place, maintain, or display on or in view of any highway any unauthorized sign, signal, marking, or device that hides or interferes with the effectiveness of a traffic control device or a railroad sign or signal.
(d)
A person may not place, maintain, or display on or in view of any highway any unauthorized sign, signal, marking, or device that, except as otherwise permitted by law, contains:
(1)
Any of the following words: “stop”, “curve”, “warning”, “slow”, “danger”, “listen”, “look”, or “school”; or
(2)
Any other word used in directing the movement of traffic.
(e)
A person may not place or maintain on any highway nor may any public authority permit on any highway any traffic sign or signal that has any commercial advertising on it.
(f)
This section does not prohibit the placement on private property adjacent to a highway of a sign giving useful directional information, if the sign is of a type that cannot be mistaken for an official sign and is placed with the approval of the State Highway Administration.
(g)
Each sign, signal, marking, or device prohibited by this section is a public nuisance, and the authority that has jurisdiction over the highway may remove it without notice.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-206 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 2. Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings
§ 21–206LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person without lawful authority may not willfully alter, or interfere with the operation of, any traffic control device or any railroad sign or signal, including any inscription, shield, or insignia on it.
(b)
A person without lawful authority may not willfully deface any traffic control device or any railroad sign or signal, including any inscription, shield, or insignia on it.
(c)
A person without lawful authority may not willfully injure any traffic control device or any railroad sign or signal, including any inscription, shield, or insignia on it.
(d)
A person without lawful authority may not willfully knock down any traffic control device or any railroad sign or signal, including any inscription, shield, or insignia on it.
(e)
A person without lawful authority may not willfully change the direction of any traffic control device or any railroad sign or signal, including any inscription, shield, or insignia on it.
(f)
A person without lawful authority may not willfully twist any traffic control device or any railroad sign or signal, including any inscription, shield, or insignia on it.
(g)
A person without lawful authority may not willfully remove any part of any traffic control device or any railroad sign or signal, including any inscription, shield, or insignia on it.
(h)
A person without lawful authority may not possess, with an intent to use, any device capable of transmitting an infrared, electronic, or other signal to a traffic control device or a railroad sign or signal for the purpose of altering or otherwise interfering with the operation of the traffic control device or a railroad sign or signal.�
(i)
A person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 2 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-206.1 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 2. Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings
§ 21–206.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Component for electrical current transmission and storage” includes any of the following if it is placed by the authority of a public body or official:
(i)
A battery;
(ii)
An item used for surge protection;
(iii)
A fuse;
(iv)
A conduit;
(v)
A circuit breaker;
(vi)
A transformer;
(vii)
A hand hole;
(viii)
A manhole; and
(ix)
Conductor wire.
(3)
“Intelligent transportation system” includes any of the following if it is placed by the authority of a public body or official:
(i)
A wired or wireless communications device connected to a traffic control device or a lighting device;
(ii)
Any fiber–optic communications cabling connected to any government–owned or –placed transportation–related equipment or device through wireless radio, Bluetooth, Wi–Fi, or microwave systems; and
(iii)
(1)
Radio consoles;
(2)
Modems;
(3)
Routers;
(4)
Switches;
(5)
Encoders;
(6)
Decoders;
(7)
Power supplies;
(8)
Traffic controllers;
(9)
Road sensors;
(10)
Variable message signs;
(11)
Cameras;
(12)
Roadside units;
(13)
Highway advisory radio weather sensors;
(14)
Radio towers and shelters;
(15)
Speed detectors;
(16)
Remote traffic microwave sensors;
(17)
Portable generators;
(18)
Fog warning systems;
(19)
Bluetooth readers;
(20)
Power controllers;
(21)
Uninterruptible power supplies; and
(22)
Batteries or battery backups.
(b)
A person without lawful authority may not willfully alter, disconnect, tamper with, remove, or otherwise interfere with a transportation–related component for electrical current transmission and storage or an intelligent transportation system.
(c)
A person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to:
(1)
For a first offense, imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,500 or both; and
(2)
For a second or subsequent offense, imprisonment not exceeding 18 months or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-207 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 2. Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings
§ 21–207LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, a funeral procession facing a red signal may continue through or make a turn at an intersection if the first vehicle in the procession already entered the intersection before the signal changed from green to red.
(b)
While a funeral procession is proceeding through a red signal as permitted by this section, a vehicle that is not in the procession may not enter the intersection, even if it is facing a green signal, unless it can do so without crossing the path of the procession. When the red signal changes to green while the funeral procession is still within the intersection, a vehicle facing a green signal may proceed, but the funeral procession has the right-of-way.
(c)
The driver of a vehicle in a funeral procession does not have any privilege granted in this section unless:
(1)
The headlights of the vehicle are turned on; and
(2)
Subject to § 22-221(g) of this article, the warning lamps of the vehicle are flashing.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-208 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 2. Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings
§ 21–208LinkCopy Citation
(a)
All overpasses less than 14.5 feet in height above the roadway surface shall have a sign denoting the height above the roadway.
(b)
The design and placement of the sign shall be consistent with the specifications established in the manual on uniform traffic control devices for streets and highways adopted by the State Highway Administration under § 25-104 of this article.
Md. Code Ann., Transp. § 21-209 (2026)
Title 21. Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 2. Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings
§ 21–209LinkCopy Citation
Vehicular traffic approaching a nonfunctioning traffic control signal at an intersection shall:
(1)
Stop:
(i)
At a clearly marked stop line;
(ii)
If there is no clearly marked stop line, before entering any crosswalk; or
(iii)
If there is no clearly marked stop line or crosswalk, before entering the intersection;
(2)
Yield to any vehicle or pedestrian in the intersection; and
(3)
Remain stopped until it is safe to enter and continue through the intersection.