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SB 915

Baltimore County - Vehicle Laws - Private Roadways in Residential Communities

2025 Regular Session

expands Maryland Vehicle Law to private roads in Queen Anne Village (Owings Mills) from Oct 1, 2025 to Sept 30, 2028, with county enforcement.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 421
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Bill Summary · SB 915

Summary — SB 915 (Chapter 421, 2025)

Title: Baltimore County - Vehicle Laws - Private Roadways in Residential Communities
Status: Approved by the Governor (Chapter 421). Effective October 1, 2025. Termination: September 30, 2028.

Purpose / Intent

SB 915 temporarily expands the applicability and enforceability of the Maryland Vehicle Law on certain private roadways in Baltimore County — specifically the Queen Anne Village community in Owings Mills — so that drivers on those private roadways are subject to the same vehicle-law requirements and enforcement as on public highways. The measure seeks to improve compliance with traffic laws and safety within that residential community.

Key provisions

  • Statutory changes: Amends Article — Transportation, §§ 11‑205(c) and 21‑101.1(b)(1).
  • General enforcement authority: Adds Baltimore County (alongside Calvert County) to the provision authorizing a police officer to enforce Maryland Vehicle Law on a private roadway located within a residential subdivision or community and used for vehicular travel by residents.
  • Targeted, time-limited application for Queen Anne Village:
    • From October 1, 2025, through July 1, 2028, a person may not drive in violation of the Maryland Vehicle Law on private roadways within the Queen Anne Village community in Owings Mills.
    • During that same period, Baltimore County police officers may enforce Maryland Vehicle Law on those private roadways used for vehicular traffic by residents.
  • Reporting requirement: On or before September 1, 2028, the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD) must report to the Baltimore County Delegation on implementation and whether compliance improved in Queen Anne Village.
  • Sunset: The Act takes effect October 1, 2025; it remains in force for three years and is abrogated September 30, 2028 (the enforcement window specifically ends July 1, 2028).

Who is affected

  • Residents and drivers who use private roadways in the Queen Anne Village community (Owings Mills), who will be subject to Maryland Vehicle Law during the specified period.
  • Baltimore County Police Department, which is authorized (but not required) to enforce State vehicle laws on those private roadways.
  • Homeowners associations or property owners in the community may see changes in enforcement and compliance dynamics.

Fiscal and operational impact

  • State: No material fiscal impact.
  • Local (Baltimore County): The fiscal note indicates enforcement can likely be accommodated with existing BCPD resources; BCPD noted it might hire additional officers, but the Department of Legislative Services characterized the enforcement provision as authorizing rather than mandatory. No change in revenues anticipated.
  • Small business: None anticipated.

Related legislation

  • Companion bill: HB 528 (Baltimore County Delegation).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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