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SB 936

Vehicle Laws - Bus Obstruction Monitoring Systems and Bus Stop Zones

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Will Smith and 2 co-sponsors

Expands automated enforcement to ban stopping in bus stop zones when a transit vehicle is present and allows penalties up to $75 for violations detected by bus obstruction monitori

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Bill Summary · SB 936

Summary of Senate Bill 936 (2026) – Vehicle Laws: Bus Obstruction Monitoring Systems and Bus Stop Zones

Overview

SB 936, introduced February 6, 2026, by Senators West, Smith, and Waldstreicher, modernizes and expands automated enforcement related to bus operations in Maryland. The bill rebrands and expands existing “bus lane monitoring systems” to “bus obstruction monitoring systems,” and adds a new enforcement provision prohibiting stopping, standing, or parking in bus stop zones when a transit vehicle is present. It also adjusts penalties, training, data handling, and administrative processes to support the expanded enforcement framework.

Purpose and Intent

  • Replace references to bus lane monitoring with bus obstruction monitoring systems to reflect broader enforcement use.
  • Prohibit stopping, standing, or parking in bus stop zones when a transit vehicle is present, with limited exceptions.
  • Facilitate use of automated enforcement to support compliance in both dedicated bus lanes and bus stop zones.
  • Align procedures for issuing citations, handling recorded images, and administering penalties with current court processes.

Key Provisions and Changes

A. Bus Obstruction Monitoring Systems (formerly bus lane monitoring)

  • Allows local jurisdictions and state agencies to operate bus obstruction monitoring systems that capture images of vehicles violating bus lane or bus stop zone rules.
  • Systems must meet specific operational requirements, including conspicuous signage and video indications differentiating violators from lawful stops.
  • Retention and use of recorded images are restricted (e.g., up to 6 months or 60 days after disposition for evidence of violation; non-violations destroyed within 15 days).
  • Prohibits biometric identification techniques (e.g., facial recognition) in these systems.
  • Training and certification requirements for operators; ongoing annual calibration by an independent lab.

B. Bus Stop Zone Prohibition

  • New prohibitory text: “A person may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle in a bus stop zone if a transit vehicle is present,” with limited exceptions:
    • Authorization by the local jurisdiction, or
    • Actively loading/unloading passengers with hazard lights activated.
  • Bus stop zones defined as areas designated for loading/unloading passengers and transit corridors associated with designated stops.

C. Citations, Penalties, and Processing

  • Civil penalty for violations recorded by bus obstruction monitoring systems: not to exceed $75 (existing framework for bus lane violations remains, with possible higher penalties for other moving violations in related contexts).
  • Citations may be mailed to owners; warning notices allowed during the first 45 days of system operation.
  • Rental car scenarios: agencies must obtain certain information before mailing a citation to rental companies; options to resolve via the District Court or pay penalties directly to the jurisdiction.
  • Evidence and testimony: certificates and recordings from the system may be admitted; operators may testify if notified in advance.
  • Liability and adjudication: liability determined by a preponderance of the evidence; procedures mirror existing citation processes, with adjustments for notices, timelines, and defenses (e.g., stolen vehicles, operator not driving).

D. Administrative and Local Impacts

  • Local governments with existing bus lane monitoring systems may see revenue increases from new bus stop zone violations; additional costs include system expansion, mailings, and potential IT upgrades.
  • District Court workload may rise due to more automated citations; a potential but minimal impact on general fund revenues through fine collections.

Effective Date

  • The act takes effect October 1, 2026.

Who Is Affected

  • Vehicle owners and drivers facing civil penalties for violations in bus lanes or bus stop zones.
  • Local jurisdictions and state agencies operating or considering bus obstruction monitoring systems.
  • Rental car companies and their customers in violations involving rental vehicles.
  • District Court and related administrative bodies handling citations and processing.

This measure aims to improve compliance around buses by expanding enforcement tools while maintaining clear privacy, training, and procedural safeguards.

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

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