Explanation: Capitals indicate matter added to existing law.
[Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill
Introduced by: Councilmember Dorsey
A Bill Entitled
An Ordinance concerning
title
Bus Lanes and Stops - Prohibited Parking
For the purpose of allowing the Director of Transportation to designate bus lanes and bus stops on City streets; prohibiting parking in designated bus lanes and stops; allowing for the towing of vehicles in properly marked and designated bus lanes and stops; setting certain penalties; clarifying and conforming related provisions; and generally relating to bus lanes and bus stops.
body
By renaming
Article 31 - Transit and Traffic
Subtitle 16, “Part 7 - Buses; Transit Loading Zones”
to be
Subtitle 16, “Part 7 - Buses; Private Transit Loading Zones”
and
Section 16-47. “Maintenance of stops.”
to be
Section 16-47. “Maintenance of private stops.”
Baltimore City Code
(Edition 2000)
By adding
Article 31 - Transit and Traffic
Section(s) 23-1 to 23-5, to be under the new subtitle:
“Subtitle 23. Bus Lanes and Stops”
Baltimore City Code
(Edition 2000)
By repealing and reordaining, without amendments
Article 31 - Transit and Traffic
Section(s) 31-7(b)
Baltimore City Code
(Edition 2000)
By adding
Article 31 - Transit and Traffic
Section(s) 31-110 and 36-4(6)
Baltimore City Code
(Edition 2000)
Section 1. Be it ordained by the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, That the Laws of Baltimore City read as follows:
Baltimore City Code
Article 31. Transit and Traffic
Subtitle 16. Use-of-the-Road Regulations
Part 7. Buses; Private Transit Loading Zones
§ 16-47. Maintenance of private stops.
Subtitle 23. Bus Lanes and Stops
§ 23-1. Definitions.
(a) In general.
In this subtitle, the following terms have the meanings indicated.
(b) Bus lane.
“Bus lane” means a portion of a City street designated exclusively for the use of busses.
(c) Bus stop.
“Bus stop” means a portion of a City street adjacent to the edge of the street designated for the loading and unloading of passengers from busses.
(d) Director.
“Director” means the Director of Transportation.
§ 23-2 Rules and regulations.
(a) DoT to adopt.
The Director may adopt rules and regulations to implement this subtitle.
(b) Filing with Legislative Reference.
A copy of all rules and regulations adopted under this subtitle must be filed with the Department of Legislative Reference before they become effective.
§ 23-3. Designation of bus lanes and stops.
The Director may designate bus lanes and bus stops on City streets.
§ 23-4. Markings.
(a) On Street.
Bus lanes must be clearly marked on the street in accordance with the United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices or other nationally recognized standards.
(b) Signage.
The application and placement of signs marking bus lanes and bus stops must conform to the United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
§ 23-5. Parking restrictions.
No motor vehicle may park or stand in an area designated and marked as a bus lane or a bus stop.
Subtitle 31. Clear Streets and Impoundment
Part 2. General Conditions Warranting Impoundment
§ 31-7. Vehicles illegally parked, etc.
(b) Removal of vehicles - Impounding areas.
(1) In the impounding areas designated in Part 7 of this subtitle, the Department of Transportation shall post conspicuous signs warning the public of the restricted hours and bearing the statement “Cars Towed Away” or “Tow Away Zone”.
(2) In an impounding area in which the required signs have been clearly posted, the Police Commissioner may cause vehicles that are illegally parked, standing, or stopped to be removed and impounded.
Part 7. Impounding Areas
§ 31-110. Bus lanes.
Within any bus lane or bus stop designated by the Director pursuant to § 23-3 {“Designation of bus lanes and stops”} of this article.
Subtitle 36. Parking, etc., Fines, Penalties, and Procedures
§ 36-4. $250 fines.
(6) Parking or standing in a bus lane or a bus stop in violation of § 23-5 {“Parking restrictions”} of this article is punishable by a fine of $250.
Section 2. And be it further ordained, That the catchlines contained in this Ordinance are not law and may not be considered to have been enacted as a part of this or any prior Ordinance.
Section 3. And be it further ordained, That this Ordinance takes effect on the 30th day after the date it is enacted.