Ocean City Designates Special Event Zone and Enhanced Parking Measures for Cruisin’ Ocean City Event

OCEAN CITY, MD

As thousands of car enthusiasts are expected to visit our resort community next week, the Ocean City Police Department is taking proactive steps to ensure everyone’s safety. From Tuesday, April 29, through Sunday, May 4, Ocean City will be designated as a Special Event Zone due to the Cruisin’ Ocean City event.

Within this Special Event Zone, speed limits will be reduced, and fines for violations will be increased. In addition, legislation signed in 2020 allows for enhanced penalties for specific motor vehicle violations. Similar to a construction zone, offenders may face higher fines or even arrest, depending on the offense.

Throughout the event, residents and visitors should anticipate a significant police presence, with support from allied agencies. Officers from the Ocean City Police Department, Maryland State Police, and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office will strictly enforce all traffic laws. Expect heavy traffic congestion and possible changes to normal traffic patterns throughout the weekend.

In addition to the Special Event Zone, the Town of Ocean City has enacted Resolution 2025-10, which designates specific dates for enhanced paid parking rates and penalties during special events. These measures will be in effect from May 1 to 4, 2025, to help manage the increased number of visitors and support public safety. The enhanced parking penalties focus on prohibited parking areas (like no parking signs, red curbs, fire hydrants, and sidewalks) to improve traffic flow, parking compliance, and enforcement during high-attendance periods.

We urge all spectators to keep sidewalks clear for pedestrians and to avoid encouraging drivers to spin tires or perform “burnouts.” These actions are both dangerous and illegal. Officers will enforce laws against both drivers and spectators involved in inciting reckless behavior.

With high pedestrian traffic expected, everyone is encouraged to walk smart. Remember to use marked crosswalks, wait for the signal to change, and ensure drivers see you before crossing the road.

For more information about Ocean City’s Special Event Zones, visit: https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/police/special-event-zone/

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