Section 21-1132 - Worcester County - Special event zones(a)(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.(2) "Exhibition driving within a special event zone" means:(i) The operation of a motor vehicle within a special event zone in a manner that results in: 1. The excessive, abrupt acceleration or deceleration of the motor vehicle;2. The skidding, squealing, burning, or smoking of the tires of the motor vehicle;3. The swerving or swaying of the motor vehicle from side to side while skidding;4. The engine of the motor vehicle producing an unreasonably loud, raucous, or disturbing noise;5. The grinding of the gears of the motor vehicle or the backfiring of the engine of the motor vehicle; or6. Any of the wheels of the motor vehicle losing contact with the ground; or(ii) The transportation of a passenger within a special event zone on or in an area of a motor vehicle that is not designed or intended for passenger transport such as the hood or roof.(3) "Special event" means any automotive or motor vehicle event occurring on or in close proximity to a highway that: (i) Has been permitted or approved by a unit of local government; or(ii) Is expected to have 1,000 or more individuals in attendance, regardless of whether the event has been permitted or approved by a unit of local government.(4)(i) "Special event zone" means an area on or along a highway that is marked by appropriate warning signs or other traffic control devices designating the area as a special event zone, indicating that a special event is in progress, and stating that a person who violates this section is subject to arrest.(ii) "Special event zone" includes a parking structure, a parking lot, a street, or any other property, private or public, immediately adjacent to the marked area on or along the marked area.(b)(1) The State Highway Administration may, on its own initiative or at the request of a local authority:(i) Designate an area on a State highway as a special event zone; and(ii) Reduce established speed limits in the special event zone after a determination that the change is necessary to ensure public safety.(2) A local authority may:(i) Designate an area on a highway under its jurisdiction as a special event zone; and(ii) Reduce established speed limits in the special event zone after a determination that the change is necessary to ensure public safety.(3) A speed limit established under this subsection shall become effective when posted. (c) A person may not engage in exhibition driving within a special event zone.(d) A person may not commit any of the following violations within a special event zone: (1) Driving a motor vehicle at a speed exceeding the posted speed limit;(2) Negligent driving under § 21-901.1(b) of this title;(3) Driving a motor vehicle in a race or speed contest under § 21-1116(a)(1) of this subtitle that does not result in serious bodily injury to another person, as defined in § 20-102(c) of this article;(4) Participating in a race or speed contest under § 21-1116(a)(2) of this subtitle; or(5) Skidding, spinning of wheels, or causing excessive noise under § 21-1117 of this subtitle.(e)(1) A person convicted of a violation of subsection (c) of this section is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 60 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.(2) A person convicted of a violation of subsection (d) of this section is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000. Amended by 2024 Md. Laws, Ch. 570,Sec. 3, eff. 6/1/2024.Amended by 2024 Md. Laws, Ch. 569,Sec. 3, eff. 6/1/2024.Amended by 2021 Md. Laws, Ch. 109, Sec. 1, eff. 4/13/2021.Added by 2020 Md. Laws, Ch. 623, Sec. 1, eff. 5/8/2020.Added by 2020 Md. Laws, Ch. 622, Sec. 1, eff. 5/8/2020.