Maryland Town Threatening 60 Days Jail Time For Revving Engines

The “Cruisin’ Weekend” event that takes place in Ocean City, Maryland every year has turned into one of the biggest gearhead car gatherings on the East Coast. However, the city never intended for it to be such a huge ordeal.

Over the years, laws have been passed to control the situation. Essentially, they seem aimed at drivers who act out or cause a scene, which makes sense. However, the newest proposed law, Senate Bill 878, seems like it might be a bit much.

State Senator Mary Beth Carozza introduced the bill which includes under exhibition driving operating a vehicle in a manner that produces abrupt acceleration or deceleration, skidding, swerving, raucous engine noise, gear grinding or wheels losing contact with the ground. Violations could result in 60 days jail time, a fine of $1,000 or both. Essentially, town authorities could send drivers to jail for quickly accelerating or deceleration among other offenses.

At the end of the day, they just want to make it safer for residents and visitors. Delegate Wayne Hartman told The Dispatch, “We’ve had a hard time in getting the General Assembly to approve harsher penalties. With what happened last year and some of the new footage we have, it’s obvious we’re still having the same problems. I feel very optimistic we’ll have success this year.”

What are the odds of this bill being passed? We’re not sure, it seems a bit drastic to throw someone behind bars for such a minor offense.