Delegation hears bill to let county police enforce traffic laws on private residential roads in pilot community

House Bill 528, sponsored by Delegate Stein, would allow Baltimore County police to enforce Maryland vehicle laws on private roadways located within residential subdivisions or communities, reversing a current interpretation that drivers on private roads are not subject to state rules of the road.

Delegate Jeff Stein said the issue arose after complaints in Queen Anne Village, a homeowners’ association in District 11, where speeding and drivers ignoring stop signs have concerned residents. Max Wolthall, president of the Queen Anne Village HOA, testified that the community has 405 homes and that residents frequently ask police for traffic enforcement but have been told enforcement is limited on private property under current law.

Delegate Stein said Calvert County has a statutory exception that permits officers to enforce vehicle laws on private roadways that are used by the public, and he proposed an amendment to make HB 528 a pilot limited to Queen Anne Village. County administration representative Amanda Carr told the delegation that implementing the law could require private roads to meet state road standards—striping, signage and winter maintenance—and that those costs may be onerous for HOAs. Carr said the county requested the pilot amendment because it could not bear the costs of upgrading private roads in current fiscal conditions.

Delegates asked about coverage for mixed-use areas and potential county liability for maintaining roads if enforcement is authorized; Stein and county staff said the bill language refers specifically to private roadways within residential subdivisions or communities and would not extend to commercial parking lots as drafted. The delegation agreed to consider the sponsor’s amendment and take the bill up again next week when language will be posted.

No formal vote was taken during the hearing.