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Police brief council on temporary 355 bus lanes: primary enforcement by Metro Transit Police, typical fine $120
Summary
Lieutenant Elkin told the Friendship Heights council the temporary bus lanes on MD-355 began in early July and that Metro Transit Police will handle most enforcement; failing to obey a traffic device carries a typical fine of $120 and one license point, though fines can reach $500 for more serious charges.
Lieutenant Elkin briefed the Friendship Heights Village Council on July 13 about temporary bus lanes installed on MD-355 for rail-infrastructure work. He said the lanes began July 5 or 6 and will remain until about the day after Labor Day while Metro performs rail improvements.
Elkin addressed enforcement and fines: "The fines are up to $500," he said, but added that the most common citation will be "failing to obey a traffic device," which carries a typical fine of $120 and one point. He explained that Metro Transit Police are the primary enforcement agency for the bus lanes and that Montgomery County Police will assist only if Metro requests support. "We just don't have the horsepower to be policing up and down 355," he said.
Council members asked practical questions about signage, dashed versus solid lane markings, and whether the lanes operate on Sundays. Elkin said Sunday service appeared to keep the lanes in effect (possibly with fewer buses) and that Metro provided a driver briefing; he offered to provide the Metro plan and related materials to the village manager for posting. He also cautioned about bicyclist safety on MD-355 and urged caution, describing the corridor as "too busy a roadway" for many cyclists.
Council members requested that the village publish clear information for residents about bus-lane hours and enforcement and to pass along Metro materials when available.
