Maryland § 21-1205.1

Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 21-1205.1, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 21-1205.1.

    (a)    (1)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, a person may not ride a bicycle or a motor scooter:

            (i)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, on any roadway where the posted maximum speed limit is more than 50 miles per hour; or

            (ii)    On any expressway, except on an adjacent bicycle path or way approved by the State Highway Administration, or on any other controlled access highway signed in accordance with § 21–313 of this title.

        (2)    If a person is lawfully operating a bicycle or a motor scooter on a shoulder adjacent to a roadway for which the posted maximum speed limit is more than 50 miles per hour, the person may enter the roadway only if:

            (i)    Making or attempting to make a left turn;

            (ii)    Crossing through an intersection; or

            (iii)    The shoulder is overlaid with a right turn lane, a merge lane, a bypass lane, or any other marking that breaks the continuity of the shoulder.

    (b)    (1)    Where there is not a bike lane paved to a smooth surface, a person operating a bicycle or a motor scooter may use the roadway or the shoulder.

        (2)    Where there is a bike lane paved to a smooth surface, a person operating a bicycle or a motor scooter shall use the bike lane and may not ride on the roadway, except in the following situations:

            (i)    When overtaking and passing another bicycle, motor scooter, pedestrian, or other vehicle within the bike lane if the overtaking and passing cannot be done safely within the bike lane;

            (ii)    When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway;

            (iii)    When reasonably necessary to leave the bike lane to avoid debris or other hazardous condition; or

            (iv)    When reasonably necessary to leave the bike lane because the bike lane is overlaid with a right turn lane, merge lane, or other marking that breaks the continuity of the bike lane.

        (3)    A person operating a bicycle or a motor scooter may not leave a bike lane until the movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after giving an appropriate signal.

        (4)    The Department shall adopt regulations pertaining to this subsection, including a definition of “smooth surface”.

    (c)    A motor scooter may not be operated at a speed in excess of 30 miles per hour.

    (d)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, a person may not operate an EPAMD on any roadway where there are sidewalks adjacent to the roadway or the posted maximum speed limit is more than 30 miles per hour.

    (e)    An EPAMD may not be operated at a speed in excess of 15 miles per hour.

    (f)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, a personal delivery device, as defined in § 21–104.5 of this title, may not travel on any roadway where there are sidewalks or a shoulder adjacent to the roadway or the posted maximum speed limit is more than 35 miles per hour.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 21-1205.1

What does Maryland Code § 21-1205.1 cover?

Section 21-1205.1 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Maryland § 21-1205.1?

A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 21-1205.1" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Maryland law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.

How does Maryland § 21-1205.1 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.