With so many people and different vehicles now sharing our roadways, the city administration and the Ocean City Police Department want to remind drivers of the of the importance of following the law when it comes to traffic safety in Ocean City.
Motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists all have a shared responsibility while navigating the roadways of Ocean City. Please adhere to the following safety tips to keep yourself and everyone around you safe.
LSVs (GOLF CARTS AND SIMILAR LOW-SPEED VEHICLES)
LSVs must be titled, registered and insured to operate on roadways, just as other automobiles must. A standard golf cart is not equipped as an LSV. Licensed LSVs are limited to roads with a speed limit of 25 mph (and not permitted on roads with higher speed limits, such as Bay Avenue, West Avenue, Route 52, the 34th Street Bridge, Ocean Drive south of South Inlet Drive). They are not permitted to drive on sidewalks, in bike lanes, or in other places where motor vehicles are prohibited.
Child restraints must meet the same standards as those used in passenger vehicles. Any child under the age of 8 and height of 57 inches shall be secured as follows in the rear seat of a motor vehicle:
- A child under the age of 2 years and 30 pounds shall be secured in a rear-facing seat equipped with a 5-point harness.
- A child under the age of 4 years and 40 pounds shall be secured as described in (a) until they reach the upper limits of the rear-facing seat, then in a forward-facing child restraint equipped with a 5-point harness.
- A child under the age of 8 and a height of 57 inches shall be secured as described in (a) or (b) until they reach the upper limits of the rear-facing or forward-facing seat, then in a belt-positioning booster seat.
- A child over 8 years of age or 57 inches in height must be properly secured by a seat belt.
If there are no rear seats, the child shall be secured as described above in the front seat except that no child shall be secured in a rear-facing seat in the front seat of any vehicle that is equipped with an active passenger-side airbag. The aforementioned is acceptable if the airbag is de-activated. New Jersey's seat belt law also requires all other motor vehicle drivers and passengers in the front seats and back seats to buckle up.
See FAQ on LSV Laws.
E-BIKES (ELECTRIC BICYCLES)
E-bikes must obey stop signs and traffic signals, and follow the same laws as cars. Many operators have been observed riding recklessly fast while disregarding stop signals and designated lanes of travel. Riders also must:
- Wear a helmet
- Use lights at night: At least one blinking in the front (white) and rear (red)
- Ride on the proper side of the road, with traffic, not against it
- Make eye contact with other drivers, especially at intersections
- No passengers. Single riders only.
Never assume a driver knows you are there unless you make eye contact. Intersections are dangerous places for e-bikes and bicycles.
Printable Card on E-Bike Safety
MOTOR VEHICLES
Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Obey speed limits. Wear a seatbelt. Avoid using your cell phone while driving. Always make eye contact with pedestrians and bicyclists.
PEDESTRIANS
Always use crosswalks at intersections. Obey signs and signals when crossing the street. Wear brightly colored clothing at night. Always make eye contact with bicyclists and motorists.
BICYCLISTS
Wear a helmet if you're under age 17. Share the road. Obey signs and signals. Always make eye contact with motorists and pedestrians.
