Town of Ocean City Preparing for Pop-Up Car Rally Expected Sept. 22-27

The following is a Sept. 21 release from the Town of Ocean City: 

The Town of Ocean City is preparing for a pop-up car rally, expected to take place from Sept. 22-27. In anticipation of this unauthorized event, Ocean City is urging residents and visitors to exercise caution in Ocean City this weekend. The event is expected to bring excessive noise, extreme traffic delays and increased law enforcement presence.

Ocean City has established a Special Event Zone that will be in place from Sept. 22-27, intended to help deter motor violations by lowering speed limits and increasing fines and penalties. Significant traffic congestion, alternate traffic patterns and a heavy police presence is anticipated throughout the weekend. Additionally, in 2020 the Maryland Legislature passed enhancements to the Special Event Zone Bill, including the addition of exhibition driving. This bill, for the first time, allows certain motor violations to be arrestable in the Special Event Zone.

“Due to the pop-up car rally, this upcoming weekend is not going to be a typical fall weekend at the beach,” said Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan.  “We encourage our residents to avoid traveling on Coastal Highway if possible, as traffic is going to be unusually heavy.  In addition, we urge our visitors seeking a family-friendly experience to plan a visit to Ocean City for another weekend. We pride ourselves on being a coastal community that everyone can enjoy year-round but unfortunately, we are asking everyone to please exercise caution before deciding to visit Ocean City this weekend.”

Residents and visitors can learn more about the Special Event Zone in Ocean City at oceancitymd.gov/specialeventzone.