The Parking of commercial and recreational vehicles in residential areas has become a major problem affecting safety and traffic flow in Montgomery County. The County Council unanimously passed a bill that addresses this issue. The enforcement of this legislation has a commencement date of July 1 2009. The new legislation clarifies existing law by closing loopholes and provides a clear definition for heavy commercial and recreational vehicles.
Video Script
Montgomery County is a great place to live, raise a family and work. In fact it is among the best places to live in the entire country. A safe thriving community and a top notch public safety system are keys to its success. To keep it that way the Montgomery County Police Department will soon tackle a problem that has grown dramatically over the past decade.
The Parking of commercial and recreational vehicles in residential areas has become a major problem affecting safety and traffic flow. During public meetings, residents have voiced concern that large vehicles were limiting the line of sight on neighborhood roads and making it difficult to make turns on narrow streets. Additionally, large vehicles endanger pedestrians because oncoming traffic cannot see them.
The County Council unanimously passed a bill that addresses this issue. The enforcement of this legislation has a commencement date of July 1 2009
The new legislation clarifies existing law by closing loopholes and provides a clear definition for heavy commercial and recreational vehicles.
The new legislation prohibits the parking of recreational vehicles on all public roads. Although recreational vehicles will no longer be permitted to park on county roadways, a provision has been included that allows residents a short period of time to load or unload their recreational vehicles not to exceed 18 hours. Included in this provision are campers, RVs and boats.
The definition for a recreational vehicle is a licensed and registered vehicle, with or without motor power, which is solely intended for the leisure use of the operator and guests. The following are considered recreational vehicles:
•Motor home, travel trailer, camper or camping trailer; or
•Non-freight trailer, as defined by the State Motor Vehicle Administration, used to transport other leisure equipment such as a
•boat, horse, motorcycle, show car, race car, snowmobile or bicycle.
COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
Heavy commercial vehicles may only park on a public road where both sides of the road abut properties zoned exclusively for commercial or industrial uses. Exceptions are made when the vehicle or bus is being used at the time to load or unload passengers, merchandise or materials; the vehicle is being used by its owner or operator to perform work on the premises; a bus stops for a period of time, not to exceed 30 minutes at an authorized bus terminal; or the vehicle is involuntarily parked because of mechanical failure or other emergency for not more than 48 hours.
The definition of a heavy commercial vehicle is any motor vehicle or trailer designed and used for carrying freight or merchandise, or used to carry out any commercial work. Heavy commercial vehicles are distinguished by the following characteristics:
•A gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds;
•A manufacturers rated capacity of more than one ton;
•A length of more than 21 feet measured from end-to-end of the vehicle, including any object that is loaded onto the vehicle; or
• height of more than eight feet, with properly inflated tires, measured from the ground to the highest part of the vehicle including racks, but not antennas
The definition of heavy commercial vehicles does not include a farm machine or a vehicle used for agriculture or a motor vehicle owned by the County or other government agency. It also does NOT include vehicles such as pick-up trucks and vans that are LESS then 21 feet in length and LESS then 8 feet high including racks. These are considered light commercial vehicles and are not included in the new legislation.
Review
•Enforcement of the new law goes into effect July 1st , 2009.
•The law prohibits the parking of recreational vehicles on all public roads.
•Heavy commercial vehicles may only park on a public road where both sides of the road are adjacent to properties zoned exclusively for commercial or industrial uses.
The goal is to gain voluntary compliance of Montgomery County residents. However, the law will be enforced if voluntary compliance does not occur. Failure to comply may result in a $75 parking ticket, towing and impoundment fees and daily storage costs. In order to keep Montgomery County safe and a great place to live and work it is important that all residence and businesses comply with the law.
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