Parking Violations

April 8, 2025

One of the most frequent calls we get in the Traffic Office deals with parking complaints. Illegal parking can cause serious issues, from blocking emergency vehicles, to creating hazards for pedestrians and other drivers.

Did you know that the Harford County Code has an entire section dedicated to parking regulations? Here are a few parking violations outlined in County Code section 244-17.1

• Parking within 30 feet of an intersection
• Blocking public or private driveways
• Parking on sidewalks or crosswalks
• Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
• Parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection
• Parking within 30 feet of a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal

Violating any of these sections could lead to a $25 fine.

So, why is parking illegally a bad idea? Well, for starters when vehicles park illegally, they effectively remove a portion of the usable roadway, reducing the number of lanes available for moving traffic. This leads to bottlenecks and increased travel times for everyone. Not to mention the fact that parking in fire lanes or blocking access to fire hydrants can severely delay emergency responders, potentially having dire consequences in critical situations. Similarly, blocking access for ambulances or other emergency vehicles can endanger lives.

So remember, after completing your drive as safely as you can, be sure to find a safe and legal place to park.

Until next week, slow down, pay attention, wear your seatbelt, and drive safely.

HCSO Main Line – 410.838.6600
Northern Precinct – 410.692.7880
Southern Precinct – 410.612.1717
HCSO Traffic Unit – 443.409.3324
traffictiptuesday@harfordsheriff.org

Car Seat Installation

March 18, 2025

I almost can’t believe it, but daylights savings time has finally ended. The sun is out, the weather is warmer (for now), and families are going to be spending more time on the road. Vacations, day trips, and afternoons in the park mean more vehicle traffic. This week let’s go over some tips to keep your little ones safe while travelling.

The correct car seat, and proper installation are the two best ways to keep kids safe in a vehicle crash. The Maryland Highway Safety Office reports that car seats, when used correctly, can reduce the risk of infant fatality by 71% and toddler fatality by 54% when involved in a crash. Sounds easy enough until we learn that it is estimated that 59% percent of car seats are installed incorrectly. Now, the question becomes, how do we know which car seat is right for your kids?

The CDC recommends keeping your infant or toddler in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the top height or weight recommended by the manufacturer. Beyond that, it is ok to keep them forward-facing until it is time to graduate to a booster seat. For a full break down of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommendations, visit https://zerodeathsmd.gov/road-safety/child-passenger-safety/

For information on proper installation of your car seat, check out the Kids in Safety Seats website at https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/OEHFP/KISS/Pages/Home.aspx
While there are tons of resources out there, it is ultimately up to you to make good choices and drive safely on every trip.

Until next week, slow down, pay attention, wear your seatbelt, and drive safely.

HCSO Main Line – 410.838.6600
Northern Precinct – 410.692.7880
Southern Precinct – 410.612.1717
HCSO Traffic Unit – 443.409.3324
traffictiptuesday@harfordsheriff.org

School Bus Safety Update

February 18, 2025

School bus safety has been a hot topic recently. Since the inception of the program (February 2023), automated bus cameras have issued over 12,000 citations for drivers passing a stopped school bus while the red lights were flashing. This week I want to talk about a specific issue that has reared its ugly head. This one involves parents at bus stops.

In several neighborhoods, it’s been noticed that parents are parking on the apron of a traffic circle to either drop off or pick up their student. The apron is the concrete area in the traffic circle between the roadway and the raised center of the circle. Stopping, standing, or parking in this area for even a brief period is a big no-no.
The apron is designed for large trucks to utilize to navigate the circle. As such, the apron is considered part of the roadway. Stopping here to drop off or pick up your student would be the same as if you stopped in the middle of Main Street Bel Air to run some errands. Not only is this dangerous for your child (having them walk through an active road to get to the bus) it is also a traffic law violation which could get you a fine of 70 dollars.

If this is you, please take this opportunity to not park in or on traffic circles. For everyone else, please stop for buses anytime they are stationary with flashing red lights. Safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Until next week, slow down, pay attention, wear your seatbelt, and drive safely.

HCSO Main Line – 410.838.6600
Northern Precinct – 410.692.7880
Southern Precinct – 410.612.1717
HCSO Traffic Unit – 443.409.3324
traffictiptuesday@harfordsheriff.org

Happy Valentines Day

February 11, 2025

Happy Valentine’s week everyone. Let’s go over a list of VALENTINE safety tips.

Vehicle speeds are the primary cause of many crashes. Slow down!

Always wear your seatbelt. You should buckle up every time you drive.

Learn about your car’s safety features. Newer vehicles have lots of ways to help you avoid a crash.

Every one of us has a responsibility when it comes to highway safety.

Never EVER drink and drive. Impaired driving kills thousands of Americans every year.

Tailgating and other forms of aggressive driving are never a good idea.

If you use cannabis, do not drive. Impairment is impairment, no matter what substance you use.

Never drive distracted. Leave your cell phone alone when you are driving.

Each time you drive, be sure to keep your hands on the wheel and your attention on the road.

In case you missed the theme, go back and read the first letter of each sentence. Cupid wants you to drive safely, and so do I.

Until next week, slow down, pay attention, wear your seatbelt, and drive safely.

HCSO Main Line – 410.838.6600
Northern Precinct – 410.692.7880
Southern Precinct – 410.612.1717
HCSO Traffic Unit – 443.409.3324
traffictiptuesday@harfordsheriff.org