Ch. 536

1995 LAWS OF MARYLAND

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1992 Replacement Volume and 1994 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Transportation

11-167.

"Traffic control device" means any sign, signal, marking, or device that:

(1)     Is not inconsistent with the Maryland Vehicle Law; and

(2)     Is placed by authority of an authorized public body or official to
regulate, warn, or guide traffic.

21-201.

(a)     (1) Subject to the exceptions granted in this title to the driver of an emergency
vehicle, the driver of any vehicle, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall obey
the instructions of any traffic control device applicable to the vehicle and placed in
accordance with the Maryland Vehicle Law.

(2) THE DRIVER OF A VEHICLE APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION
CONTROLLED BY A TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE MAY NOT DRIVE ACROSS PRIVATE
PROPERTY OR LEAVE THE ROADWAY FOR THE PURPOSE OF AVOIDING THE
INSTRUCTIONS OF A TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE.

(b)     (1) If a provision of the Maryland Vehicle Law or of an ordinance or
regulation of a local authority requires a traffic control device, the provision is
unenforceable against an alleged violator if, at the time and place of the alleged violation,
the traffic control device is not in proper position and legible enough to be seen by an
ordinarily observant individual..

(2) Unless a provision of the Maryland Vehicle Law or of an ordinance or
regulation of a local authority states that a traffic control device is required, the provision
is effective and enforceable even if no traffic control device is in place.

(c)     Unless the contrary is established by competent evidence, if a traffic control
device is placed in a position approximately meeting the requirements of the Maryland
Vehicle Law, the device is presumed to have been placed by the official act or direction
of lawful authority.

(d)     Unless the contrary is established by competent evidence, if a traffic control
device is placed in accordance with the Maryland Vehicle Law and purports to meet the
lawful requirements governing these devices, the device is presumed to meet the
requirements of the Maryland Vehicle Law.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
October 1, 1995.

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