District of Columbia

B. 22 was adopted, allowing ATVs and dirt bikes in public spaces only for loading and unloading them for immediate transport to a private space inside the district or a property outside the district. The AMA opposed this bill, because it bans OHV ownership by those living in public housing.

Maryland

In May, Gov. Larry Hogan signed into law S.B. 606, which creates within the state Department of Natural Resources an Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle Trail Fund and authorizes the transfer of about $750,000 a year from the Transportation Trust Fund to the trail fund. The new law allows that money to be spent only on ORV trails. The revenue is generated from the title tax paid when ATVs, side-by-sides and dirt bikes are bought. In past years, the funds were spent for highway maintenance. The bill was backed by the Maryland Motorcycle Dealers Association and the Maryland Off-Highway Vehicle Alliance.

Also, H.B. 722, was signed by the governor, allowing local communities within Allegany County to authorize ATV use on portions of state highways. The new law also allows ATVs to cross highways at a right angle. Both provisions limit the top speed of the ATVs to 25 mph.