Montgomery County, MD Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- County Code § 31-20(a)(11)
- Fine
- $60 per violation
- Covers
- bike lanes, sidepaths, separated lanes
- Enforcement
- impoundment possible under § 31-21
- Excluded cities
- Rockville, Gaithersburg, Takoma Park
Summary
Montgomery County bans stopping, standing, or parking any vehicle on a bikeway, a term covering on-street bike lanes and sidepaths, under County Code § 31-20(a)(11), backed by a $60 fine.
Except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with law or the directions of a police officer or official traffic-control device, a person must not: (a) Stop, stand or park a vehicle, whether occupied or not: ... (11) On any bikeway.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-90: Montgomery County Code contains legislation effective through May 7, 2026 | Zoning Updated Effective: April 13, 2026 | COMCOR Regulations effective as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Montgomery County Code § 31-20(a)(11) bars a driver from stopping, standing, or parking any vehicle "on any bikeway," a term the Code defines to include on-street bike lanes, off-street trails, separated bike lanes, and sidepaths. The ban applies without the loading/unloading exceptions written into most of the section's other parking prohibitions. A 2025 County Council amendment set the fine for a violation at $60 through the FY2027 fine-resolution cycle, and a vehicle obstructing a bikeway can also be impounded under § 31-21. Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Takoma Park run their own police departments and codes, so drivers there should check municipal rules separately.
Violations & Fines
Parking, standing, or stopping in a marked bike lane or bikeway draws a $60 fine under § 31-20(a)(11); vehicles obstructing traffic may also be impounded under § 31-21.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stop briefly in a bike lane to drop off a passenger?
What's the fine for parking in a Montgomery County bike lane?
Can a car blocking a bike lane be towed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Maryland mobility & curb rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.