Md. Code Regs. 11.03.01.04

Current through Register Vol. 52, No. 1, January 10, 2025

Section 11.03.01.04 - Control of Vehicular Traffic on the Air Operations Area

A. Authority to Operate on the Air Operations Area. The only motor vehicle operations permitted on the air operations area are those expressly authorized by the Airport Director, who shall identify the motor vehicles by registration. Permanent registration shall be extended on the basis of need only to Airport activities whose operations are formalized by contract with the Administration. Temporary registration may be extended to agencies whose business is directly related to the aviation activity of the Airport when access to the air operations area is considered necessary to the conduct of business.

B. Traffic Control.

(1) All motor vehicle operators are required to obey all posted regulatory signs, traffic signals, and all instructions by the Control Tower, the Airport Director, or by an officer charged with traffic control and enforcement.

(2) Radio Equipped Vehicle.

(a) Operators of vehicles with two-way radio equipment and who possess a valid airfield operator's permit and are authorized by the Airport Director to enter upon the movement area shall first establish and maintain radio contact with the Control Tower and obtain Control Tower authorization to proceed.

(b) Operators of vehicles with two-way radio equipment and who possess a valid airfield operator's permit and are authorized by the Airport Director and desiring to cross an active runway shall first obtain specific clearance to do so from the Control Tower.

(3) Vehicles Without Radio Equipment. Vehicles without two-way radio equipment are not permitted to enter, or operate within, the movement area unless escorted by an authorized radio equipped vehicle that is in contact with the Control Tower.

(4) To supplement control of traffic by radio, the Control Tower also uses standard light signals. It is the responsibility of all vehicle operators to be familiar with these signals and to comply with them when they are in use.

C. Operations Near Aircraft.

(1) Aircraft servicing vehicles designated for a specific airport are the only motor vehicles that may pass within 20 feet of a parked aircraft.

(2) Motor vehicles may not be operated between an aircraft and terminal concourses while passengers are enplaning or deplaning.

(3) Aircraft servicing vehicles may not be operated on the loading ramp unless the aircraft to be serviced has come to a complete stop at its designated loading position.

(4) Vehicles shall pass only to the rear of taxiing aircraft.

D. Designated Vehicular and Pedestrian Routes.

(1) Vehicle operators shall use marked roadways and may not use the ramp or cargo areas as a short cut.

(2) Vehicle operators who are authorized to pass through a terminal underpass before entering and again before exiting the underpass shall come first to a complete stop.

(3) Pedestrians desiring to walk between terminal concourses shall remain within 50 feet of the terminal building at all times to remain clear of the taxilane.

E. Speed Limits.

(1) Except for authorized emergency vehicles, the maximum allowable speed for a motor vehicle on the outer ramp road is 15 miles per hour.

(2) Except for authorized emergency vehicles, the maximum allowable speed for any vehicle within 20 feet of a parked aircraft is 5 miles per hour.

(3) Except for authorized emergency vehicles, the maximum allowable speed for a vehicle on the inner ramp road (adjacent to the main Terminal) is 5 miles per hour.

(4) The maximum allowable vehicle speed in the main terminal baggage make-up and delivery areas is 4 miles per hour (brisk walking speed).

(5) Except for authorized emergency vehicles, the maximum allowable speed for a motor vehicle on connecting ramp roadways, aircraft parking ramps, aprons, and in hangar areas is 10 miles per hour.

(6) Except for authorized emergency vehicles, the maximum allowable speed limit for a motor vehicle on the cargo ramp roadway is 20 miles per hour.

F. Careless Driving. Motor vehicle operations on the air operations area shall be conducted in a careful and prudent manner reflecting due consideration of driving circumstances so as not to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person.

G. Safety Equipment.

(1) Motor vehicles operated on the air operations area shall be properly maintained in accordance with all Airport standard operating procedures.

(2) Motor Vehicle Lights.

(a) Operation of a motor vehicle on the air operations area is prohibited if any of its headlights or tail lights are inoperative.

(b) Persons operating motor vehicles on the air operations area shall keep the vehicle's headlights and tail lights fully illuminated between the hours of sunset and sunrise and at all times when passing through unlighted or poorly lighted areas or when visibility is restricted.

(c) If a stalled motor vehicle is left on the air operations area between the hours of sunset and sunrise, either its parking lights shall be illuminated or warning lights shall be posted.

(d) The headlights of a motor vehicle on the air operations area shall be adequate to meet State requirements in addition to those of the Administration.

(e) Baggage, cargo carts, and trailers operating on the air operations area shall be equipped with at least two yellow reflectors on each side and two red reflectors on the rear or marked with reflectorized tape as approved by the Administration.

(f) Motor vehicles operating on a taxiway or runway shall be equipped with flashing amber identification lights on top of the vehicle.

(g) It is preferred that motor vehicles operating on the air operations area be equipped with headlight dimmer switches. Vehicles not so equipped that are approved for operating on the air operations area shall have headlight beams focused to strike the ground not more than 50 feet ahead of the vehicle.

(3) Motor Vehicle Brakes.

(a) Operators are required to test the vehicle's brakes before commencing any operation on the air operations area.

(b) All motor vehicles operated on the air operations area shall be equipped with an emergency brake capable of holding the vehicle on a 30-degree grade.

(4) Motor Vehicle Windows and Mirrors.

(a) All motor vehicles operated on the air operations area shall be equipped with at least one mirror, so adjusted that the operator of the vehicle has a clear view for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear unless the vehicle is a specialized service vehicle not licensed for general highway use and having an open cab which provides the driver with unobstructed, 360-degree visibility.

(b) Windows of any motor vehicle operated on the air operations area shall be free of cracks, blisters, discoloration, or any other defect causing distortion or obstruction to the vision of the operator.

(c) Posters, stickers, signs, or other objects on the windows of a motor vehicle operating on the air operations area, other than those required by the Administration or by law, are prohibited.

(5) All motor vehicles approved for operating on the air operations area are subject to inspection as prescribed by the Administration.

H. Emergency Vehicles and Conditions.

(1) Emergency conditions existing on the air operations area do not mitigate or cancel any existing regulations.

(2) Under emergency conditions such as an aircraft accident or fire, access to the scene is denied to all vehicles or persons except those whose duties require their presence. The Airport Director shall determine when normal operations may be resumed.

I. Occupants of Motor Vehicles.

(1) While on the air operations area, riding on the outside of a moving motor vehicle, or riding with arms or legs protruding from the body of the vehicle is prohibited. Standing up in a moving motor vehicle is prohibited unless the vehicle is designed and intended for this purpose.

(2) Passengers, other than those permitted by these regulations or by other applicable law, are not permitted in any motor vehicle on the air operations area.

(3) Seat belts shall be worn in accordance with State motor vehicle laws and regulations on the air operations area.

J. Tugs and Trailers.

(1) Towing of a train of more than six baggage carts is prohibited on the air operations area.

(2) Any trailer or semitrailer operated on the air operations area shall be equipped with proper brakes so that when disengaged from the towing vehicle it will not become free-rolling.

(3) All towed equipment operated on the air operations area shall be equipped with positive locking couplings.

(4) Tugs, trailers, baggage, or cargo carts shall be returned to an assigned storage area immediately following their use with the brakes set in the locked position.

K. Yielding Right-of-Way.

(1) Any person operating a motor vehicle on the air operations area shall yield the right-of-way to aircraft in motion or aircraft with engines running, ready to be put in motion.

(2) Any person operating a motor vehicle across or into vehicle traffic lanes on the air operations area shall yield the right-of-way to vehicles already in those lanes.

(3) All persons operating motor vehicles on the air operations area shall pass to the right of approaching vehicles.

(4) All persons operating motor vehicles on the air operations area shall yield right-of-way to emergency vehicles.

L. Parking.

(1) Parking on the air operations area, except at places designated by the Airport Director, is prohibited.

(2) Parking within 15 feet of any fire hydrant or other fire control apparatus is prohibited.

(3) Parking on the air operations area which interferes with or prevents the passage or movement of aircraft or emergency or other motor vehicles is prohibited. Vehicles in violation of this regulation may be removed by the Airport Director at the expense and risk of the owner or operator.

(4) Parking within 200 feet of the edge of a runway is prohibited.

(5) A motor vehicle may not be left unattended with the motor running unless properly chocked and authorized by the Airport Director.

(6) Parking within the triple yellow lines that denote the movement area of a loading bridge is prohibited.

M. Motor Vehicle Accidents.

(1) A person operating a motor vehicle on the air operations area, who is involved in an accident resulting in injury to any person or damage to any property, shall stop the vehicle at the scene or as close as possible without obstructing traffic, notify the Airport Director, and remain at the scene of the accident until he has given a full report to the investigating officer. Upon request, any relevant permit, license, registration, or other document shall be shown to the investigating officer.

(2) A person operating a motor vehicle on the air operations area who is involved in an accident as defined in §M(1) of this regulation and the owner, if other than the operator, shall make a full written report of the accident to the Airport Director within 24 hours after the accident. The report shall include the names and addresses of the individuals involved, a description of the property or vehicles involved, the registration and license numbers of the vehicles involved, and any other relevant information.

N. Repair of Motor Vehicles. Cleaning, repairing, maintaining, or overhauling of motor vehicles or other equipment is prohibited on the air operations area, except in an approved shop area.

O. Contractors' Access and Use of Premises.

(1) Construction vehicles and equipment shall use only those entrances and exits designated by the Administration.

(2) Construction vehicles and equipment shall enter and exit the airfield area only during times specified in writing by the Airport Director.

(3) When not in use, construction vehicles and equipment may not remain at a work site on the airfield area without the written authorization of the Airport Director.

(4) Construction vehicles and equipment that have the written authorization of the Airport Director to remain at a work site when not in use shall be marked and lighted so they will not be hazardous to other vehicles and aircraft.

(5) Construction vehicles and equipment that are operated by individuals with a valid airfield operator's permit and authorized to operate in the movement area may not operate on or move across an active runway unless they are either in two-way radio contact with the Control Tower, or escorted by an authorized vehicle which is in two-way radio contact with the Control Tower.

P. Vehicle Identification and Escort Rules.

(1) Vehicles authorized permanent access to the air operations area shall be clearly marked with the company name, logo, or other identification acceptable to the Administration.

(2) Vehicles authorized temporary access to the air operations area shall display conspicuously on the windshield an "Official Permit" issued by the Administration.

(3) Vehicles not authorized access to the air operations area as in §P(1) and (2) of this regulation shall be escorted by Administration personnel or authorized personnel of an Airport tenant.

Q. Airfield Operator's Permit.

(1) An Airfield Operator's Permit is required for all individuals who operate a motor vehicle, a loading bridge, or any other motorized equipment on the air operations area. The Administration has a three-tier system for its Airfield Operator's Permit:

(a) Tier 1 is designated for those individuals requiring access to only non-movement areas of the air operations area. An Airfield Operator's Permit designated as tier 1 shall have a V/P or V/P/L on the individual's identification badge.

(b) Tier 2 is designated for those individuals requiring access to nonmovement areas and limited access to movement areas of the air operations area. An Airfield Operator's Permit designated as tier 2 shall have a V/P/T on the individual's identification badge.

(c) Tier 3 is designated for those individuals requiring unrestricted access to the non-movement and movement areas of the air operations area. An Airfield Operator's Permit designated as tier 3 shall have a V/P/R on the individual's identification badge.

(2) An applicant for an Airfield Operator's Permit shall obtain a Request for Access/PIN Change form and the Equipment Training Record form from the Administration.

(3) An applicant for an Airfield Operator's Permit of any tier shall possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license from any state. Applicants for an Airfield Operator's Permit shall successfully complete the following:

(a) Tier 1: The Non-movement Area Airfield Operator's Permit written examination with a minimum score of 80 percent. The applicant shall also complete recurrent non-movement area training on a bi-annual basis.

(b) Tier 2: The Non-movement Area Airfield Operator's Permit written examination with a minimum score of 80 percent and the Movement Area Airfield Operator's Permit written examination with a minimum score of 90 percent. The applicant shall also complete recurrent movement area training on an annual basis.

(c) Tier 3: The Non-movement Area Airfield Operator's Permit written examination with a minimum score of 80 percent, the Movement Area Airfield Operator's Permit written examination with a minimum score of 90 percent, and a daytime and nighttime movement area practical driving test as follows:

(i) Daytime and Nighttime Practical Driving Test. The applicant shall also take a written test and a practical driving test during daylight and nighttime hours with an Airport Operations supervisor. A minimum score of 90 percent is required on the written test. The written test also contains core questions of which have no numerical value but are pass/fail. A fail on any of the core questions ends the test and results in a denial of the permit. The practical driving test demonstrates the ability to move around the Airport with knowledge, technique, and in a safe manner.

(ii) The applicant shall also complete recurrent movement area training on an annual basis.

(4) The Airfield Operator's Permit shall be annotated to indicate the class of equipment and level of authorization that an individual is permitted to operate on the air operations area in accordance with the regulations specified by the Airport Director for Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, or the Director's designee.

(5) The expiration date of all tiers of Airfield Operator's Permits shall coincide with the expiration date of the applicant's identification badge issued by the Administration. If renewal of an Airfield Operator's Permit is desired, this renewal shall be done at the time of the employee identification badge renewal.

(6) An applicant for an Airfield Operator's Permit shall complete the applicable training and submit an Equipment Training Record form. Training shall take place before issuance of an Airfield Operator's Permit.

(7) Citations for violations of Airport regulations concerning airfield vehicular operations may be issued by the Airport Police and the Airport Director and individuals designated by the Airport Director. A copy of the citation shall be given to the individual charged with a violation.

(8) The Airport Director or the Director's designee may issue warning letters, conduct conferences, issue and modify orders of suspension and revocation of Airfield Operator's Permits, conduct hearings, and implement a point system for violations of Airport regulations.

(9) The Airport Director or the Director's designee may send warning letters to individuals who have accumulated three points. Individuals who have accumulated five points shall be required to meet with the Airport Director to review their driving record. Upon receipt of eight points, the individual's Airfield Operator's Permit shall be suspended. Upon receipt of 12 points, the individual's Airfield Operator's Permit shall be revoked.

(10) If an individual accumulates eight or more points, the Airport Director shall issue a notice of suspension or revocation to be served personally through the tenant manager. The notice shall state the duration of the suspension or revocation and shall advise the individual of the individual's right to request a hearing before the License Review Board.

(11) Each notice of suspension or revocation shall be effective upon receipt, unless a hearing is requested. Points assessed shall be retained on an individual's driving record for 2 years from the date of assessment unless changed by the License Review Board.

(12) Upon receipt of a request for a hearing, the Airport Director or the Director's designee shall stay the suspension or revocation pending the outcome of the hearing, unless it appears to the Airport Director that substantial and immediate harm could result to the individual or others if the Airfield Operator's Permit was continued in effect pending the hearing.

(13) The duration of any subsequent suspension shall be for not less than 15 days but not more than 90 days.

(14) The License Review Board shall consist of a minimum of three persons designated by the Airport Director. In case of revocation or suspension, the Board shall include the tenant manager or immediate supervisor of the individual. The Board shall conduct hearings and render decisions at the request of an individual concerning contested citations, point assessments, suspensions, or revocations.

(15) Hearings shall be conducted and decisions rendered in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, State Government Article, §§ 10-201 -10-217, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(16) The Board may uphold or void citations issued for violations of Airport regulations. The Board may uphold, void, or modify suspensions, revocations, or points assessed for violations of Airport regulations.

(17) An individual may appeal from a final decision of the Board. If the individual resides or has a principal place of business in Maryland, the appeal shall be made to the circuit court for the county in which the individual resides, otherwise an appeal shall be made to the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County.

(18) Upon notification that an appeal is filed, the Board shall grant a stay of the Board's decision pending the outcome of the appeal, unless it appears to the Board that substantial and immediate harm could result to the individual or others if the Airfield Operator's Permit was continued in effect pending the appeal.

R. Guidemen. If the vision of a motor vehicle operator is restricted in any manner, operation of the vehicle is prohibited unless a guideman is positioned outside the vehicle to assist the operator.

S. Special Vehicular Regulations.

(1) The operation of any two-wheeled motor vehicle or self-propelled vehicle on the air operations area shall be approved in writing by the Airport Director.

(2) Unlicensed motor vehicles approved for use on the air operations area are prohibited from using public roadways unless authorized by the State Motor Vehicle Administration.

(3) Only specially equipped vehicles approved by the Airport Director may be operated inside a hangar.

Md. Code Regs. 11.03.01.04

Regulation .04E amended effective April 20, 1979 (6:8 Md. R. 657)
Regulation .04I amended effective May 21, 1984 (11:10 Md. R. 864)
Regulation .04 amended effective January 12, 2009 (36:1 Md. R. 22)
Regulation .04E amended effective October 22, 2007 (34:21 Md. R. 1916)
Regulations .04A, B, H, L, M, O, Q, S amended effective May 30, 1980 (7:11 Md. R. 1037); amended effective 50:6 Md. R.219, eff. 4/3/2023