Md. Code Regs. 11.03.02.04

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

Section 11.03.02.04 - Control of Vehicular Traffic on the Air Operations Area

A. Operating Procedure. The control of all vehicular traffic on the air operations area shall be governed by the regulations of the Administration.

B. Authority to Operate on the Air Operations Area.

(1) A person may not operate or cause to be operated any motor vehicle on the air operations area, unless this operation is directly related to an aviation activity at the Airport, to the business of the Administration, or to the business of a tenant or authorized subtenant of the Airport engaged in a business activity authorized by the Administration.

(2) A person may not drive a motor vehicle on the air operations area without proper vehicle identification as prescribed by the Administration.

(3) A person may not wash, clean, or polish a motor vehicle within the air operations area or at any point on the Airport other than that approved by the Airport Director.

C. Communication with Control Tower.

(1) A person may not drive a motor vehicle on or across an active runway or taxiway unless he maintains direct contact with and receives clearance from the control tower. If the vehicle is not equipped with an operable two-way radio on the assigned ground control frequency, it may be used on or across an active runway or taxiway only under the escort or by the instructions of another motor vehicle equipped with two-way radio able to maintain contact with the control tower or, with prior arrangement, in conformance with light signals from the control tower.

(2) Vehicles without radio equipment that have been permitted to operate on the airfield in accordance with light signals may not proceed any closer than 200 feet from the edge of any active runway without clearance from the control tower. It shall be the responsibility of all vehicle operators to recognize and understand the standard light signals used by the control tower.

D. Operations Near Aircraft.

(1) No person other than the operator of an aircraft servicing vehicle for a designated aircraft may operate a motor vehicle on the air operations area so as to pass within 20 feet of a parked aircraft.

(2) A person may not operate an aircraft servicing vehicle on the loading ramp unless the aircraft to be serviced has come to a complete stop at its designated loading position.

(3) All vehicles shall pass to the rear of taxiing aircraft.

E. Speed Limits.

(1) A person may not operate any motor vehicle, other than an emergency vehicle proceeding in response to an alarm, on the air operations area at a speed exceeding 25 miles per hour, except as otherwise posted.

(2) A person may not operate any motor vehicle on aircraft parking ramps, aprons, or in hangar areas at a speed exceeding 15 miles per hour.

(3) A person may not drive a motor vehicle within 20 feet of a parked or taxiing aircraft at a speed exceeding 5 miles per hour.

F. Careless Driving. A person may not operate a motor vehicle on the air operations area in a careless or reckless manner, but shall have regard for the width, grade, curves, corners, traffic, and use of roadways, weather conditions, and all other attendant circumstances, so as not to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person.

G. Safety Equipment.

(1) A person may not operate a motor vehicle on the air operations area unless this vehicle is properly maintained and is equipped with the safety equipment, in operable condition, described in this section.

(2) Motor Vehicle Lights.

(a) A person may not operate a motor vehicle on the air operations area, other than a motor vehicle designed for only one headlight, unless the motor vehicle is equipped with two headlights and one or more red taillights.

(b) A person may not operate a motor vehicle on the air operations area unless the vehicle's headlights and taillights are kept lighted between the hours of sunset and sunrise and at all times when passing through unlighted or poorly lighted areas.

(c) A person may not allow a stalled motor vehicle to remain on the air operations area between the hours of sunset and sunrise unless the parking lights of the vehicle are kept on or warning lights are posted.

(d) A person may not operate a motor vehicle on the air operations area unless headlights of the vehicle are sufficient to meet State requirements.

(e) A person may not operate a baggage or cargo cart and trailers on the air operations area unless the cart is equipped with at least two yellow reflectors on each side and two red reflectors on the rear.

(f) A person may not operate a motor vehicle on a taxiway or runway unless the vehicle is equipped with United States Department of Transportation-type clearance lights and mounted to United States Department of Transportation requirements. If a vehicle configuration will not permit installation of ICC clearance lights, a single 50 candle power non-flashing red light may be used.

(g) All motor vehicles with headlights approved for operating on the air operations area shall be equipped with dimmer switches. If there is no provision for dimming headlights, they must be focused so as to strike the ground not more than 50 feet ahead of the vehicle.

(3) Motor Vehicle Brakes.

(a) A person may not operate a motor vehicle on the air operations area unless he tests the brakes of this vehicle upon approaching an aircraft within the distance necessary to avoid a collision with the aircraft if the brakes on the motor vehicle fail.

(b) A person may not operate a motor vehicle unless it is equipped with an emergency brake capable of holding the motor vehicle on a 30-degree grade.

(4) Motor Vehicle Windows and Mirrors.

(a) A person may not operate a motor vehicle on the air operations area, except specialized Airport and aircraft servicing equipment not licensed for general highway use and having an open cab which provides the driver with unobstructed 360-degree visibility, unless the vehicle is equipped with at least one mirror adjusted so that the operator of the vehicle shall have a clear view of the road behind for a distance of at least 200 feet.

(b) A person may not operate a motor vehicle on the air operations area unless the windows of the vehicle are free of cracks, blisters, discoloration, and any other defect causing distortion or obstruction of the vision of the operator.

(c) A person may not use or place 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.

(5) All vehicles approved for operating on the air operations area shall carry an approved fire extinguisher of the type and size required by the Airport Director.

H. Emergency Vehicles and Conditions.

(1) A person operating a motor vehicle on the air operations area shall immediately yield the right-of-way to a police, ambulance, fire department, or other emergency vehicle giving an audible or visible signal.

(2) Emergency conditions existing on the air operations area will not mitigate or cancel any existing regulation.

(3) Under emergency conditions, such as an aircraft accident or fire, access to the air operations area is barred for all vehicles or persons except those whose duties require their admittance.

I. Occupants of Motor Vehicles.

(1) While on the air operations area, a person may not ride on the running board of a moving motor vehicle, stand up in the body of a moving motor vehicle, ride on the outside of the body of a moving motor vehicle, or ride on the vehicle with his arms or legs protruding from the body of the vehicle, unless the motor vehicle is so designed.

(2) A person operating a motor vehicle on the air operations area may not allow any passengers to ride in the vehicle other than those passengers permitted by these regulations or by other applicable law.

J. Tugs and Trailers.

(1) A person may not operate a trailer or semitrailer on the air operations area, unless the trailer or semitrailer is equipped with proper brakes so that when disengaged from a towing vehicle, no propeller slipstream, jet blast, or wind will cause it to become free-rolling.

(2) A person may not operate towed equipment on the air operations area unless the equipment has positive locking couplings.

K. Yielding Right-of-Way.

(1) A 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) A person operating a motor vehicle on the air operations area may not cross or enter motor vehicle traffic lanes without yielding the right-of-way to vehicles already in these lanes.

(3) A person operating motor vehicles on the air operations area shall observe left-to-left passing of approaching vehicles.

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

L. Traffic Control. A person may not operate a motor vehicle on the air operations area unless that person obeys all posted regulatory signs and traffic signals and all instructions by the control tower, the Airport Director, or a law enforcement officer.

M. Parking.

(1) A person may not park a motor vehicle, or motorized or other equipment, on the air operations area except at those points designated by the Administration.

(2) A person may not park a motor vehicle or other equipment on the air operations area within 15 feet of any fire hydrant or other fire control apparatus.

(3) A person may not park a motor vehicle, or motorized or other equipment, on the air operations area so as to interfere with or prevent the passage or movement of aircraft or emergency or other motor vehicles.

(4) A person may not park an unattended vehicle or other equipment adjacent to a runway, unless those motor vehicles or other equipment are parked parallel to the runway and at least 200 feet from the edge of the runway.

(5) A person may not leave a motor vehicle unattended with the engine running.

(6) A motor vehicle or other equipment on the air operations area, parked in such a manner as to create a nuisance or hazard, or interfere with aircraft operations and emergencies, may be removed to a location designated by the Airport Director, at the expense of the owner.

N. 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, if physically able, do the following:

(a) Stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as clearly as possible to it without obstructing traffic more than necessary;

(b) Notify the Airport Director;

(c) Return to and remain at the scene of the accident until he has given a full report of the same to the investigating officer;

(d) Upon request, and if physically able, exhibit to the investigating officer any permit, license, registration, or other document relevant to this accident or the persons or property involved.

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

O. Repair of Motor Vehicles. A person may not clean, repair, maintain, or overhaul any motor vehicle or motorized or other equipment on the air operations area, other than in an approved shop area, except for those repairs necessary to remove this motor vehicle or equipment from the air operations area.

P. Contractor's Access and Use of Premises.

(1) A person may not gain access to and egress from the site of construction on the airfield area in a motor vehicle or construction equipment belonging to or under the supervision of a contractor other than by routes and through gates designated by the Administration, and only during those periods of time specified in writing by the Airport Director.

(2) A person may not allow a motor vehicle or construction equipment belonging to or under the supervision of a contractor to remain at the work area at the end of the working day or to be parked overnight in any position or location where it constitutes an actual or potential hazard to aircraft or motor vehicles at the Airport. If, however, the contractor has the written authorization of the Airport Director to leave these motor vehicles or construction equipment parked overnight, they shall be marked and lighted as required.

(3) A person may not operate a motor vehicle or construction equipment belonging to or under the supervision of an Airport contractor on or across an active runway at the Airport, unless the vehicle or equipment is escorted by a motor vehicle equipped with a two-way radio in contact with the control tower or is itself so equipped.

Q. Vehicle Identification and Registration.

(1) A person may not operate a motor vehicle based at the Airport on the air operations area unless the vehicle is registered with the Airport Director, with permission obtained for the operation of the vehicle, and unless the vehicle is clearly marked with the company name, logo, or other means of identification acceptable to the Administration.

(2) A person may not operate a motor vehicle based off the Airport on the air operations area on a regular continuing basis, including but not limited to off-Airport contractor and service company vehicles, unless this person conspicuously displays in a window of the vehicle an "official permit" issued by the Administration, or is escorted by approved Administration or tenant personnel.

(3) A person may not operate a motor vehicle based off the Airport on the air operations area for the purpose of making a delivery on a one-time basis, unless the vehicle is escorted by approved Administration or tenant personnel.

(4) A person may not operate roadway-authorized motor vehicles, or vehicles without two-way radios, on the air operations area without notifying the control tower before entry.

(5) A person may not operate a two-wheeled motor vehicle on the air operations area, unless this vehicle has been approved in writing by the Airport Director.

(6) A person may not operate any motor vehicle inside a hangar unless the vehicle is specially equipped and approved by the Airport Director.

R. Driver Licensing and Permits. A person may not drive a motor vehicle on the air operations area without a currently valid driver's license issued by the State or by the jurisdiction where this person resides if other than Maryland.

S. Guidemen. A person may not operate a motor vehicle at the Airport without a guideman positioned outside the vehicle if the vision of its operator is restricted in any manner.

T. Parking Regulations.

(1) A person may not park a motor vehicle or load or unload a motor vehicle at the Airport in violation of any posted parking sign or other traffic regulation, or in such a manner as to obstruct the free movement of traffic.

(2) Vehicles shall be parked in one space only within areas that have marked spaces and lanes. Each vehicle shall leave clear access to adjacent spaces, and may not block driving lanes or create a hazard for other drivers.

(3) An area of the Airport property which has been closed by the use of barricades or other traffic control devices may not be entered by any vehicle.

U. Removal of Vehicles.

(1) A person may not abandon a motor vehicle at the Airport.

(2) Airport tenants are responsible for the prompt removal of abandoned motor vehicles from their leased premises, at the owner's expense.

(3) The Administration shall remove, at the owner's expense, any vehicle which remains parked in a limited duration parking space for a period of time which exceeds the posted time limit.

(4) The Administration may fine violators of posted signs and parking regulations adopted under Transportation Article §§ 5-426 and 5-427, Annotated Code of Maryland, not to exceed $50.

V. Pedestrians.

(1) A person operating a motor vehicle at the Airport shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian in a marked pedestrian crosswalk.

(2) A person may not park any vehicle in any marked pedestrian crosswalk.

Md. Code Regs. 11.03.02.04

Regulation .04 amended effective April 11, 1994 (21:7 Md. R. 531); January 12, 2009 (36:1 Md. R. 22)
Regulation .04V amended effective September 30, 1991 (18:19 Md. R. 2102)