2022 Maryland Statutes
Transportation
Title 21 - Vehicle Laws -- Rules of the Road
Subtitle 2 - Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings
Section 21-206.1 - Prohibition Against Taking Actions Against Transportation-Related Property or Intelligent Transportation System -- Penalties for Violations

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

        (2)    “Component for electrical current transmission and storage” includes any of the following if it is placed by the authority of a public body or official:

            (i)    A battery;

            (ii)    An item used for surge protection;

            (iii)    A fuse;

            (iv)    A conduit;

            (v)    A circuit breaker;

            (vi)    A transformer;

            (vii)    A hand hole;

            (viii)    A manhole; and

            (ix)    Conductor wire.

        (3)    “Intelligent transportation system” includes any of the following if it is placed by the authority of a public body or official:

            (i)    A wired or wireless communications device connected to a traffic control device or a lighting device;

            (ii)    Any fiber–optic communications cabling connected to any government–owned or –placed transportation–related equipment or device through wireless radio, Bluetooth, Wi–Fi, or microwave systems; and

            (iii)    1.    Radio consoles;

                2.    Modems;

                3.    Routers;

                4.    Switches;

                5.    Encoders;

                6.    Decoders;

                7.    Power supplies;

                8.    Traffic controllers;

                9.    Road sensors;

                10.    Variable message signs;

                11.    Cameras;

                12.    Roadside units;

                13.    Highway advisory radio weather sensors;

                14.    Radio towers and shelters;

                15.    Speed detectors;

                16.    Remote traffic microwave sensors;

                17.    Portable generators;

                18.    Fog warning systems;

                19.    Bluetooth readers;

                20.    Power controllers;

                21.    Uninterruptible power supplies; and

                22.    Batteries or battery backups.

    (b)    A person without lawful authority may not willfully alter, disconnect, tamper with, remove, or otherwise interfere with a transportation–related component for electrical current transmission and storage or an intelligent transportation system.

    (c)    A person convicted of a violation of this section is subject to:

        (1)    For a first offense, imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,500 or both; and

        (2)    For a second or subsequent offense, imprisonment not exceeding 18 months or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.