MD SB967

Authorizes Howard County to use up to three noise abatement monitoring systems to enforce motor vehicle noise violations, joining Montgomery County and Prince George's County which already have this authority

Systems must detect violations exceeding maximum sound levels by at least 5 decibels, record audio and images including the vehicle's rear license plate, and require manual review by an operator before citations are issued

First-time offenders receive a warning notice only; second or subsequent violations carry a civil penalty not exceeding $75, with no points assessed on driving records and no impact on insurance rates

Counties must publish system locations on their website, install signage, and wait at least 15 calendar days after signage installation before issuing citations at new locations

Howard County must report to the Governor and General Assembly by March 1, 2026 on system usage, costs, revenue, and effectiveness; the Act takes effect July 1, 2025 and is tied to termination provisions in Chapters 624 and 625 of the 2024 Acts