Drivers Who Go Through Floodwaters To Be Penalized In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City officials advanced a proposed ordinance that would penalize motorists who drive through flooded streets in a way that sends water beyond the curb line, after council members cited storm damage and repeated complaints from residents and businesses.

The ordinance, identified as No. 2610, received unanimous approval on first reading at a City Council meeting. According to the discussion at the meeting, the proposal would apply when a street has at least 6 inches of water and a driver creates a wave or wake beyond the street or curb line.

City Solicitor Dorothy McCrosson told council the measure grew out of the aftermath of the September nor'easter, when the mayor raised the idea after hearing complaints from people including Councilman Keith Hartzell. She said Hartzell and others with an interest in Asbury Avenue saw cars traveling down the avenue and sending water into stores. McCrosson said slower driving might have prevented some of the damage.

McCrosson told council that similar ordinances exist in other communities and called the proposal overdue. The ordinance would amend Ocean City's administrative code by adding a new section, 4-45, addressing operation of motor vehicles on flooded roadways.

“I just want to say thank God,” Hartzell said.

He added that the city towed between 50 and 70 cars during the last storm and said, “There's no reason for you to get your car towed because you shouldn't be in those places anyways.”

Hartzell also urged more public education about routes that are typically passable during flooding, naming Central and Wesley avenues, Ninth Street and 18th Street as roads that are often dry or higher than others.

“Drive on the dry road,” he said.

Hartzell said emergency exceptions would remain necessary for medical rescues and essential response.

“The only time our trucks are going is if there's an emergency,” he said. “If someone's needs rescue from medical, we're going to go get them.”

A second reading and public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for Nov. 19 at 6 p.m.