Before you hit the sand in Ocean City, know the rules to follow and penalties to avoid

As beach season gets underway, the Ocean City Police Department is urging visitors to know the rules, warning that violations can lead to hefty consequences, including arrest and fines up to $5,000.

“We don’t want to be the fun police,” said Ashley Miller, deputy communications manager of the OCPD, but she added that the rules are “for the overall greater good.”

Ocean City attracts thousands of tourists to Maryland’s Eastern Shore each year for swimming, boating, fishing and fun on the boardwalk. The beach town also hosts major summer events, like its annual airshow and Independence Day celebration.

Here are some of the things officials want you to keep in mind (besides remembering to pack your sunscreen) when you head to the shore this summer.

Keep the shoreline smoke-free

Miller said the biggest issue facing the beach these days is the number of smokers. Town ordinance prohibits smoking or vaping tobacco and nicotine products on the Boardwalk, beaches, sidewalks and public spaces. Violations may result in fines up to $500.

Leave your furry friends at home

If you were thinking about bringing Fido with you as you grab some Boardwalk fries, think again. From May 1 to Sept. 30, dogs are prohibited from being on the public beach and Boardwalk.

In a Facebook post notifying beachgoers of the rule, the police department said that “these seasonal regulations help keep our beaches safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone during our busiest months.”

Leave at night, return when it’s bright

Night owls (or early risers) are out of luck. The beach will be closed overnight between midnight and 5 a.m., with only authorized personnel allowed. In a Facebook post, the OCPD said the closure is so the Public Works team can clean.

Save the drinks for somewhere else

All open containers and public consumption of alcohol are banned. Local police have posted about the ordinance online and urged beachgoers to keep Ocean City “family friendly.”

The ban is in effect in these areas:

• Public streets
• Sidewalks
• Parking lots
• The Boardwalk
• Beaches
• Public property
• In vehicles on public property

Violations could lead to arrest, criminal charges or fines of up to $5,000.

Don’t camp out in the car

Sleeping in a parked car on any public property is not allowed. The department said penalties for violating this rule include up to six months in prison, criminal charges and fines up to $5,000.

Miller said all responses to violations depend on the situation and will only escalate if police are met with someone who is uncooperative or has been stopped in the past. Fines will be issued at officer discretion.

The rules for Ocean City don’t stop at the ones covered here. You can check out a longer list on the Town of Ocean City’s website.