OCEAN CITY, Md.- Right now all is quiet in Ocean City. But in the upcoming days, hundreds of car enthusiasts are coming.
They will fill streets and sidewalks, sometimes causing chaos. The "Special Event Zone" aims to prevent that.
In years past, crowds and hot rods have flooded Coastal Highway and some side streets, sometimes speeding and doing burnouts.
Hundreds of people have been arrested at the unsanctioned car rally.
The zone tries to decrease dangerous driving by lowering speed limits and increasing fines and penalties for any reckless driving or misconduct. Last year, over 100 people were arrested.
Ocean City Mayor Richard Meehan says the town will be prepared for the large crowds and to enforce the rules and he wants the public to be ready as well.
"If you're out and about just be aware of what's going on around you," Meehan said. "We apologize in advance for any delays or any problems that this causes. But, we're trying to do our very best with an event we have no control over."
H2Oi is an unsanctioned event that Ocean City does not have a hand in and Meehan says the town does not have the power to keep anyone from coming in.
"We just can't stop people from coming to Ocean City," Meehan added. Everybody has the right to come. What we do is encourage everybody when they come here to please obey our laws and be courteous to others."
Maryland State Police are urging drivers throughout Worcester County to be careful through the duration of the zone. It will be joining local law enforcement throughout the weekend.
The "Special Event Zone" is in place through Monday. Ocean City officials say the top priority is protecting the community and keeping everyone safe.