The H2Oi car rally is coming to Ocean City on Friday. Here’s what you need to know

An unofficial car show that has raised controversy over clashes between police and attendees in recent years is expected to bring droves of car aficionados to Ocean City this weekend.

The unsanctioned car rally, known as H2Oi, has led Ocean City to declare a “Special Event Zone” through Sept. 26, a policy they first enforced in 2019 to reduce speed limits and increase fines and penalties for motorists.

This year, the zone includes all of Worcester County.

Similar to 2020, drivers inside the zone will be arrested for certain traffic violations.

The last few years of the event were riddled with rowdy crowds, speeding cars, and videos of attendees confronting and throwing rocks and bottles at police.

In 2020, Ocean City police cracked down on the event, arresting some attendees, issuing more than 3,500 citations, and impounding and towing more than 350 cars over the course of the rally.

Here’s what you need to know about this year’s event.

What is the H2Oi rally?

The pop-up event attracts thousands of car enthusiasts, particularly those interested in modified Audis and Volkswagens.

The official H2Oi car show moved to New Jersey years ago, but passionate car fans continue to gather every year in Ocean City for an unofficial event that is not approved by the Ocean City government or formally tied to the New Jersey event.

When is the event happening?

Motorists are expected to make their way into town Friday and the event is expected to end Sunday.

What has happened in previous years?

Because the event is unsanctioned, it has often frustrated locals and brought with it nights full of drag racing, outdoor drinking and rowdy crowds.

In 2019, photos and videos on social media showed cars doing donuts and attendees setting off fireworks in the middle of the street. During the 2019 event, one driver doing a “burnout,” — rapidly spinning their tires, creating smoke clouds — hit a child and an adult with their car.

In 2020, police officers ramped up their presence at the event, arresting some attendees while also raising criticisms from the public about aggressive policing.

How is Ocean City preparing for the event this year?

Ocean City has extended the Special Event Zone to the entire county, allowing for traffic citations and, potentially, arrests for speeding and traffic violations.

Police will be targeting “exhibition driving,” which Maryland State Police defined as anything from swerving and skidding to burning tires and quickly accelerating or decelerating.

Speed limits are reduced to 30 mph on Coastal Highway and the cost of traffic fines are higher than normal.

There will also be an “even greater police presence than in the past,” Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan said in a video statement.

Maryland State Police as well as Ocean City and Worcester County Police will be patrolling the event.

What if I had a trip planned to Ocean City this weekend?

Officials are advising residents to keep off the roads this weekend and anyone planning a trip to Ocean City should likely reschedule.

Between the reduced speed limits and influx of out-of-state traffic, officials warn of heavy traffic on top of an intense police presence in the area.

“If you don’t have any business in town or need to drive in town, then don’t,” Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro said in a video statement.