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Alert Bowie 2.0

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1. What is Alert Bowie 2.0?

Alert Bowie 2.0 is Bowie’s current alerting system. It replaced Alert Bowie, which has been in place since 2005. It’s a great way to receive information to keep you and your family safe and informed. Like its predecessor, the new and improved system provides updates to those who live and work in Bowie about what’s happening here, whether it is a hazmat incident, a traffic tie-up, or an event.

With Alert Bowie 2.0, City officials can send important information of your choosing to the devices you register. We also have the ability to pinpoint a particular area or street on the map when we need to send a specific message to those residents, such as in the case of a water main break or a dangerous situation.

2. What are some of the features of Alert Bowie 2.0?

• Delivers targeted alerts to those affected by an emergency in a particular area.
• Offers automated weather alerts, with the ability to define a “quiet period” when alerts will not be received.
• Sends alerts to your smart phone or tablet via an app and can provide an alert message as well as a map, a photo, or other relevant information in an attachment.
• Allows individuals to easily manage or update their account information.
• Sends recorded phone messages to landline or mobile phones in an emergency.

3. Why should I sign up for Alert Bowie 2.0?

Alert Bowie 2.0 provides accurate, up-to-the-minute notifications from the City of Bowie to you, wherever you may be.

If you are new to Bowie’s alert system, you will find that it’s a great way to stay informed and receive emergency alerts, public safety notices, and Bowie E-News updates. You choose the types of messages you receive and how you will receive them.

4. How does Alert Bowie 2.0 work?

The City of Bowie uses Alert Bowie 2.0 to send alerts, public safety messages and E-News updates to subscribers. The information you receive depends on which lists you subscribe to and the location(s) you provide.

5. What types of information can I receive via Alert Bowie 2.0?

• Emergency alerts:
o Automated severe weather warnings
o Emergency situations – i.e. hazmat incident, evacuation notice, natural disaster
• Public Safety Notices:
o Traffic problems in Bowie
o Police Department alerts – crime alerts, missing persons, etc.
o Health alerts
• Bowie E-News:
o Bowie News Flash (monthly summary of news & upcoming events)
o Bowie Spotlight
o Bowie Senior Newsletter
o City Council Actions
o City government closings/service interruptions
o Job vacancies
o Neighborhood specific news
o Pet Pickup Notices
o Skate Park News

6. Can I choose what information I receive from Alert Bowie 2.0?

Yes! One of the biggest benefits of Alert Bowie 2.0 is how personalized it is. It allows you to fully customize what kind of notifications you receive and how you receive them. You can also specify particular times during the day when you would prefer to block automatic weather alerts.

7. What are my options for receiving alerts?

With Alert Bowie 2.0 you can receive information via:
• Mobile application for Droid or Apple device (smart phone app)
• Text message (SMS) on your cell phone
• Email
• Telephone call to your cell phone or landline (only for severe weather alerts and on other very rare occasions)
•TTY

8. How will the City of Bowie use Alert Bowie 2.0?

This system will be used to contact you about imminent threats to health and safety. It will also be used to share notifications relevant to your location and can provide informational updates on a variety of topics of your choosing. Examples include severe weather, road closures, job opportunities, newsletters, and upcoming special events.

9. Who sends alerts?

Bowie’s alerting system is administered by the City of Bowie Public Information Office. Most alerts originate from within that office, but there are authorized alerts senders within the Police Department and other City offices. Pet Pickup alerts are sent out by Bowie Animal Control to notify subscribers when a loose pet has been picked up and is in the custody of Animal Control.

Automated weather alerts are sent based on geographic locations you provide. The City will also continue to send out its own weather alerts to subscribers when there is specific information to share about what’s going on in Bowie.

10. I'm interested! How do I register for Alert Bowie 2.0?

To register, simply follow the link to our Alert Bowie 2.0 page (www.cityofbowie.org/alerts) and select the "Sign Up Now" button. You will be asked to:
• Create a username and password.
• Provide an email address.
• Enter locations for which you wish to receive alerts. You can enter up to five locations (i.e. your home, your work, your child’s school, etc.).
• Select the alerts you wish to receive and how you want to receive the information (i.e. email, text message, fax, voice phone call, etc.). Please note that delivery by “voice” will not be used in every situation. However, automated weather alerts you elect to receive will be sent to all registered devices, including “voice” phone calls.
• Be sure to enter a “quiet time” if you do not wish to receive automated severe weather alerts when you are sleeping.
Alert Bowie 2.0

11. Why do I need to provide an address?

Individuals are asked to enter a valid address because it will allow us to send targeted alerts based on your location when there is something happening on your street or in your neighborhood, such as a hazmat incident or a water main break. Since weather alerts are automated and geographically based, you can receive them for any valid address in the United States or most other countries. You can register up to five locations, no matter where they are. For example, if you live in Bowie, work in DC and your son or daughter goes to college in Wilmington, North Carolina, you can receive automated severe weather alerts for all three locations. If you do not wish to provide your exact address,you can enter a street name, or the address of a public building (such as a school) near your home.

12. Who can register for Alert Bowie 2.0?

Anyone can sign up for Alert Bowie 2.0 regardless of where they live and/or work. However, with the exception of the automated Weather Alerts, the City of Bowie will only provide alerts and notifications for incidents/events with a potential impact to Bowie. Certain types of alerts will only be received by individuals within a certain radius of the event/incident location (i.e., public safety incidents).

Similar systems are in place throughout the National Capital Region. If you live and/or work outside of Bowie, and want to receive traffic or crime alerts for other cities or counties in the area, you're encouraged to sign-up for that respective jurisdiction's alerting system. You can find links to all of the alerting systems in the National Capital Region at capitalert.gov.

13. Can I receive alerts from other parts of the region?

Governments throughout the NCR offer free subscriptions to their alerting systems. So if you live in Bowie and work in Prince William County, you can sign up for alerts in both locations and everything in between. Sign up for other NCR alerting systems

14. Will my contact information be shared with others?

No. The information that you provide will be used only for Alert Bowie 2.0 notification purposes. We will not give or sell your contact or location information to any vendor or other organization.

15. What if my phone number(s) or email address(es) change?

The system is only as good as the information you provide. If your contact information changes, please log into your account and update your information or call 301-809-3032 and we'll do the updating for you.

16. I no longer wish to receive alerts. How do I disable my account?

You can stop receiving notifications at any time by removing your contact information from your profile. If you wish to completely delete your profile, email ucooper@cityofbowie.org or call 301-809-3032.

17. Is there an app for Alert Bowie 2.0?

Yes! There is an app for Android and iPhone users. Search for “Everbridge Member” on the Google Play or Apple Store. These apps are free; however text and data charges may apply. Please check with your mobile carrier for more details. There is no application available for Blackberry or Windows devices at this time. You must create your account online and then once you have an account, you can download the app from Google Play or the App Store and then use the application for managing your account and for receiving alerts as notifications on your mobile device.

18. How much does Alert Bowie 2.0 cost?

Alert Bowie 2.0 is free to all subscribers. All you have to do is register. If you pay by the text message, text messaging rates may apply.

19. What are automated weather alerts?

Alert Bowie 2.0 allows you to enter multiple addresses and receive severe weather alerts for these locations. So if you live in Bowie, work in DC, and have a son or daughter attending college in North Carolina, you can provide those addresses and receive automated alerts when there is severe weather in those areas.

You choose which alerts you receive (tornado, severe thunderstorm, blizzard, hurricane, high wind warning, etc.) and the time of day you wish to receive them.

To receive these alerts, sign up for the alert category entitled “Severe Weather.”

20. What is the Quiet Time feature?

Most of the alerts we issue will occur between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. However, because weather alerts are automated and are delivered as weather events occur, you may select a range of hours during which you do not wish to be contacted. This feature, known as "Quiet Time." With the exception of tornado warnings, no weather alerts will be delivered to any device during the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. If you wish to further restrict the hours during which alerts are sent to you, please log into your account and set your own Quiet Time.To enable this feature, visit the “Severe Weather Subscriptions” under the “My Alerts” section of your profile.

21. What is the difference between a watch, warning and advisory?

In general, a weather warning is more severe than a watch or advisory. The National Weather Service in Sterling, Va. is the local office responsible for issuing all weather forecasts and warnings for Maryland and Virginia. For the official list of terminology they use, visit the NWS link. National Weather Service

22. What number will show up when you send me a text message? What number will show up when you call me? What address will email notifications come from?

When you receive text messages from Alert Bowie 2.0, the sender will be displayed as 893-61. We encourage you to add this text number into your mobile phone contacts to easily identify text messages that are alerts. In the case of automated weather alerts or when we elect to contact you by telephone call, the call will show as coming from 240-544-5631 or City of Bowie. We encourage you to also add this number in your mobile phone contacts to easily identify it as an alert call. In addition, email notifications will display “Alert Bowie” as the sender and you are encouraged to add this to your address book or safe list to ensure it does not get marked as SPAM by your email provider.

23. Why do I get weather alerts in the middle of the night?

The system is set up to only send the most urgent of weather alerts, such as a Tornado Warning for Bowie, during overnight hours.Other automated weather alerts are sent between the hours of 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.

24. Why do I get weather alerts via a phone call?

One of the features of Alert Bowie 2.0 is the ability to send alerts via a recorded message to registered phone numbers or to Bowie numbers that are in the White pages. These types of calls will only be used in very limited circumstances, such as when a Tornado Warning has been issued, or when we think it is critical to quickly reach as many affected people as possible.

25. Who do I contact if I have problems, questions or comments?

If you can’t find the answer to your question or have problems or comments about our alerting system, please email or call Una Cooper at 301-809-3032.

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Bowiefest

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1. How do I sign up to be a food vendor at Bowiefest?

By April 7th you must complete the vendor form

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Building Permits

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1. What documents must I provide to City Hall to apply for a City building permit?

Here's what you need to apply for a City of Bowie Building Permit:

• a copy of the Prince George's County building permit,
• a current stamped survey/site plan and 
• all other documents submitted to Prince George's County for the issuance of the County permit.

Please view the Prince George's County, Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement website for additional information.

2. Why must I obtain a Prince George's County permit and a City of Bowie building permit?

The Prince George's County Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement has exclusive authority for the approval and inspection of construction codes and standards and issues relating to the Maryland Building Performance Standards. A City of Bowie permit is required to ensure compliance with the Bowie City Code, with covenants, and to ensure other permits were not issued in error.

3. When will the permit be issued?

The review process for a building permit normally takes from 2 to 5 business days. Incomplete documents will require a longer period of time.
Please note: the mere submission of a permit application does not permit the builder to begin work nor does it guarantee a City permit will be issued.

4. Can I apply for a building permit online or by email?

Building permit applications can be submitted online.

You will need the following information to complete the de it in the City of Bowie Online Building Permit Application

• Prince George's County permit
• ALL stamped approved plans/drawings
• approved variance (if needed)
• estimated cost of construction, and 
• contact person and information for the job/project 

Application fees accepted by credit card only for electronic submissions. Fees must be paid prior to application processing.

For more information, call 301-809-3008 or email buildingpermits@cityofbowie.org

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Citizens' Guide to the Budget - These FAQs and answers were developed by the Financial Advisory Committee to enhance the information available to citizens about their government.

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1. Have my overall property tax rates been raised recently?

The combined (state, county, and city) property tax rate for a Bowie resident is $1.6860 per $100 of assessed value for fiscal year 2023. This is up from the 2022 rate of $1.6800. While the Bowie property tax rate has been stable for the last thirteen years, residents may have seen their tax bills increase due to higher property assessments and the fact that Prince George’s County raised its property tax rate by $.04 in fiscal year 2016. Property assessments are developed by the State of Maryland and are based on market rates.

2. What is the City's financial year?

The City's fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30.

3. What is the City's budget calendar?

The budget process begins in December and the budget is adopted in May.

4. How does the City fund its budget?

Bowie gets its income from general property taxes, state shared revenue, licenses, permits, fees, fines, service charges, and funds from other agencies.

5. As a citizen, how can I make comments about the budget or proposed projects or services for the City to consider?

Correspond with the City Manager, and/or elected Councilmembers any time during the year. Attend one of the public meetings (usually on Monday nights) and make comments to City Council during the Citizen Participation or Public Hearing portion of the meeting.

6. What does Bowie spend my local tax money on?

Bowie uses its funds for general government expenses, economic development, public safety, social services, public works, parks, culture, and recreation.

7. What happens to the revenue from the speed camera tickets?

Sixty percent of the fees from speed cameras goes to the City general fund and helps offset the cost of the Police Department and 40% is used for administration and maintenance of the cameras.

8. How does the City cover the cost of capital improvements?

Bowie has two budgets: the operating budget and the capital budget. Both funds are covered by regular sources of income and are allocated by City Council each year depending on the planned improvements. At times, the City might issue a bond for a major capital expense.

9. I get my water through WSSC and am not on the Bowie Water System. Do my taxes subsidize the Bowie Water Plant and capital improvements for the water system?

No. The local water system covers only some of the neighborhoods in Bowie. All costs for the operation of the Water Plant and capital improvements are covered by the billings that go out to the users of the Bowie Water System. The State of Maryland has increased the Bay Restoration Fee that appears on your water bill and these funds are sent to the State.

10. Does Bowie need to borrow funds to meet its regular financial obligations?

Bowie is on a "pay as you go" model, meaning that the City does not spend funds that it does not have or were not budgeted. There are specific debt policies which guide the City Council. Bowie enjoys a AAA credit rating.

11. How does the City pay for adding new municipal services or unexpected expenses?

Bowie maintains a reserve fund to provide a cushion in the event of unanticipated expenditures such as snow removal. These reserve funds may be used to balance the budget. If necessary, the tax rate may be increased.

12. Does the City Council incorporate environmentally friendly policies in its annual budget?

Bowie continues to implement programs that reduce energy consumption or that enhance the environment.

13. As a taxpayer in Bowie, do I also have to pay for the Prince George's County Police Department?

In the past, Prince George’s County provided police coverage for Bowie. This changed when Bowie voted to start its own police force in 2005. The City Police Department is fully funded by the City’s general fund. However, the department receives State and County funding to offset some of its expenditures. The department continues to work in partnership with the Prince George’s County Police Department. This partnership includes sharing training opportunities, joint initiatives, and information sharing.

14. Who pays for the local Fire Department?

The City does not pay for the Fire Department. This responsibility is handled by the County and paid with County taxes. The City provides a contribution, usually over $200,000 a year, to the Volunteer Fire Department for the purpose of purchasing and maintaining equipment.

15. The City owns and operates the Ice Arena and City Gymnasium. Who covers the cost of these facilities?

Fees are charged to participants, but in order to keep the fees low, the City provides additional funding out of the general fund to cover the cost of the Gymnasium and Ice Arena.

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Commercial Code Compliance Questions

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1. How often do you inspect properties?

Never

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Common Code Compliance Questions

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1. How do I report a possible code violation?

You may call the Code Compliance Office at 301-809-3008, send an email to codecompliance@cityofbowie.org or enter a Service Request from this website at the link below.

Enter a Service Request

2. What is the height limit for grass and weeds?

Eight inches (8") is the maximum height for grass and weeds.

3. Can I bring my company truck home?

The City's Zoning Ordinance prohibits the parking or storing of commercial vehicles on residential lots, unless it is parked in a garage. A commercial vehicle may not be parked on the lot if any of the following conditions applies: manufacturer's GVW exceeds 7,500 lbs., vehicle load space is over 300 cubic feet or the vehicle has advertising/lettering/symbols exceeding 4 inches in height. Other prohibited commercial vehicles include tow trucks, stake body trucks, and trucks with dual rear wheels.

4. Are door-to-door solicitors required to have a City license?

Yes, most door-to-door solicitors are required to obtain a County license as well as a City license. A license is required if they are selling, promoting, introducing, offering a free survey or anything else of value or of service. A license is issued to each person and not the company. Civic, religious, fraternal and charitable organizations approved by the City Manager are exempt from the license requirement.
Licensed solicitors may only operate between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

5. Inoperative vehicles are prohibited from being parked on residential property. What is an inoperative vehicle?

Generally, an inoperative vehicle is a vehicle that cannot be driven on a City street. An inoperative vehicle may have flat tire(s), dead battery, is not displaying valid registration plates, is dismantled or wrecked, cannot be driven under its own power, or has broken or missing parts, etc.

6. Is there a restriction on loud noises or on when I can mow my lawn?

Generally, the generation of loud noise should not occur before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. on weekdays (Monday thru Friday) and on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) there should be no generation of loud noise before 9:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.

7. Can I park my trailer on a City street?

Trailers, boat trailers and campers are prohibited from being parked on the street unless they are in the immediate process of loading or unloading.

8. Can my neighbor park their cars on the street in front of my home?

Yes. The street is a public right-of-way intended for public use. We encourage residents to park on their side of the street. The City does have several parking regulations and restrictions. See Chapter 14 of the City Code. City Code

9. How long may I park my car on the street without moving it?

Vehicles parked on the street must be moved one full vehicle length within a 72 hour period.

10. How many vehicles can a resident have?

There is no limitation on the number of vehicles a resident may own. The vehicles must be operative, display valid tags, be parked on a paved surface or City street, and must comply with other parking regulations.

11. What is the most common violation?

Open storage is the most common code violation. The City prohibits the outdoor storage of appliances, fixtures, tires, automotive parts and supplies, furniture, buckets, containers, building materials and supplies, litter, trash and debris, and other items generally stored in one's home, shed or garage. Residential storage is prohibited in any carport or front porch.

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Emergency Preparedness

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1. How much water in an emergency kit?

Shoot for one gallon, per person, per day. Add extra for pets. 

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Listening Sessions

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1. What can we do about litter?

Litter is a constant problem throughout the city. It comes from a variety of sources. It blows out of vehicles, it can be dropped from cars or by pedestrians, wildlife can disturb trash, it falls out during trash collection, and sometimes people deliberately dump trash on our roadways. 

The most common litter complaints we receive are about trash on major thoroughfares around the city, such as Crain Highway (US 301), Collington Road (MD 197), Annapolis Road (MD 450), Central Avenue (MD 214), Hall Road, Race Track Road and around commercial areas. For the most part, these areas are maintained by the Maryland State Highway Administration or Prince George’s County. While the city regularly reports these problems to the appropriate parties, and works with the agencies to keep them responsive, we can’t direct when the problems are addressed. We can, however, work with residents to keep city owned streets looking good. We do this by cleaning up areas where dumping has occurred on our streets, by having our street sweeper pass through every neighborhood in the spring, summer, and fall, and sometimes by citing property owners for litter on private property or improper storage of trash.

Keeping our city clean and looking good is a partnership between all of us who live and work here. Never litter; keep a bag in your vehicle to dispose of trash, report litter problems whenever you see them, secure your trash in cans with tight fitting lids, and pick up litter near your home whenever you can. 

Report Litter on Major Roadways

Be part of the litter solution by reporting litter to the appropriate agency whenever you can!

Maryland State Highway (SHA) maintains state roads

Report problems on these roads to the Maryland Highway Administration:

• Crain Highway (US 301/MD 3)
• Central Avenue (MD 214)
• Annapolis Road (MD 450)
• Collington Road/Laurel Bowie Road (MD 197)
• Lanham Severn Road (MD 564) 
• Hall Road

Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation maintains County roads

Report problems on these roads to CountyClick 311 (dial 3-1-1) or complete the online form.

• Race Track Road
• Fletchertown Road
• Governor Bridge Road
• Church Road
• Highbridge Road
• Hillmeade Road
• Jericho Park Road
• Mitchellville Road (south of MD 197)
• Mt. Oak Road (west of Mitchellville Road)
• Old Chapel Road
• Old Laurel Bowie Road

Litter Problems on Private Property

Report specific properties to the City of Bowie Code Compliance Office at 301-809-3008 or to your local homeowners association, if applicable.

Questions about Litter Control?

Have questions about litter or don’t know who to report the problem to, please call the City of Bowie Public Works Department at 301-809-2344.

What Else Can I Do to Prevent Litter?

• Take advantage of City collections of trash, recycling, yard waste, and tires and appliances. 
• Volunteer at clean up events or organize your own event. Contact Tiffany Wright at 301-809-3043 or twright@cityofbowie.org for assistance.
• Involve your business or organization in a State or County Adopt a Road Program
• Learn more about reducing, reusing, and recycling your trash
• And...always put trash in its place!

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Main

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1. How do I contact a City Councilmember?

Each Councilmember has a City email address. Visit the Staff Directory to send an email. You can also contact Councilmembers via the City Clerk. She will relay any messages to them. Her telephone number is 301-809-3029.

2. What is the trash and recycling schedule for my neighborhood?

Go to our Schedule to see when your pickup days are.

3. How do I reach the Bowie Police Department?

For emergency calls for service, please dial 9-1-1. For non-emergency calls for service, call 240-544-5700. In both cases a Bowie Officer will be dispatched. If you have a question, a suggestion, or concern about police services in Bowie, you can also call 240-544-5700 to reach the Administrative Offices of the Bowie Police Department. Call takers are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week to take your calls. Non urgent inquiries can also be emailed to cops@cityofbowie.org.

4. How do I report water pollution or other problems with a local stream, pond, or storm drain?

Please call the Public Works Department at 301-809-2344 to report water pollution or other problems with a local stream, pond, or storm drain. Or you may use our Service Request System to report the problem

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Online Job Training

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1. What are the eligibility requirements for this program?

You must be a City of Bowie resident, which means that your address falls within the boundaries on this map: www.cityofbowie.org/addresscheck and interested in gaining new job skills. There are no other requirements.

2. How long do I have to complete my chosen courses? Is there a time limit?

Bowie residents will have access to both training portals for one year, until April of 2023.To ensure as many residents as possible have a chance to access the program, if a participant has not made progress on any courses within three months of enrolling, their license may be revoked for use by another resident.

3. Is there a waitlist for this program?

There are a limited number of licenses available for this program. If all licenses are currently assigned to residents, there may be a waiting period until you can access the program. City staff will notify you if a slot opens up for you.

4. Do I have to take the recommended courses?

The City of Bowie has partnered with Employ Prince George’s to identify which industries and jobs are most in-demand in the DMV region. Based on that information, we have recommended a select curation of courses for participants to consider. Participants have access to the entire library of Coursera certifications; you are encouraged to search for the courses and certifications that are most relevant to you.

5. What is the difference between the Google Certificates and the Coursera program?

The Google Certificates are five professional certifications designed by Google staff, in IT Support, Data Analytics, UX Design or Project Management. The Coursera program is a larger library of training courses and professional certifications in a wide variety of fields, including healthcare, program administration, software coding, Microsoft Office, and many others.

6. Can I take both a Google course and a Coursera course?

Yes, you can access both training tracks.

7. I am having a technical issue with accessing the courses. What should I do?

All the online training courses are provided by Coursera. Please direct inquiries related to technical issues or other questions related to the courses to Coursera staff. Coursera will host a weekly office hours on Zoom Wednesdays at 4 pm for the first six weeks of the program, from April 20 until May 25, and bi-weekly thereafter to address questions and technical issues. They can also be reached at clientsupport@coursera.org, with copies to pwhitaker@coursera.org and worktraining@cityofbowie.org 

8. I have another question not covered here. What should I do?

Please contact City staff at worktraining@cityofbowie.org with questions related to the program administration or requirements. 

Please direct all technical questions regarding accessing the Coursera library to Coursera staff at clientsupport@coursera.org, with copies to pwhitaker@coursera.org and worktraining@cityofbowie.org or attend the Zoom office hours on Wednesdays at 4 pm to have your question answered in real time.

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Parks

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1. Which parks have reserved picnic areas?

You can reserve a picnic area or pavilion at Allen Pond Park or Whitemarsh Park.

2. What must I do to reserve a picnic site?

- Read the details on these pages.
- Visit the space you want to reserve to make sure it fits your needs
- Apply in person at City Hall
- Bring proof of residency (if applicable)
- Bring fee

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Police - General Speed Cameras

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1. How are sites selected?

A variety of factors are used to determine the automated speed enforcement deployment locations, including:

• Location of school zone (e.g., must be on a street / road with a speed limit of less than 45 mph, spreading out sites to achieve maximum effect, etc.)
• Safety data (e.g. children exposure / risk, congestion, crash history, violation history, etc.)
• Temporary traffic control setup (e.g., number of lanes, time of day, duration of school, etc.)

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Police - Paying Citation Fines

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1. How much time do I have to pay this citation?

When a citizen receives a citation, he/she must respond within 30 calendar days (including weekends) of the date on the citation. If the citation is not paid in full within 60 days of issuance, the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will be notified to flag the vehicle license plate (Maryland plates only).

If the citation is not paid in full within 90 days of issuance, the City of Bowie will begin collection efforts.

Payment processing time is included within the 30-day period. The day after the issuance (mail) date on the citation counts as day one.

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Police - Speed Camera Citation Disputes & Appeals

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1. Can I request the operator of the camera to be present at court?

Yes, you can request that the operator of the camera be present at court. Send your request in writing to:
City of Bowie Safe Speed Program
P.O. Box 889
Bowie, MD 20718

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Police - Speed Camera Use

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1. How do I know the camera was functioning properly at the time of my violation?

The entire system undergoes a thorough self-check prior to and at the end of each deployment. The results of the testing are captured in the computer and are recorded. The cameras will only operate if all the components are working properly and will automatically shut down in the event an error is detected. The equipment must then be re-tested and manually re-started before recording additional images.

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Public Works

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1. Can I dispose of tires with my trash?

Tires are a special pickup item. Please visit our Service Request System to schedule a pickup or call 301-809-2344.

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Recycling Tips

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1. Can I recycle plastic bags?

Plastic bags cannot be recycled with curbside recycling. Please take bags to a local store for recycling.

2. What do I do with CFL bulbs?

CFL bulbs contain mercury and should not be put in trash or recycling. Instead bring them to Home Depot or other CFL collection site.