Maryland’s handgun laws are among the strictest in the nation, and violating them can lead to serious legal consequences. Knowing how to properly wear, carry, and transport a handgun is essential to staying compliant and avoiding criminal charges. Here’s what you should know to stay on the right side of the law. Here’s what you need to know about Maryland’s handgun laws.
Definition of a Handgun in Maryland
According to Maryland Criminal Law 4-201, a handgun includes:
- Pistols
- Revolvers
- Short-barreled shotguns (barrel less than 18 inches or overall length less than 26 inches)
- Short-barreled rifles (barrel less than 16 inches or overall length less than 26 inches)
However, not all firearms fall under this definition. Standard rifles, shotguns, and antique firearms—specifically those manufactured before 1899 or replicas not designed to use modern ammunition—are generally not considered handguns under Maryland law.
Why Are Maryland’s Handgun Laws So Strict?
Maryland’s legislature has enacted strict handgun regulations to address rising violent crime rates and to minimize the use of handguns in criminal activities. According to Maryland Criminal Law 4-202, the state’s stance on handgun regulations is a result of:
- Increased violent crime rates in recent years
- A high percentage of violent crimes involving handguns
- The failure of previous laws to reduce handgun-related violence
- The necessity to protect public safety and prevent criminal misuse of firearms
Individuals must now adhere to strict guidelines for wearing, carrying, and transporting handguns, and only handgun users who meet specific exceptions are permitted to do so legally.
Wearing and Carrying Handguns in Maryland
In Maryland, it is generally illegal to wear or carry a handgun unless an individual falls under one of the statutory exceptions. A person who violates these laws may face felony charges, including jail time and fines.
Exceptions to Maryland’s Handgun Laws
There are nine specific exceptions where wearing, carrying, or transporting a handgun is permitted:
- Law Enforcement Personnel: Including authorized law enforcement officials, correctional officers, members of the armed forces, and certain deputies on duty or traveling to/from duty.
- Valid Wear and Carry Permit: An exception for individuals holding a valid Maryland Wear and Carry Permit, subject to the limitations specified under the permit.
- Transporting After Purchase, Repair, or Between Residences/Businesses: It is lawful to transport a handgun between a legal place of purchase, a repair shop, a primary residence, or a business owned by the individual. The handgun must be unloaded and secured in an enclosed case or holster.
- Target Shooting, Hunting, Trapping, or Training: Wearing, carrying, or transporting a handgun for organized military activities, target practice, hunting, or training classes is permitted. The handgun must be unloaded and properly secured.
- Gun Collectors: Transporting part or all of a gun collection for public or private exhibition is allowed. Each handgun must be unloaded and carried in an enclosed case or holster.
- Homeowners or Business Owners: Individuals may wear, carry, or transport a handgun on their property or within the confines of a business they own.
- Supervisory Employees at Work: Authorized supervisory employees may carry a handgun within the business premises with the owner’s written consent.
- Signal Pistols: Individuals may transport signal pistols or distress signals approved by the U.S. Coast Guard in a vessel or vehicle.
- Court-Ordered Surrender of Handgun: Individuals carrying a court order for the surrender of a handgun may transport it to the designated law enforcement agency.
While these exceptions provide specific allowances under Maryland law, individuals must still adhere strictly to all conditions and limitations associated with each, as violations can result in serious legal consequences.
Contact the Criminal Defense Attorneys at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys in Maryland for Help Today
Before carrying a firearm, you should make sure you understand Maryland’s strict laws surrounding handguns. If you are unsure about your rights under Maryland’s handgun laws or face charges related to firearm possession, consult an experienced criminal defense attorney for help.
For more information, contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a confidential consultation with a criminal defense attorney. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, and Waldorf.
We proudly serve Prince George’s County, Frederick County, Montgomery County, Charles County and the surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Lanham
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste 201 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 262-7005
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Frederick
25 E Patrick St #200 Frederick, MD 21701
(301) 381-1993
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Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Rockville
11140 Rockville Pike 550-J Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 364-3195
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Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Waldorf
8 Post Office Rd, Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 857-4771