Gaithersburg, MD Firearms: Firearms in Vehicles (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

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Maryland state rule: Gaithersburg does not have a local ordinance for firearms in vehicles. This topic is governed by Maryland state law and applies uniformly across the state.

Summary

Maryland prohibits carrying or transporting a handgun in a vehicle without a Wear and Carry Permit, with narrow statutory exceptions for unloaded transport.

Full Breakdown

Maryland Public Safety Article 5-301 defines handguns and works in tandem with Criminal Law Article 4-203 to prohibit wearing, carrying, or transporting a handgun in a vehicle on any public road, highway, waterway, or parking lot generally used by the public. Without a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit, drivers and passengers may transport a handgun only if it is unloaded and either carried in an enclosed case or holster, between specifically authorized locations such as the owner's home, business, or repair shop, or to and from a shooting range, hunting site, or gun show. Long guns are not regulated as handguns but remain subject to transport rules. State law fully preempts local vehicle-carry rules.

Violations & Fines

Unlawful transport of a handgun is a misdemeanor punishable by 30 days to 3 years imprisonment and fines up to $2,500, with mandatory minimums for repeat offenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep a loaded handgun in my car in Maryland without a permit?

No. A Wear and Carry Permit is required; otherwise the handgun must be unloaded, cased, and transported only between authorized locations.

Are long guns treated the same as handguns for vehicle carry?

No. Long guns fall outside the handgun transport statute but must still be transported safely and unloaded under most circumstances.

Sources & Official References

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Gaithersburg, MD Firearms: Firearms in Vehicles (2026)

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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