Maryland Vehicle Carry Rules Under PS 5-301

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.

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.