Driving Through Maryland

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May 22nd, 2011, 07:23 PM
tubadude

Driving Through Maryland

In the few weeks leading up to my 21st birthday, I have been studying the various laws regarding concealed carry in states that I frequent. I am a Pennsylvania resident, but I go to school in West Virginia. The fastest way from one location to the other involves cutting through Maryland, which will not honor my Pennsylvania permit. From what I understand, my handgun will have to be unloaded in a locked container in the cargo area of my vehicle. The problem is that I drive a pickup, specifically a super cab, and I am a little confused on how to go about this.

Any advice for the 60 miserable minutes I have to spend in that state?

FWIW, I am planning on getting one of those COM in car gun lockers.
May 22nd, 2011, 08:27 PM
Hiram25

If it is locked unloaded in a COM safe, and separated from the ammo, you should be good to go.
May 23rd, 2011, 06:33 AM
swinokur

Hiram is correct. Handgun or ammo in a locked case. FOPA says if no trunk, handgun OR ammo in a locked container.

check out Center of Mass
May 23rd, 2011, 07:34 AM
rstickle

I'd also make sure the mags are empty.
May 23rd, 2011, 07:37 AM
swinokur

2 Attachment(s)

Loaded mags are fine in MD. The MD AG has issued an opinion that loaded mags are not illegal. in MD. I have attached the ruling and the FOPA ruling as well
May 23rd, 2011, 07:39 AM
WvHiker

Hello from Morgantown. Maryland is always a hassle. The worst part is having to stop and disarm/unload/lockup before you cruise into MD; I've had to do this on the side of the road before driving over from Morgantown to the Eastern Panhandle. Make sure you lock an empty gun up every single time you enter MD.
May 23rd, 2011, 07:46 AM
Backnblack

Quote:

Originally Posted by WvHiker

Make sure you lock an empty gun up every single time you enter MD.

Agreed, Just one of many 2A reasons MD will NOT be my homestead here shortly.

Quote:

From Mark H. Bowen Assistant Attorney General

Maryland law does not require that magazines be unloaded, or carried in a container separate from the handgun. The exceptions that allow transportation of a handgun, as set forth in Section 4-203(b)(3), (4) and (5) of the Criminal Law Article, merely require that the handgun be “unloaded and carried in an enclosed case or an enclosed holster.”
May 23rd, 2011, 09:51 AM
joker1

Is it that much further to bypass going through MD? Seems you will be doing a lot of excessive gun manipulation, may be worth a little extra gas to prevent a AD.
May 23rd, 2011, 12:55 PM
tubadude

Quote:

Originally Posted by joker1

Is it that much further to bypass going through MD? Seems you will be doing a lot of excessive gun manipulation, may be worth a little extra gas to prevent a AD.

It was a thought, but any other route adds at least an hour to an already 3.5 hour trip. Anyhow, thanks for the info. The FOPA info was really helpful.
May 23rd, 2011, 03:37 PM
jack76590

Some additional advice. Store in something that does not say gun. When traveling between Pa and Va I used to go thru Md. I put ammo in LOCKED tool box and guns in LOCKING briefcase.

Also have enough gas and if possible stay on the interstates. Less chance of being hassled and why spend money in a state like Md.
May 23rd, 2011, 07:31 PM
rstickle

Quote:

Originally Posted by swinokur

Loaded mags are fine in MD. The MD AG has issued an opinion that loaded mags are not illegal. in MD. I have attached the ruling and the FOPA ruling as well

Thanks, hadn't seen those!
May 24th, 2011, 12:05 AM
dV8r

Don't mean to hijack the thread but this is related in that we will be staying in MD one night over the Memorial Day week end.
My question relates to when we go into DC, can we keep our pistols locked in our saddle bags?
We will be riding in with "Rolling Thunder" early group on Sunday and leaving some time Monday PM.
Thank you for your support.
May 24th, 2011, 04:37 AM
swinokur

Quote:

Originally Posted by dV8r

Don't mean to hijack the thread but this is related in that we will be staying in MD one night over the Memorial Day week end.
My question relates to when we go into DC, can we keep our pistols locked in our saddle bags?
We will be riding in with "Rolling Thunder" early group on Sunday and leaving some time Monday PM.
Thank you for your support.

No way. Do not leave a firearm or even ammo in your saddlebags. Your FOPA protection ends the minute you stop in MD. After you stop in MD you can't even have a firearm in your saddlebags unless you are going to and from your business, gun shop or range.

Google MD Statute 4-203 and FOPA SS 926A. MD and DC are 2 of the most anti firearm places in the US. DC locked a guy up for having a pistol in his camper parked on the mall. Not worth it IMO.