What are the gun laws in Maryland 2024?
Maryland has some of the stricter gun laws in the country, with a focus on reducing gun violence and supporting public safety. As the laws are subject to change, this article will focus on the current gun laws in Maryland as of 2024.
Restrictions on Gun Ownership and Possession
- A person must be at least 21 years old to purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer.
- Shotguns and rifles can be purchased at the age of 18.
- Permits are required for a person to possess a concealed handgun.
- Only law enforcement officers, elected officials, and individuals eligible for a concealed carry license are allowed to carry deadly weapons in a concealed fashion.
Constitutional Carry
- Constitutional Carry means that a person can carry a handgun without a permit only if they are at a shooting range, hunting area, or during a political protest.
- Otherwise, a permit is required to carry a handgun at all times, including in parking lots, while walking dogs, or while attending entertainment events.
Machine Guns and Assault Weapons
- Machine guns are essentially banned in Maryland, meaning that only law enforcement agents and certain military personnel may possess them.
- Assault weapons have a 10-round magazines capacity limit and are often referred to as "grandfathered" firearms in Maryland.
Ammunition and Magazines Regulations
- Magazine capacity limits vary depending on the type of firearm
- Rifles, shotguns, and black powder firearms: 28 rounds
- High-capacity magazines (hollow-point, frangible, or incendiary ammunition): 10-20 rounds
- Handguns: 9-20 rounds
- Exceptions for law enforcement, military, and recreational shooting ranges apply
- Ammunition sales are subject to an instant background check
Background Checks and Red Flags
- All firearms purchases, including private sales between individuals, require a comprehensive background check
- Red flag laws allow relatives, law enforcement, and mental health professionals to seize firearms from individuals deemed likely to cause harm to oneself or others
Secure Storage and Transportation
- Firearms must be stored in a secure lockbox or safe, both at home and when the owner is away
- A secure vehicle storage requirement applies when towing a trailer or camper having a firearm
- Transportation of firearms includes a requirement for a "gun lock" or hard-sided case, as a means of preventing unauthorized gun access
Firearms Registration and Serial Number Reporting
- All guns sold in Maryland must contain a unique serial number as part of the sales processing
- The Bureau of Firearms (B&F) maintains a Firearm Registration Database for owners to register their firearms voluntarily
Prohibited Ownership and Possession
- Felons, and individuals with certain mental illness or substance abuse issues, are prohibited from owning and possessing firearms in Maryland**
- Convicted juvenile delinquents are prevented from owning or possessing any firearm for a minimum term of 5 years until they reach the age of 25
Taxation and Fees
- Maryland imposes sales tax on firearms and, in some cases, certain accessories
- **Handgun permits are subject to a fee, ranging $50 to $100$
Table: Maryland Handgun Permit Requirements
| Requirement | Fee | Completion Time |
|---|---|---|
| Apply for permit | $ 50 | 45-days |
| Complete fingerprint | $ 25 | In-person |
| Pass police background check | 0 | Instant |
| Complete firearms safety course | 0 | Suggested |
Conclusion:
Maryland’s current gun laws aim to control the proliferation of firearms on the streets, protect second amendment rights, and promote an environment of safety and civility. As laws will continue to evolve, adhering to these regulations by gun owners, dealers and manufacturers will ensure the proper handling and ownership of deadly weapons in the state.
References:
Baltimore Sun: "Key provisions of Maryland’s Extreme Risk Protection Order law and how it works"
New York Times: "Under Maryland’s New Gun Violence Prevention Law, Thousands may Lose Their Guns"
HuffPost: "Some Maryland Gun Owners Are Already Challenging The Newly Enacted ‘Red Flags’ Law"
Please visit the official Maryland State Administration website for the most comprehensive and up-to-date firearms laws and regulations: [www.maryland.gov](http://www.maryland.gov
