Where You Cannot Carry in Maryland: Prohibited Places

Maryland Prohibited Locations for Concealed Carry

Maryland law restricts the wear, carry, and transport of handguns and firearms in numerous locations. The Maryland Department of State Police notes that the following list should not be considered all-inclusive.

Pre-Existing Prohibited Locations

1. On school property — CR § 4-102

2. Within 1,000 feet of a demonstration in a public place — after a law enforcement officer advises that a demonstration is occurring and orders the person to leave the demonstration area until the person disposes of the firearm — CR § 4-208

3. In legislative buildings — SG § 2-1702

4. Aboard aircraft — TR § 5-1008

5. In lodging establishments — where the innkeeper reasonably believes individuals possess property that may be dangerous to other individuals, such as firearms or explosives — BR § 15-203

6. On dredge boats — other than two 10-gauge shotguns — NR § 4-1013

7. In or around State-owned public buildings and grounds — COMAR 04.05.01.03

8. On Chesapeake Forest Lands — except for hunting and target shooting as permitted — COMAR 08.01.07.14

9. In State Forests — except for hunting and target shooting as permitted — COMAR 08.07.01.04

10. In State Parks — except for hunting and target shooting as permitted — COMAR 08.07.06.04

11. In State Highway Rest Areas — firearms may not be displayed or discharged — COMAR 11.04.07.12

12. In community adult rehabilitation centers — COMAR 12.02.03.10

13. In child care centers — except for small centers located in residences, firearms may not be kept on the premises — COMAR 13A.16.10.04

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Additional Prohibited Locations — Effective October 1, 2023 (Senate Bill 1)

1. Areas for Children or Vulnerable Individuals

A person may not wear, carry, or transport a firearm in:

• A preschool or prekindergarten facility or the grounds of the facility
• A private primary or secondary school or the grounds of the school
• A health care facility, as defined in § 15–10B–01(g)(1), (2), (3), and (4) of the Insurance Article

2. Government or Public Infrastructure Areas — CR § 4-111(D)(2)

A person may not wear, carry, or transport a firearm in a "government or public infrastructure area," which means:

• A building or any part of a building owned or leased by a unit of state or local government
• A building of a public or private institution of higher education, as defined in § 10–101 of the Education Article
• A location currently being used as a polling place (per Title 10 of the Election Law Article) or for canvassing ballots (per Title 11 of the Election Law Article)
• An electric plant or electric storage facility, as defined in § 1–101 of the Public Utilities Article
• A gas plant, as defined in § 1–101 of the Public Utilities Article
• A nuclear power plant facility

Signage requirement: A government or public infrastructure area owned or leased by a unit of state or local government must display a clear and conspicuous sign at the main entrance indicating that it is not permissible to wear, carry, or transport a firearm in the building or that part of the building.

3. Special Purpose Areas — CR § 4-111(E)

A person may not wear, carry, or transport a firearm in a "special purpose area," which means:

• A location licensed to sell or dispense alcohol or cannabis for on-site consumption
• A stadium
• A museum
• A racetrack
• A video lottery facility, as defined in § 9-1A-01 of the State Government Article

4. Private Dwellings — CR § 6-411(C)

A person wearing, carrying, or transporting a firearm may not enter or trespass in the dwelling of another unless the owner or the owner's agent has given express permission, either to the person or to the public generally, to wear, carry, or transport a firearm inside the dwelling.

5. Private Property Generally — CR § 6-411(D)

A person wearing, carrying, or transporting a firearm may not:

• Enter or trespass on property unless the owner or the owner's agent has posted a clear and conspicuous sign indicating that it is permissible to wear, carry, or transport a firearm on the property; or
• Enter or trespass on property unless the owner or the owner's agent has given the person express permission to wear, carry, or transport a firearm on the property.

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Exceptions to the SB 1 Prohibited Locations (Items 1, 2, and 3 above)

Private location exception — For a location that is not owned by, leased by, or otherwise under the control of the state or a political subdivision of the state, the prohibitions do not apply to:

• The owner or lessee of the location; or
• A person authorized by the owner or lessee to wear, carry, or transport a firearm at the location for the purpose of:
  • Employment as a security guard licensed under Title 19 of the Business Occupations Article; or
  • Protecting any individual or property at the location with an express agreement between the parties, remuneration, or compensation. — CR § 4-111(B)(9)

Motor vehicle exception — The prohibitions do not apply to a firearm that is carried or transported in a motor vehicle if the firearm is:

• Locked in a container; or
• A handgun worn, carried, or transported in compliance with any limitations imposed under § 5–307 of the Public Safety Article, by a person to whom a permit to wear, carry, or transport the handgun has been issued under Title 5, Subtitle 3 of the Public Safety Article. — CR § 4-111(B)(11)

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Note: The Maryland State Police advises that this list should not be considered all-inclusive. Permit holders should consult the full text of Maryland statutes and COMAR regulations for complete details. The most up-to-date Maryland code can be accessed via the Maryland General Assembly's website.