Quick Answer
In Maryland, you cannot carry a loaded or readily accessible handgun in your vehicle unless you possess a valid Maryland Wear and Carry Permit. The state does not recognize any out-of-state permits. Without a permit, you may only transport an unloaded handgun in an enclosed case, and ONLY to specific destinations (like a gun range or your home).
The Statutory Trap
Maryland's transport laws do not just dictate *how* a gun must be transported; they dictate *where* you are allowed to be driving while you have it in the car.
MD Crim. Law § 4-203
Unlawful Transport
It is illegal to wear, carry, or transport a handgun, whether concealed or open, in a vehicle. Violating this statute is a misdemeanor with steep mandatory minimums depending on prior offenses.
The Restricted Destinations
Permitted Transport Routes
If you do not have a permit, even an unloaded, cased gun is illegal unless you are driving directly to/from the place of legal purchase, a bona fide repair shop, your residence, or a target shoot/sport shooting event. Stopping for groceries on the way home from the range breaks this exemption.
The "On or About" Strict Liability Trap
In 2021, the Maryland Court of Appeals ruled in Lawrence v. State that unlawful transport is a strict liability crime. This means that if a handgun is "on or about" your person—defined as within your reach, such as under your seat or in the center console—you are guilty of a crime even if you claim you didn't know the gun was in the car.
Traffic Stops & The FOPA Trap
Maryland State Police are notorious for pulling over out-of-state drivers passing through on I-95. Even if you are storing your firearm properly under federal FOPA laws, local agencies frequently arrest drivers and force them to prove their FOPA exemption in court—costing tens of thousands in legal fees.
CCW Safe provides a dedicated 24/7 emergency hotline, vetted local defense attorneys, and unlimited defense funds to protect your freedom against aggressive local prosecution.
Rifles and Shotguns in Maryland
Under Md. Code, Nat. Res. § 10-410, it is illegal to possess a loaded handgun, a loaded shotgun, or a rifle containing any ammunition in the magazine or chamber, in or on an automobile. Long guns must be completely unloaded when transported in Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive through Maryland to get to another state?
Yes, but you must strictly follow the federal Firearms Owners' Protection Act (FOPA). The firearm must be unloaded and locked in the trunk (or a locked container other than the glovebox if you don't have a trunk). You may only stop for brief, necessary pauses (like gas). Stopping for a hotel overnight invalidates your FOPA protection in Maryland.