CCW In the Mid-Atlantic Area

[LLANERO]

Hey, I moved to Virginia in 2019. After Covid and due to work and some personal projects that kept me very busy, I'm finally ready to go on long wheeling trips.

A local club is organizing a trip to Rausch Creek next month. I want to bring my gun with me. I have a Virginia CCW permit and just got the PA permit for non-residents.

Now, to get to Rausch Creek I have to drive through Maryland, which has no permit reciprocity with any other state, and according to their online application you have to be a resident to get a CCW permit.

Anyone south of Maryland knows if there's a way to legally drive through Maryland with a gun in the vehicle, w/o having a MD CCW permit?

Thanks!

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[morph860]

FOPA safe passage "should" cover you while passing through MD. From what I remember, firearm has to be unloaded and secured in a locked container that isn't easily accessible. I don't remember if magazines/ammo need to be stored separately from the firearm.

Keep in mind that Maryland has magazine capacity restrictions as well.

 

[LLANERO]

FOPA safe passage "should" cover you while passing through MD. From what I remember, firearm has to be unloaded and secured in a locked container that isn't easily accessible. I don't remember if magazines/ammo need to be stored separately from the firearm.

Keep in mind that Maryland has magazine capacity restrictions as well.

Thanks! I didn't know about FOPA.

I found this on the Maryland State Police site:

"How can I legally transport firearms within / through Maryland?

They must be unloaded, in a carrying case, holster with a flap and the ammunition should be separate. It would be best to keep the unloaded weapon in the trunk where you do not have access to it. There are further regulations but essentially you can only transport a handgun between residence, to and from a repair shop, a shooting sporting event, between a residence and place of business if substantially owned and operated by the person. For more information please contact our Licensing Division."

I emailed their Licensing Division, but haven't heard back from them.

 

[morph860]

Maybe try calling a dealer (FFL) in Maryland that is close to either the VA or PA border. They might be able to offer additional insight. Probably easier to get in touch with than the MD licensing division.

Check this out too: https://www.concealedcarry.com/law/interstate-travel-understanding-article-926a-of-fopa/

 

[LLANERO]

Maybe try calling a dealer (FFL) in Maryland that is close to either the VA or PA border. They might be able to offer additional insight. Probably easier to get in touch with than the MD licensing division.

Check this out too: https://www.concealedcarry.com/law/interstate-travel-understanding-article-926a-of-fopa/

Will do. Thanks!

 

[cgagnon99]

MD firearm laws require the ammo and firearm to be in separate compartments of the vehicle. My recommendation would be to put your unloaded firearm in the rear space and keep the ammo in the passenger compartment... it's been a while since my Handgun Permit class so I don't remember if they stipulate anything else, but you'd be safer just leaving it in the cargo area.

Technically us MD residents can only transport "To and from a show or range." But I'd imagine there are provisions for traveling through.

You could also call the MD State Police and ask, I'm sure they can guide you

 

[Mark75H]

MSP is an unreliable source of info in MD regarding firearm law.

Traveling thru one may abide by FOPA or MD law.

MD does NOT require firearms and ammo to be in separate containers, nor to be locked at this time. Ammo only needs to be outside of the firearm. For the next few days, firearms only need to be "in a case or enclosed holster" (MD is generous about the definition of enclosed holster). Beginning October 1 2023 handguns must be "transported in a locked container" if you do not have your Maryland Wear and Carry Permit in your possession.

I'm a MD certified instructor for the MD HQL (purchase permit) and Wear and Carry permit. I also do training for AZ, FL, ME and Utah non-resident permits.

To and from a FFL for repair, purchase or sale, to and from DNR shooting events, to and from formal or informal show or range, and curiously, to and from dog training and shows. Keep your buddy with you in your Jeep and you are good to go LOL.

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