Going from WV to Va coast,
Have to drive through the great state of MD
Would you take your handgun with you?
I know the laws are draconian there.
Just looking for the overall opinion from the forum because I respect your opinions.
Thanks

Draconian in terms of carry, yes. And only recently in terms of ownership of certain weapons - mostly EBR's. However, we are not New Jersey or New York. Follow FOPA rules and you'll be fine. FOPA is actually more stringent than MD state law, so you'll be compliant with both.

-Rob

I decided some time ago to never go through MD again, if humanly possible.

Only reason I can envision to go into MD again would be if my grandson is wounded again and ends up at Walter Reed.

We lived in MD in the early '70s and it was getting a little odd way back then. And it has not gotten any better since then.

The silliness in Baltimore is one fine example.

You are - or should be - covered by FOPA if you're just passing through. Passing through MD from south to north shouldn't take very long. For example, I-81's portion of MD is only ~12 miles.

Recently had to drive from Indiana to PA and to Arlington and ended up going through MD. Stopped at the border, unloaded, locked cases and no stops. Made it OK, but I would truly hate going through that silliness on a regular basis.

Drive to Charles town, take rt 9 or 340 to 7, 66, or 81. 7 to toll road to 495. Or 81 to 66. You certainly don't need to pass through MD.

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:
Drive to Charles town, take rt 9 or 340 to 7, 66, or 81. 7 to toll road to 495. Or 81 to 66. You certainly don't need to pass through MD.

Works going the other way, too.

Yeah there's a particular small grocery store on the state line just before I enter MD to visit my parents when I go. I just remember to stop there, lock things up in the back, and I'm good to go.

This is one of the reasons we do not want to drive through MD even when in compliance.
Poor guy left his pistol at home in Florida but was tagged as a gun owner by license plate data and got all kinds of grief.

http://www.tbo.com/list/column...n-maryland-20140112/

I avoid MD whenever possible.

quote:

Originally posted by chp37:
This is one of the reasons we do not want to drive through MD even when in compliance.
Poor guy left his pistol at home in Florida but was tagged as a gun owner by license plate data and got all kinds of grief.

http://www.tbo.com/list/column...n-maryland-20140112/

I avoid MD whenever possible.

Yes, MD state police definitely does use the license plate scanners. So if you live in a state that flags your license plate that you're a gun owner, and that's the ride you take through MD, you'll have better odds of getting pulled over.

quote:

Originally posted by BurtonRW:
Follow FOPA rules and you'll be fine. FOPA is actually more stringent than MD state law, so you'll be compliant with both.

-Rob

This. Gun unloaded and in the trunk. I live in Maryland. Shoot matches and at ranges which mean driving through the state with a firearm. Never had a problem. Travel to VA often and take a firearm many times.

It is a PIA sometimes making sure when I come back to Maryland my weapons are unloaded and stored properly but again never had an issue. I was in VA this weekend and took a firearm with me.

quote:

Originally posted by chp37:
This is one of the reasons we do not want to drive through MD even when in compliance.
Poor guy left his pistol at home in Florida but was tagged as a gun owner by license plate data and got all kinds of grief.

http://www.tbo.com/list/column...n-maryland-20140112/

I avoid MD whenever possible.

If I remember right there was more to this case but still, it was some BS. FWIW I have been pulled over in MD on the way to a match so I had firearms in my car. I also have a carry permit. No issue at all. Officer was polite and I was on my way with a warning driving a little too fast.