# Sec. 18-124. Masks or facial coverings; prohibited

Codified through Bill No. CB-018-2026, adopted May 12, 2026, effective July 24, 2026. Source: Municode, Supplement 2026 Update 2. Editorial notes and legislative history omitted.

## Sec. 18-124. Masks or facial coverings; prohibited

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 18-124 (2026)

(a) Definitions. In this section, the following words mean:

  (1) Law Enforcement Agency means a federal, state, or local agency, department, bureau, office, or unit authorized to enforce criminal, civil, or immigration laws in the County.

  (2) Law Enforcement Officer means an individual who is:

    (A) A sworn member of a law enforcement agency; and

    (B) acting in the performance of official duties.

  (3) Face Covering means any balaclava, ski mask, neck gaiter, tactical mask, or any other item that conceals or obscures the face of an individual.

  (4) Protective Equipment includes:

    (A) Respirators, including passive air purifying, powered air purifying respirators, and self-contained breathing apparatus.

    (B) Gas Masks, or similar protective masks designed to filter or isolate the wearer from toxic gases, vapors, aerosols, or airborne biological agents.

    (C) Hazardous materials protective gear (HAZMAT), including full-face or hooded protective ensembles required for response to chemical, biological, or environmental threats.

    (D) Fire-resistant or flame-retardant protective masks, hoods, or face coverings that are an integral component of firefighting or fire-suppression gear.

(b) Prohibited Conduct.

  (1) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a law enforcement officer shall not wear a face covering while interacting with a member of the public in the performance of official duties in Prince George's County.

  (2) Except as provided in subsection (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section, a law enforcement officer shall display the officer's name and identification number issued by the law enforcement agency who they represent without obstruction.

(c) Exceptions.

  (1) Undercover Operations. While actively engaged in an undercover operation or covert activity where facial concealment is necessary to protect the officer's identity or safety, with a judicially issued warrant.

  (2) Tactical Operations. Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) officers or other substantially similar tactical units may utilize gear necessary to protect against physical harm and to perform tactical responsibilities such as hostage rescues, barricade incidents, active assailant situations, and other comparable operations.

  (3) Medical Protections. When wearing a medical-grade or surgical mask designed to prevent the transmission of airborne diseases or infection.

  (4) Fire or Smoke Gear. When wearing protective equipment is necessary to perform duties during a fire or fire-related incident.

  (5) Biological or Chemical Agents. When wearing protective equipment related to protection against exposure to biological or chemical agents during an incident where such agents may be present.

  (6) Water Rescue. When wearing protective equipment is necessary to perform duties during a water rescue operation.

  (7) Vehicle Helmets. When a law enforcement officer is utilizing a motorcycle or other vehicle that requires a helmet for safe operations.

  (8) Inclement Weather. A law enforcement officer may wear facial coverings for warmth. They must remove or adjust the facial covering to comply with this section as soon as reasonably practicable when interacting with a member of the public.

(d) Penalties. A law enforcement officer found in violation of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, subject to imprisonment not to exceed six (6) months and up to a five thousand dollar ($5000) fine.