# Business Regulation (GBR)

## Title 12.5. Locksmiths

### Subtitle 5. Prohibited Acts; Penalties

#### Section 12.5-501

A person may not knowingly use or permit the use of the licensee's or an employee of the licensee's skills, tools, or facilities to aid or abet an unlicensed locksmith in any activity for which a locksmith license is required for the commission of a crime.

#### Section 12.5-502

A licensed locksmith or employee of a licensed locksmith may not willfully or deliberately disregard any building or safety laws of the State or local government unit.

#### Section 12.5-503

A licensed locksmith or employee of a licensed locksmith may not fail in any material respect to complete the installation, repair, opening, or modification of a lock for the price stated in the contract for services.

#### Section 12.5-504

Except for a violation of Sec. 12.5-505(a) of this subtitle, a person that violates any provision of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or both.

#### Section 12.5-505

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this title, a person may not act as, offer to act as, hold oneself out as, or impersonate a locksmith in the State unless the person is a licensee or employee of a licensee.

(b) A person that violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on first conviction, is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 and, on second or subsequent conviction, is subject to a fine not exceeding $5,000.

#### Section 12.5-506

(a) Subject to the notice and hearing provisions of Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article, the Secretary may bring a civil administrative action against a person that violates Sec. 12.5-505(a) of this subtitle.

(b) After a hearing, if the Secretary finds that a person has violated Sec. 12.5-505(a) of this subtitle, the Secretary may:

  (1) order the person to cease and desist from unlawful practice; and

  (2) impose a civil penalty not exceeding $100 for each day of unlawful practice.

(c) Any person aggrieved by a decision and order of the Secretary under this section may take an appeal as allowed in Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.

#### Section 12.5-507

(a) This section applies only if there is no greater criminal penalty provided under this title or other applicable law.

(b) A person that engages in repeated violations of the provisions of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $5,000.

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Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)