§ 9–609
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 9-609 (2026)
Title 9. Crimes Against Public Administration
Subtitle 6. Interference With Government Operations
§ 9–609LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section does not apply:
(1)
to alarm systems activated by weather conditions or causes beyond the control of the alarm user;
(2)
in Frederick County if regulations are adopted under § 12–806 of the Local Government Article providing for the registration of alarm system contractors and alarm users, the issuance of civil citations, and penalties for a violation of a regulation;
(3)
in Calvert County if the Board of County Commissioners of Calvert County adopts regulations under § 12–806 of the Local Government Article providing for the registration of alarm system contractors and alarm users, the issuance of civil citations, and penalties for a violation of a regulation; or
(4)
in Washington County if the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County adopts regulations under § 12–806 of the Local Government Article providing for the registration of alarm system contractors and alarm users, the issuance of civil citations, and penalties for a violation of a regulation.
(b)
An alarm system that is activated more than once within a 12–hour period when a premises with an alarm system is unoccupied and that is not in response to an actual emergency situation or threatened suggested criminal activity constitutes one false alarm if:
(1)
access to the building is provided to the alarm system contractor; and
(2)
an alarm system contractor or an employee of an alarm system contractor responds to the activated alarm system.
(c)
(1)
A law enforcement unit or fire department may issue a civil citation to an alarm user for the negligent or accidental activation of an alarm system as a result of faulty, malfunctioning, or improperly installed or maintained equipment or for a false alarm if the number of activations or false alarms to which the law enforcement unit or fire department responds exceeds:
(i)
three responses within a 30–day period; or
(ii)
eight responses within a 12–month period.
(2)
A civil citation issued under this section shall assess a penalty of $30 for each negligent or accidental activation or false alarm.