# Criminal Law (GCR)

## Title 9. Crimes Against Public Administration

### Subtitle 6. Interference With Government Operations

#### Section 9-609

(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 Sec. 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 Sec. 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 Sec. 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.

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