Yes, Tasers are legal in Maryland for civilians, but their possession and use are tightly controlled under state and local statutes, including the 2026 Maryland General Assembly amendments to Public Safety Article § 4-101. Private ownership requires compliance with Maryland State Police (MSP) regulations, which mandate background checks and registration for stun guns. Law enforcement agencies, including the Baltimore Police Department, enforce these rules, with violations potentially escalating to misdemeanor charges under Criminal Law § 4-504.
Key Regulations for Tasers in Maryland
- Registration Mandate: All stun guns must be registered with the MSP’s Firearms Registration Unit, with transfers requiring prior approval. Failure to register subjects owners to penalties under Public Safety § 5-133.
- Prohibited Locations: Use or possession is banned in courthouses, schools (per Education Article § 7-424.1), and government buildings, as enforced by local ordinances like Baltimore City Code § 10-1.
- Age Restrictions: Only individuals aged 18 or older may purchase or possess a Taser, per Criminal Law § 4-504(b)(2), with retailers required to verify ID via Maryland’s Real ID Act compliance system.
Local jurisdictions, such as Montgomery County, impose additional layers, including mandatory training certifications for open or concealed carry. The 2026 legislative session introduced stricter penalties for brandishing Tasers in public, aligning with national trends in non-lethal weapon oversight. Violations may trigger felony charges if used in commission of a crime, per Criminal Law § 3-202.