It's going to be exciting here when a new LGOC thread starts!!
Maybe instructors teaching HQL training need to add counter-surveillance to their curriculum?
Some HQL instructors have given inaccurate info on MD statutes. Best to read for yourself or seek an attorney who knows MD firearms laws if you have questions
The MD AG has issued an opinion that trips that start and stop in MD are not subject to FOPA and that MD 4-203 applies. Being near the Interstate probably won’t be of any value in raising a defense if your trip started and ended in MD
IANAL
Actually I would go further: all instructors probably say at least one inaccurate thing during a 4 (or 16) hour class.
The law is ambiguous, people confuse a convincing interpretation that they heard from someone else, or their own risk aversion, with the actual law (which no one really knows until you are arrested and go before the judge). Instructors also confuse MD, DC, VA, and some other places (like: you cannot carry a 11+ round mag, or carry more than 2 mags, which is for DC I think but some say this is for MD)
May intent was if you were going from Texas going to Maine or something like that. If the MD AG has issued an opinion that trips that start and stop in MD are not subject to FOPA and that MD 4-203 applies. Then your answer is mostly likely the reason he was popped initially. If that is indeed the AG opinion it needs to be in the law. Maybe that is a bill we can get submitted, that reasonable stops are allowed, such as emergency maintenance (Flat Tires, engine trouble, etc), Refueling, etc.
May intent was if you were going from Texas going to Maine or something like that. If the MD AG has issued an opinion that trips that start and stop in MD are not subject to FOPA and that MD 4-203 applies. Then your answer is mostly likely the reason he was popped initially. If that is indeed the AG opinion it needs to be in the law. Maybe that is a bill we can get submitted, that reasonable stops are allowed, such as emergency maintenance (Flat Tires, engine trouble, etc), Refueling, etc.
Here is the AG opinion on FOPA and travel. SA's use AG opinions for guidance on decisions on whether to prosecute or not.
Just because it's not in a statute doesn't mean it doesn't carry any weight for prosecutorial decisions.
Again, the only "bill" that needs to be submitted is the one that makes MD shall-issue. 4-203 only applies to people without permits. MD Shall issue, case closed.
This is coming soon, not in the form of a bill, but probably in the form of a judicial mandate.
The answer boils down to two things: Common sense (you) and nonsense (MD).
I have stopped to feed the kids and such, so I can't see how anyone would interpret the law as literally meaning NO STOPS. some are unavoidable. I have stopped at stores and such to/from a range, too, knowing that it was possible that if anyone found out I could be hip deep in manure. Still, I can't see how stopping for gas or a gallon of milk is that big a deal.