You don't need a WHY. The law doesn't require a WHY.
More MD BGOS.
More MD BGOS.
This only addresses loaded handgun magazines but this is the letter that I carry in my gun boxes.
So, to cut to the chase: other than possibly having to get a lawyer to get the charges dropped if an officer doesn't know the nuances here, it's perfectly reasonable to drive around with an unloaded (mag out, but full-up) carbine in a case in your vehicle in MD. At all times? I mean, obviously as long as you don't park in the Post Office lot, or other naughty things. Yes?
As observed in earlier comments, the Official Information That Can't Really Be Trusted as provided by my W&C instructors made it pretty clear that driving around with carbine when you're not doing the explicitly recognized "it's OK" things (to/from an event, to/from a smith, etc) is asking for legal jeopardy. I have my permit, but it does have restrictions (pending review), and while I can normally construct "while doing business as" with almost no effort, there are SOME times when that might be dodgy. So the ol' cased-carbine-in-the-vehicle has a definite appeal, it's that's a rock solid proposition.
+1 for carrying printed copies of the AG letters on loaded magazines (1/15/10), long guns (5/13/11), and HQL (11/21/13). In a sealed plastic bag in my trunk, with the spare tire (so I don't forget to pack them when I am transporting something to which the question might apply). I used to keep copies on my smart phone (still do), but I'd much rather give a LEO a disposable something to read than to hand over a phone that I've unlocked and would then possibly be subject to search.
Absolutely not. Letters are for backup. Plan A is not to get in such a situation to begin with; Plan B is "I do not consent to a search;" Plan C is the letters if they might help resolve a situation/question. I've read of too many situations where a positive educational outreach MIGHT have prevented a lot of trouble. Like the Eagle Scout that I have been for nearly 50 years, I strive to Be Prepared. Cheap insurance I hope I never need.So your going to route around the trunk with handcuffs on ? While LEO is watching? You will get shot...
Tell LEO, you have nothing illegal, and you will not consent to a search.
Tell LEO, you have nothing illegal, and you will not consent to a search.
Out West you can roll down the road with a loaded AR15 on the seat, looking for coyotes to shoot. (Or just because you feel like it). Perfectly legal, no one cares. Just can't shoot em from the road or the truck, gotta clear the fence line, if there is one.
Maryland gun laws suck.
But don't worry, soon we'll have a Sri Lankan governor, I'm sure she'll make things better for gun owners....
Show me in the statute where your reason for transport is required.
Ed Zachary.