2013 Maryland Code
CRIMINAL LAW
§ 9-609 - Multiple false alarms
§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 the Board of County Commissioners of Frederick County adopts regulations under Article 25, § 221A of the Code 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 Article 25, § 236D of the Code 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 Article 25, § 236E of the Code 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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