Maryland § 19-304
Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 19-304, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 19-304.
(a) (1) After the recordation, a person may not:
(i) use a registered returnable container of another with contents of a nature different from that delivered; or
(ii) sell, buy, rent, or otherwise traffic in a registered returnable textile of another.
(2) A person who violates this subsection:
(i) is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
1. for a first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000; and
2. for each subsequent violation, imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both; and
(ii) shall forfeit to the rightful owner possession of the property involved in the violation.
(b) (1) After the recordation, a person may not willfully deface, remove, conceal, or destroy an identifying name, mark, or device attached, impressed, or imprinted on a returnable container or returnable textile of another.
(2) A person who violates this subsection:
(i) is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
1. for a first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000; and
2. for each subsequent violation, imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both; and
(ii) shall forfeit to the rightful owner possession of the property involved in the violation.
(c) (1) After the recordation, a person may not willfully break, destroy, or otherwise injure a returnable container or returnable textile of another.
(2) A person who violates this subsection:
(i) is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
1. for a first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000; and
2. for each subsequent violation, imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both; and
(ii) shall forfeit to the rightful owner possession of the property involved in the violation.
(d) (1) After the recordation, a person may not buy, offer for sale, sell, use, give, receive, hire, rent, lend, transport, collect from ash or garbage receptacles, dumps, or premises, keep in stock or store, or dispose of a returnable container or returnable textile of another without an assignment from or the written consent of the registered owner.
(2) A person who violates this subsection:
(i) is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
1. for each first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000; and
2. for each subsequent violation, imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both; and
(ii) shall forfeit to the rightful owner possession of the property involved in the violation.
(e) A person may not adopt and register under this subtitle a returnable container or returnable textiles, or a description, name, mark or device, that:
(1) has been previously registered by another; or
(2) is in use by another in good faith.
(f) (1) A person who receives a registered returnable container or registered returnable textile may not fail on demand to surrender promptly the container or textile to the person from whom the container or textile was received.
(2) A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
(i) for each first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000; and
(ii) for each subsequent violation, imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both.
(g) (1) A person who receives a registered returnable container that has come into immediate contact with a dairy product shall thoroughly clean the inside of the container immediately after emptying the contents.
(2) A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of $500.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 19-304
What does Maryland Code § 19-304 cover?
Section 19-304 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maryland § 19-304?
A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 19-304" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maryland law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.
How does Maryland § 19-304 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.