Maryland § 5-207
Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 5-207, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5-207.
(a) This section supersedes any restriction that a local jurisdiction in the State imposes on the transfer by a private party of a rifle or shotgun, and the State preempts the right of any local jurisdiction to regulate the transfer of a rifle or shotgun.
(b) In this section, “loan” includes a temporary gratuitous exchange of a rifle or shotgun.
(c) A licensee or any other person may not sell, rent, transfer, or loan a rifle or shotgun to a purchaser, lessee, transferee, or recipient who the licensee or other person knows or has reasonable cause to believe:
(1) has been convicted of a disqualifying crime, as defined in § 5–101 of this title;
(2) has been convicted of a violation classified as a common law crime and received a term of imprisonment of more than 2 years;
(3) is a fugitive from justice;
(4) is a habitual drunkard as defined in § 5–101 of this title;
(5) is addicted to a controlled dangerous substance or is a habitual user as defined in § 5–101 of this title;
(6) suffers from a mental disorder as defined in § 10–101(i)(2) of the Health – General Article, and has a history of violent behavior against the purchaser, lessee, transferee, recipient, or another, unless the purchaser, lessee, transferee, or recipient has received a certificate from the Maryland Department of Health relieving the purchaser, lessee, transferee, or recipient of the disqualification;
(7) has been found incompetent to stand trial under § 3–106 of the Criminal Procedure Article, unless the purchaser, lessee, transferee, or recipient has received a certificate from the Maryland Department of Health relieving the purchaser, lessee, transferee, or recipient of the disqualification;
(8) has been found not criminally responsible under § 3–110 of the Criminal Procedure Article, unless the purchaser, lessee, transferee, or recipient has received a certificate from the Maryland Department of Health relieving the purchaser, lessee, transferee, or recipient of the disqualification;
(9) has been voluntarily admitted for more than 30 consecutive days to a facility as defined in § 10–101 of the Health – General Article, unless the purchaser, lessee, transferee, or recipient has received a certificate from the Maryland Department of Health relieving the purchaser, lessee, transferee, or recipient of the disqualification;
(10) has been involuntarily committed for more than 30 consecutive days to a facility as defined in § 10–101 of the Health – General Article, unless the purchaser, lessee, transferee, or recipient has received a certificate from the Maryland Department of Health relieving the purchaser, lessee, transferee, or recipient of the disqualification;
(11) is under the protection of a guardian appointed by a court under § 13–201(c) or § 13–705 of the Estates and Trusts Article, except for cases in which the appointment of a guardian is solely a result of a physical disability, unless the purchaser, lessee, transferee, or recipient has received a certificate from the Maryland Department of Health relieving the purchaser, lessee, transferee, or recipient of the disqualification;
(12) is a respondent against whom:
(i) a current non ex parte civil protective order has been entered under § 4–506 of the Family Law Article; or
(ii) an order for protection, as defined in § 4–508.1 of the Family Law Article, has been issued by a court of another state or Native American tribe and is in effect;
(13) if under the age of 30 years at the time of the transaction, has been adjudicated delinquent by a juvenile court for an act that would be a disqualifying crime if committed by an adult;
(14) is visibly under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
(15) is a participant in a straw purchase; or
(16) intends to use the rifle or shotgun to:
(i) commit a crime; or
(ii) cause harm to the purchaser, lessee, transferee, or recipient or another person.
(d) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 5-207
What does Maryland Code § 5-207 cover?
Section 5-207 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 § 5-207?
A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 5-207" (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 § 5-207 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.