Section 9-609 - Multiple false alarms. - Maryland Statutes

§ 9-609. Multiple false alarms.
 

(a)  Scope of section.- 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)  Rule of construction - Occurrences as single alarm.- 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)  Civil citation and penalty.-  

(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. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 27, §§ 156A(g)(4)(i), 156C; 2002, ch. 26, § 2; 2005, ch. 25, § 1; ch. 72.]