Must-Know: What Self-Defense Weapons Are Legal in Maryland?

Maryland has thankfully seen a decline in violent crimes, and based on statistics only 27% of its residents carry some sort of personal protection compared to 35% nationwide. Still, it pays to be prepared with non-lethal self-defense tools. 

Maryland law provides for some non-lethal weapons like pepper spray and stun guns, but has stringent restrictions on firearms and some knives. This guide provides you clear facts on what is illegal and legal in terms of tools for personal protection in Maryland — and how to do the right thing.

Continue reading to save trouble and keep yourself safe!

Key Takeaways

• According to the Maryland State Police: “Pepper spray, chemical mace, stun guns, or personal alarms are legal to carry.” No special permit needed.

• To carry a handgun in Maryland, one must have a permit, valid background checks, safety training and a good reason for needing the weapon.

• Regular folding pocket knives are fine — but dirk knives, switchblades and bowie knives are classified as dangerous weapons, so those are banned.

• Maryland has a “duty to retreat” law — you first must attempt to escape danger before resorting to force, except when inside your own residence under the Castle Doctrine.

• Owning brass knuckles, nunchaku that are longer than 24 inches or throwing stars could result in misdemeanor charges, fines of up to $1,000, and even jail time of up to three years.

A Guide to Maryland Self-Defense Weapon Laws

The Maryland self-defense statute has explicit direction on what lethal weapons residents have a right to carry. Maryland Criminal Law 4-101 details exacting rules, spelling out what constitutes a “dangerous weapon” and listing, by state law, the prohibited items — brass knuckles, for instance, or nunchaku.

Dangerous weapons must always be concealed here, and serious charges can land someone in court, punishable by steep fines and even misdemeanor status. Even openly carrying pepper mace, chemical mace, or tear gas can be illegal if law enforcement officers believe you are doing so with malicious intent.

Plus, each county and city might have their own local ordinances about these things — and they can vary widely, place to place — so knowing whether your area has any relevant rule of its own (and, if so, what it says) can help you stay out of trouble with law enforcement agencies in the future.

Rules that differ in the concealment of self-defense weapons, for instance, in Baltimore County and Montgomery County are enforced. Residents have had varying regulation depending on where they live. Check with local law enforcement or legal professionals for local requirements.

Now we’ll discuss the legal options for non-lethal self-defense with approved and permissible tools under current Maryland statutes.

Self-Defense Weapons in Maryland (Legal Non-Lethal)

There are several non-lethal forms of self-defense allowed in Maryland that won’t put you behind bars. These tools will provide you with methods to defend yourself without the attendant risks of guns or other deadly weapons.

Pepper Spray and Chemical Mace 

Pepper spray and chemical mace are legal self-defense options in Maryland without a permit, although there is no explicit age requirement, but generally, the minimum age is 18 years old as in most states. Adults may legally carry them concealed — but not openly or with the intent to do harm. They cannot be carried in schools or government buildings, or airplanes.

Pepper Spray

Pepper sprays are made of oleoresin capsicum, an oil derived from hot peppers. It creates severe burning and swelling in the eyes, and makes breathing difficult. Chemical mace is somewhat different yet so just as much as effective. It’s irritating to an attacker’s eyes and skin, providing a temporary halt to any threat.

Both sprays are small enough to slip easily into pockets and bags. They operate at a stand-off distance, typically providing 30 to 45 minutes of threat relief that is not permanent.

Most people seem to prefer sprays: they’re easy, work quickly, and aren’t deadly. They are also commonly a police officer’s first choice,” Before anyone carries the real McCoy, users should practice aiming and firing inert training cans.

These sprays play a significant role, and under Maryland pepper spray laws, they are a well-accepted self-defense object.

Self-defense is a right but the weapons we select must weigh in effectiveness against legal culpability.

Stun Guns and Tasers

In Maryland, stun guns are an allowable self-defense option for individuals at least 18 years old and without a history of felony, mental illness, or a restraining order.  State law does not classify them as dangerous weapons. They stun attackers for a moment and halt threats, without inflicting lasting harm.

Blingsting's stun gun

Maryland courts apply the common law self-defense rules for stun gun use — you need to face a real threat before resorting to one.

These include the proper use of stun guns, as well as the restrictions imposed by Maryland stun gun laws.

Rules vary from county to county. What’s acceptable in Baltimore may not be in Cecil County. Consulting a criminal defense attorney can clarify confusion about how to carry and use stun guns legally and safely.

Personal alarms also serve as a convenient, non-lethal safety option.

Personal alarms are legal for any age as a self-defense

A few residents ask about the Byrna gun, a less-lethal alternative. Byrna gun meets Maryland self-defense laws for nonlethal protection, but owners need to verify local ordinances.

Weapons of Lethal Self-Defense That Are Legal in Maryland

While some deadly weapons are allowed in Maryland for self-defense, there are strict rules regarding guns and knives — read on to find out what you can legally carry and how to remain on the right side of the law.

Firearms with a Permit

In Maryland, you can carry a handgun, with a Wear and Carry Handgun Permit (WCHP) and a Handgun Qualification License (HQL. This is in accordance with Title 5, Subtitle 3 of the Public Safety Article regarding permits. You must pass a background check, undergo safety training and have a good reason to carry.

These permits aren’t given out willy-nilly by the state, so you need to comply with each condition.

Some regions have additional restrictions. There are places you can legally take your handgun in Baltimore County and Montgomery County. These local restrictions make public places safer but protect the ability of gun owners to defend themselves.

Maryland conducts background checks on those purchasing a gun, looking for criminal records or mental health issues.

If you ever need to use that gun of yours for self-defense, consider a reasonable amount of force. Firing can lead to a charge even if they have a permit to carry a weapon. State law Allen says would have gun owners try to choose safer options first, only shooting as a last resort.

Finally, be aware that the laws regarding airsoft in the State of Maryland are only relevant to recreational guns, and they do not apply to actual self-defense firearms.

Up next, Maryland knife laws—and what to know about blade length limits.

Legitimate blade length forbidden knives

Maryland has the law on the books about carrying knives, and it’s pretty specific. Ordinary penknives (the common, folding sort) are fine to own and carry around the state. Such knives remain off Maryland’s “dangerous weapons” list.

However, according to  Maryland Criminal Law 4-101 (5i) carrrying concealed dirk knives, bowie knives, switchblades and the like —are prohibited and illegal

The thing is, it is not uncommon for people to carry pocket knives around in their pants pockets on a daily basis and generally have no issues. However, even an ordinary knife can legally become a weapon, depending on how it’s used. Your right to bear arms is a matter of what knife you carry and when you plan to use it.

Just be intelligent and cautious, ever.

Duty to Retreat under Maryland Law and Self-Defense Laws

In some states you can use right away — but not Maryland. In Maryland, you have to attempt to safely back away from danger first before using force. This rule is known as the "duty to retreat".

Essentially, you are supposed to get out if there is a safe way to do so. You can only use deadly force if you are threatened with imminent death or grievous bodily harm, and you had no way to retreat safely.

But there is one exception: the Castle Doctrine. At home, you need not hide. If someone enters your house and threatens you, you’re arguable within your rights to use necessary force — even deadly force — to protect yourself.

Even so, if a case ends up in court, judges won’t automatically presume your actions were justified. You’ll have to demonstrate that your response was reasonable, given the threat you were facing. Legal experts commonly note that “reasonable force” can mean all manner of things, contingent on the particulars of any given scenario.

The conclusion is that the Maryland self defense laws themselves are the only reliable guidelines for state residents regarding the need to retreat.

Maryland Law Prohibits These Weapons

Several more weapons are banned in Maryland, which you can’t own or carry. These laws prevent individuals from possessing items such as brass knuckles and martial arts weapons capable of severe harm.

Brass Knuckles

Brass knuckles are considered “dangerous weapons.” These metal implements slide easily over your fingers — and they’re meant to do real damage.

While many people view them as just street-fighting gear, Maryland law categorizes them as weapons designed to inflict harm.

Brass knuckles is something you don’t want to be caught with. You might then be hit with misdemeanor charges, jail time up to three years or a fine as high as $1,000 — or both.

The state treats weapon offenses with a high degree of seriousness, and local law enforcement is acutely aware of those offenses.

Gun injuries in the United States are a policy design failure. Brass knuckles cannot be carried here for protection the way permissible items like pepper spray or personal alarms can.

Note that there is no brass knuckles permit in Maryland, despite the strict prohibition of these types of devices.

Nunchaku and Throwing Stars

Brass knuckles is not the only martial arts weapon banned under Maryland law. Nunchaku — two sticks joined by a chain or cord — are illegal to possess; doing so can lead to up to three years imprisonment and a $1000 fine.

You have likely seen these tools in kung fu movies — but having these in real life can get you in huge trouble. The same applies to star knives — aka throwing stars. Those are star-shaped blades, with sharp points extending out from the middle.

Maryland treats them like dangerous weapons, full stop.

Being caught with either of these could entail steep penalties. Ownership of martial arts weapons is a misdemeanor crime. It can bring you three years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000 or both.

The law is designed to prevent these items from being on the streets, which are really intended for use in battle.” Most martial arts schools abide by practice versions made of plastic or foam so students can safely learn the moves without the possibility of legal repercussions.

Make sure to verify with your local officials whether are batons legal in Maryland as they can differ per jurisdiction.

Conclusion

Knowing what self-defense tools are legal in Maryland can protect your safety — and spare you a legal headache. All are good non-lethal options, as are pepper spray, stun guns and personal alarms.

Guns have the appropriate permits; knives need to fall under permissible blade lengths. Maryland has a “duty to retreat” rule — that is, you have to attempt to escape before resorting to force.

Keep in mind that local laws can vary from county to county, so be sure to check where you live. You most certainly have the right to self-defense here, but there are certain limitations every Maryland resident needs to be aware of.

Defensive residents may also want to get additional context by looking into how state laws for self defense compare with Maryland laws in neighboring states.

FAQs

1. Is there a stand-your-ground law in Maryland?

Nope, there is no stand-your-ground law in Maryland. Instead, the governor asks you to give ground, if you can, out in the open. But at home — that’s different — you are in your home and you can legally protect your residence under the defense of habitation rules.

2. Can anyone use pepper spray in Maryland?

Pepper spray (OC spray) is legal in Maryland for individuals at least 18 years for personal protection. No special permits or paperwork are necessary: oleoresin capsicum sprays can be purchased and transported freely for self-defense.

3. Is possession of a stun gun legal in Maryland?

Yes, adults in Maryland may possess and carry stun guns, or electronic control devices. The law also permits you to use the devices to defend yourself against an attacker.

4. Is It Legal to Possess Brass Knuckles in Maryland?

Brass knuckles are prohibited in Maryland without a special permit. If you get caught with them, it may land you in legal trouble for possession of a weapon -- if that so happens, the smartest thing to do is call a criminal defense lawyer immediately.

5. What about knives - are switchblades or butterfly knives legal?

Switchblade and butterfly knives aren't legal in Maryland. Bowie knives can be okay to own privately at home, but carrying them around outside can definitely lead to criminal charges.

6. What happens if I use too much force in self-defense?

Using more force than needed in self-defense can get you charged with a crime—even if your intention was protection. Maryland expects your response to match the threat level—going beyond what's necessary can result in charges like assault or murder.