1. (a) This section does not apply:

   1. (1) to alarm systems activated by weather conditions or causes beyond the control of the alarm user;
   2. (2) in Frederick County if regulations are adopted under § 12-806 of the Local Government Article 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. (3) in Calvert County if the Board of County Commissioners of Calvert County adopts regulations under § 12-806 of the Local Government Article 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. (4) in Washington County if the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County adopts regulations under § 12-806 of the Local Government Article providing for the registration of alarm system contractors and alarm users, the issuance of civil citations, and penalties for a violation of a regulation.

2. (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. (1) access to the building is provided to the alarm system contractor; and
   2. (2) an alarm system contractor or an employee of an alarm system contractor responds to the activated alarm system.

3. (c)

   1. (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:

      1. (i) three responses within a 30-day period; or
      2. (ii) eight responses within a 12-month period.
   2. (2) A civil citation issued under this section shall assess a penalty of $30 for each negligent or accidental activation or false alarm.

Added by Acts 2002, c. 26, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2002. Amended by Acts 2005, c. 25, § 1, eff. April 12, 2005; Acts 2005, c. 72, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2005; Acts 2013, c. 43, § 5; Acts 2014, c. 645, § 1, eff. Dec. 1, 2014.

Formerly Art. 27, §§ 156A, 156C.