Bottom line is, in MD always expect the worst. If you absolutely HAD to break the law, like in the accident scenario, there's a chance you would be OK. There's also a chance you could go to jail for 3 years. It's all up to the individual officer, if you have contact with one. Speaking from a police point of view(in DE), its commonly known that MD has a big push against the rights of firearms owners. Cops in DE love getting DUI's, it's one of the best stats we can get. In MD, gun arrests are on the same level. Its probably because the more gun arrests they get, the more State and Federal funding they are eligible for.
Also, last time I checked, MD had magazine capacity restrictions in effect. Possession of a magazine with greater than 10 round capacity, whether loaded or not, is illegal. Thats true even if you are first cousin to the Governor and actually can get a MD permit, you still cant carry more than 10 round capacity. If its a 15 round mag, but you only have 10 rounds in it, it's still a no-go.
Anyway, getting back on track, FOPA will only cover you if travelling through MD. If you have any destination in MD, whether going to dinner, a movie, work, etc FOPA will not apply. If you can posses under FOPA, the weapon must be unloaded, stored separate from the ammo, and locked in an inaccessible part of the vehicle.
I teach CCDW courses and am obviously a big 2nd amendment proponent. Unfortunately, I don't work in MD, so best of luck if you run into a less forgiving MD cop. Even when I carry under HR 218, the federal carry law for cops, I still get nervous when carrying in MD.
