§ 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 § 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) 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) 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.

(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.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 27, § 156A(g)(4)(i), 156C; 2002, ch. 26, § 2; 2005, ch. 25, § 1; ch. 72; 2013, ch. 119, § 14.