Went to Maryland...

[Pro2A]

Well it happened. I got stopped in MD while transporting thru the state. It was about 10am when I crossed the state line. I had stopped at exit 3 on I-81 south in PA to disarm, lock the gun up separate from ammo and put it all in the trunk. I crossed into Maryland headed south into WV and then to VA. I was in MD all of 5 minutes. The baby was fussing in the back seat so I reached back to grab a bottle out of the diaper bag. Doing so caused me to swerve a bit. I corrected then went about trying to get his bottle and give it to him. Next thing I know I see the lights… I thought to myself “Oh great”
I stopped and the officer walked up…

Officer: “License and registration please. (Pause) Do you know why I stopped you”?
Me: “Not really sir”
Officer: “You were swerving; I wanted to make sure you weren’t drinking (pause looking into my wallet)

I realized I hadn’t moved my LTCF out of view in my wallet. The officer obviously noticed my LTCF.

Officer: “Do you have a firearm in the vehicle”?
Me: “…. I have a firearm in the trunk locked and separate from the ammo in accordance with the federal interstate transportation laws”.
Officer: “Where are you headed”?
Me: “To northern VA to meet with some friends”
Officer: “Ok. Keep your hands on the wheel, I’ll be right back”
5 minutes pass, he comes back.
Officer: “Here are you license and registration back. Please watch your driving and reaching around, some people can be dangerous on these roads. They could hit you.
Me: “I know sir, thanks.
Officer: “(Pause with a friendly kind of inquiry) what kind of firearm do you have”?
Me: “It’s a Glock 36 .45 caliber”.
Officer: “Nice choice, I like Glocks. But hurry up and get to WV and avoid this state”. Said in almost a “Friendly I’m on your side” kind of way
Me: “Thanks you sir, have a good day”.
And that was that. Off I went. It’s good to know there are still LEO’s out there that respect the 2A… especially in MD.

[NY Refugee]

I think that most LEOs are decent people, who if you treat them with respect they will treat you in kind.
Sounds like a positive interaction.

[BenningBoy]

This had to be an older officer, right?

[HiredGoon]

Officer: “But hurry up and get to WV and avoid this state”. Said in almost a “Friendly I’m on your side” kind of way

Gee, you should have asked him for a police escort with lights and siren to get the hell of of MD quickly
Seriously though...great encounter, glad you had everything in the trunk

[PennsyPlinker]

So that was you on the side of the road! We passed through MD on I 81 on the way to FL last week, and on the way home yesterday afternoon. Eyes front, one mile over the speed limit, no passing, and through with no problems in either direction. It is a shame MD is the way it is, because I often travel east/west through the state going to WV. It has some beautiful country out that way.

I am very glad to hear you were not harassed or otherwise troubled.

[sinful]

Good thing it wasn't me. I prefer to keep the baby in the trunk, and the guns on the back seat...

[SteveXD]

Glad that it went well. I was in MD yesterday too and I just left my gun at home. I've read too many bad stories about some of the cops in that state. I think one was posted here or on dc.com... about a cop that was bragging that "he will throw you in jail if he finds a firearm if you stop for anything "....

[vetter3006]

Am also glad you had zero problems due to you had your small child in the car and it could have been horrible otherwise. Glad you made it through ok.

[625]

Wow, you really need to pay attention to the road, especially with your kid in the car. That could have gotten ugly, but I'm sure you already know this. We all need to pay more attention to the road these days. Death or injury can happen quickly at highway speed.

Ok, now that I'm done stating the obvious, on to the trooper. I used to live in Md. and have actually had good experiences with the state troopers. I don't ever remember getting a ticket, just warnings. Local cops, that's different.

Drive safe.

[tes151]

If I had my gun locked in one saddle bag and the magazines with the ammo locked in the other saddle bag on my motorcycle, would that be legal enough?