Maryland limits officers’ face coverings and requires visible identification

Officers may not wear coverings that hide their faces while performing duties in Maryland unless an exception applies. The rule covers sworn officers from Maryland, other states, and federal agencies while they perform duties in Maryland. Officers actively working undercover are exempt. Excluded items include clear shields, disease-prevention masks, required safety equipment, religious garments, and items worn to meet workplace accommodation requirements. The statewide policy may allow coverings absolutely necessary for officer health or safety, including during bad weather. General fear for officer safety alone is not enough. The face-covering rules took effect October 1, 2026.

Covered officers must wear identification on their outermost clothing and give that information aloud when someone asks. Identification includes the agency or department, last name, and badge or other identification number. The rule covers Maryland, out-of-state, and federal officers performing duties in Maryland. Officers working in plainclothes, without a uniform, or undercover are exempt. The statewide policy must address narrow circumstances for temporarily hiding identification because of an immediate threat to officer or public safety. The identification requirements took effect October 1, 2026.

Police officers may issue civil citations for violations of either rule. Either violation can bring a fine of up to $1,500 and counts as police misconduct. An issuing officer must have reasonable grounds to believe a violation is happening or has occurred. The state must prove a violation more likely than not occurred. Accused officers may question witnesses, present evidence, and hire a lawyer at their own expense. A finding of guilt is not a criminal conviction. Courts may suspend or delay payment of a fine. These enforcement rules took effect October 1, 2026.

The Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission must develop uniform face-covering and identification policies for each law enforcement agency to use. Maryland counties, municipalities, and state and local law enforcement agencies may not adopt different policies on these subjects. The identification policy must cover visibility, display on clothing, safety exceptions, and officer training. The policy requirements took effect October 1, 2026.