ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland lawmakers are considering legislation that would prohibit the use of cannabis inside a motor vehicle when a minor is present, expanding restrictions aimed at protecting children from exposure.
House Bill 544 would make it illegal for an individual to smoke, vape or otherwise consume cannabis in the passenger area of a motor vehicle if a minor is an occupant. The prohibition would apply regardless of whether the vehicle is in motion.
Under the bill, a violation would be classified as a misdemeanor. Upon conviction, an individual could face up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
While Maryland law already prohibits smoking tobacco in a vehicle when a minor is present, there is currently no specific statute that explicitly bans cannabis use in a vehicle solely because a child is an occupant. Supporters of House Bill 544 say the measure would align cannabis restrictions with existing tobacco laws and provide clearer enforcement authority.
The bill defines cannabis and “passenger area” using existing provisions in Maryland law and would not replace or alter impaired driving statutes.
House Bill 544 was introduced and received its first reading on Jan. 27, 2026, and has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee. If approved by the General Assembly, the measure would take effect Oct. 1, 2026.
The full text of House Bill 544 is available below:
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Do we as a society even have to think twice about this?
Should not be allowed period
Not in a car at all let alone with children in the car
Maybe you democraps think it’s ok but it’s not