Baltimore City, MD Courthouse Cell Phone Policy, Lockers & Jury Duty Parking (2026)
Short answer: Yes. Visitors, litigants, and jurors may bring cell phones into Baltimore City Courthouse (Baltimore) (Baltimore City, MD). Phones must be switched to silent or vibrate before entering any courtroom, and taking photos or recordings anywhere inside the building is strictly prohibited under Maryland Rule 16-208 — Electronic Devices in Courthouses (Baltimore City County). No lockers are needed at Baltimore City Courthouse (Baltimore) because visitors are permitted to bring silenced cell phones inside the building past security. Last checked
How sure is this? This page applies the statewide Maryland court rule to Baltimore City. We have not yet confirmed it building by building, and local judges or the Sheriff can set stricter rules. Before you go, call (410) 396-5064 or check the official court site. Know the current rule? Tell us.
🏛️ Main Courthouse Facility
- Building
- Baltimore City Courthouse (Baltimore)
- Address
- 100 N Calvert St, Baltimore, MD 21202
- Hours
- 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Mon–Fri)
- Clerk / Security Phone
- (410) 396-5064
- Est. Foot Traffic
- ~2,019 visitors/day
- Official Court Site
- https://www.mdcourts.gov/ ↗
🅿️ Validated Jury Duty Parking & Transit
- Juror Parking Status
- FREE / Validated for Summoned Jurors
- Designated Garage / Lot
- Baltimore City Juror Parking Facility (Baltimore Judicial Garage)
- How to Validate
- Park in the designated Baltimore City Juror Garage in downtown Baltimore. Bring your parking ticket or license plate number inside to the Jury Assembly Room for full validation.
- Public Transit
- Served by Baltimore local bus and regional transit stops within 2 blocks of the main courthouse entrance. Warning: If arriving by Uber, Lyft, or bus at a phone-ban facility without lockers, do not bring prohibited electronics.
Security Rules, Lockers & Decorum (Baltimore City)
Authority: Maryland Rule 16-208 — Electronic Devices in Courthouses (Baltimore City County) · Verification: Statewide court rule baseline (Maryland); building-level check pending
| Rule / Amenity | Baltimore City Policy | Official Directive & Verification Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Cell phone policy | Allowed (silent mode in courtrooms) | “Baltimore City Courthouse (Baltimore) Maryland Rule 16-208 Notice: "Visitors and jurors may possess electronic devices inside the courthouse. Devices must remain off or silent inside courtrooms and may never be used to record proceedings."” |
| Cell phones banned | Phones allowed on silent | “Baltimore City Courthouse (Baltimore) Maryland Rule 16-208 Notice: "Visitors and jurors may possess electronic devices inside the courthouse. Devices must remain off or silent inside courtrooms and may never be used to record proceedings."” |
| Phone lockers at entrance | No lockers needed (phones allowed inside) | “Bailiff / Sheriff Security Directive (Baltimore City Courthouse (Baltimore)): "Court security officers will not hold, store, or safeguard cell phones or electronic devices at the entrance checkpoint. Visitors arriving via rideshare must make off-site arrangements."” |
| Uber & bus rider safe (no car) | Safe for Uber/bus (phones allowed inside) | “Bailiff / Sheriff Security Directive (Baltimore City Courthouse (Baltimore)): "Court security officers will not hold, store, or safeguard cell phones or electronic devices at the entrance checkpoint. Visitors arriving via rideshare must make off-site arrangements."” |
| Jury duty parking & validation | Free validated parking · Baltimore City Juror Parking Facility (Baltimore Judicial Garage) | “Jury Summons Instructions (Baltimore City): "Jurors receive free validated parking at Baltimore City Juror Parking Facility (Baltimore Judicial Garage). Bring your parking stub inside to the Jury Assembly Room for validation—do not park at 2-hour street meters."” |
| Juror phone & laptop rules | Jurors allowed phones & laptops in Jury Lounge | “Baltimore City Courthouse (Baltimore) Maryland Rule 16-208 Notice: "Visitors and jurors may possess electronic devices inside the courthouse. Devices must remain off or silent inside courtrooms and may never be used to record proceedings."” |
| Security line wait times | ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) | “Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).” |
| Courtroom dress code | Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats | “Courtroom Decorum Order (Baltimore City): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."” |
| Smartwatches & Apple Watch | Smartwatches allowed (silent) | “Baltimore City Courthouse (Baltimore) Maryland Rule 16-208 Notice: "Visitors and jurors may possess electronic devices inside the courthouse. Devices must remain off or silent inside courtrooms and may never be used to record proceedings."” |
Courthouse Buildings & Branch Annexes in Baltimore City
| Courthouse / Branch Building | Cell Phone Policy | Phone Lockers | Juror & Visitor Parking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore City Courthouse (Baltimore) Main Trial & Jury Courthouse · 100 N Calvert St, Baltimore, MD 21202 |
Allowed (Silent) | No lockers | Validated free (Baltimore City Juror Parking Facility (Baltimore Judicial Garage)) |
What to Know Before You Go to Baltimore City Courthouse (Baltimore)
📱 If You Have Jury Duty
Summoned jurors in Baltimore City are permitted to bring cell phones and laptops through the security checkpoint into the Jury Assembly Room. Show your printed Jury Summons to the Sheriff deputy at the magnetometer.
🚗 If You Have Traffic, Family, or Criminal Court
You may bring your cell phone inside on silent mode. Do not take your phone out inside a courtroom unless the judge explicitly asks you to display digital proof of insurance or exhibits.
👔 Dress Code & Security Line
Peak morning screening (8:00 AM – 9:15 AM) takes ~10 minutes. Arrive at least 20 minutes early. Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Remove belts, coins, and keychains before the magnetometer.
Skip the Security Line & Protect Your Record in Baltimore City, MD
If you have a Traffic Ticket, Speeding/CDL Violation, DUI, Misdemeanor, or Family Court hearing in Baltimore City, MD, a licensed local attorney can often appear in court on your behalf—saving you from missing work, risking a bench warrant, or taking points on your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my cell phone to Baltimore City Courthouse in Baltimore, MD?
Yes. Visitors, litigants, and jurors may bring cell phones into Baltimore City Courthouse (Baltimore) (Baltimore City, MD). Phones must be switched to silent or vibrate before entering any courtroom, and taking photos or recordings anywhere inside the building is strictly prohibited under Maryland Rule 16-208 — Electronic Devices in Courthouses (Baltimore City County).
Does Baltimore City Courthouse have cell phone lockers at the entrance?
No lockers are needed at Baltimore City Courthouse (Baltimore) because visitors are permitted to bring silenced cell phones inside the building past security.
Where do I park for jury duty at Baltimore City Courthouse and is it free?
Yes, jury duty parking is free/validated at Baltimore City Juror Parking Facility (Baltimore Judicial Garage). Park in the designated Baltimore City Juror Garage in downtown Baltimore. Bring your parking ticket or license plate number inside to the Jury Assembly Room for full validation.
Can summoned jurors bring a laptop or phone to Baltimore City Jury Duty?
Yes. Summoned jurors with their Jury Summons may bring a cell phone and laptop/tablet into the Baltimore City Jury Assembly Room. All devices must be turned off when entering a courtroom.
How long is the security line at Baltimore City Courthouse (Baltimore) and what is the dress code?
Expect a 10-minute wait at the Sheriff magnetometers between 8:00 AM and 9:15 AM (arrive at least 20 minutes before your court call). Dress code: Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms.
What happens if I am turned away at security and miss my Baltimore City court call?
If a bailiff denies you entry because you brought a prohibited phone without a car or wore prohibited attire, missing your docket call in traffic or criminal court can result in a default conviction or a Failure to Appear (FTA) Bench Warrant. Contact the Clerk at (410) 396-5064 or consult a local Baltimore City traffic/defense attorney immediately.
Other County Courthouses in Maryland
- Montgomery County (Rockville)
- Prince Georges County (Upper Marlboro)
- Baltimore County (Towson)
- Anne Arundel County (Annapolis)
- Howard County (Ellicott City)
- Frederick County (Frederick)
- Harford County (Bel Air)
- Carroll County (Westminster)
- Charles County (La Plata)
- All 10 Maryland counties →
Last checked 2026-11-04. Administrative orders and security protocols can change by order of the Chief Judge or County Sheriff. Spot an update at Baltimore City Courthouse (Baltimore)? Submit a verified update.