Maryland Courthouse Security Line Wait Times & Hours (2026)

Short answer: Arrive at least 20 to 35 minutes before your scheduled courtroom call. Monday and Tuesday mornings have the longest magnetometer lines due to new jury panels checking in simultaneously. Updated 2026-11-04

Morning security checkpoint wait times in Maryland range from 10 to 18 minutes during peak 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM docket call. The longest typical queue is at Montgomery County Courthouse (Rockville) (~18 mins). Under Maryland Rule 16-208, cell phones are permitted in Maryland Circuit and District Courthouses unless a local administrative judge restricts a high-security facility (such as Baltimore City Mitchell Courthouse annexes), where phone rules and lockers apply.

County CourthouseCitySecurity line wait timesPhone LockersJuror Parking
Montgomery County
Montgomery County Courthouse (Rockville)
“Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (18 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”
 Rockville ~18 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Prince Georges County
Prince Georges County Courthouse (Upper Marlboro)
“Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (18 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”
 Upper Marlboro ~18 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Baltimore County
Baltimore County Courthouse (Towson)
“Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (18 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).”
 Towson ~18 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel County Courthouse (Annapolis)
“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).”
 Annapolis ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Baltimore City
Baltimore City Courthouse (Baltimore)
“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).”
 Baltimore ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Howard County
Howard County Courthouse (Ellicott City)
“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).”
 Ellicott City ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Frederick County
Frederick County Courthouse (Frederick)
“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).”
 Frederick ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Harford County
Harford County Courthouse (Bel Air)
“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).”
 Bel Air ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Carroll County
Carroll County Courthouse (Westminster)
“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).”
 Westminster ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Charles County
Charles County Courthouse (La Plata)
“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).”
 La Plata ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) No lockers Free Validated
Going to Court Without a Lawyer?

Skip the Security Line & Protect Your Record in MD

If you have a Traffic Ticket, Speeding/CDL Violation, DUI, Misdemeanor, or Family Court hearing in 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

How early should I arrive for an 8:30 AM or 9:00 AM court date in Maryland?

Arrive at least 20 to 35 minutes before your scheduled courtroom call. Monday and Tuesday mornings have the longest magnetometer lines due to new jury panels checking in simultaneously.

How is this courthouse policy data verified?

We verify every county against official Court Administrative Orders (.gov), Jury Commissioner instructions, and Sheriff Court Security directives. Last verified 2026-11-04.

More Courthouse Rules in Maryland

Security line wait times in Other States