(a)    This section does not apply:

(1)    to alarm systems activated by weather conditions or causes beyond the control of the alarm user;

(2)    in Frederick County if regulations are adopted under § 12–806 of the Local Government Article providing for the registration of alarm system contractors and alarm users, the issuance of civil citations, and penalties for a violation of a regulation;

(3)    in Calvert County if the Board of County Commissioners of Calvert County adopts regulations under § 12–806 of the Local Government Article providing for the registration of alarm system contractors and alarm users, the issuance of civil citations, and penalties for a violation of a regulation; or

(4)    in Washington County if the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County adopts regulations under § 12–806 of the Local Government Article providing for the registration of alarm system contractors and alarm users, the issuance of civil citations, and penalties for a violation of a regulation.

(b)    An alarm system that is activated more than once within a 12–hour period when a premises with an alarm system is unoccupied and that is not in response to an actual emergency situation or threatened suggested criminal activity constitutes one false alarm if:

(1)    access to the building is provided to the alarm system contractor; and

(2)    an alarm system contractor or an employee of an alarm system contractor responds to the activated alarm system.

(c)    (1)    A law enforcement unit or fire department may issue a civil citation to an alarm user for the negligent or accidental activation of an alarm system as a result of faulty, malfunctioning, or improperly installed or maintained equipment or for a false alarm if the number of activations or false alarms to which the law enforcement unit or fire department responds exceeds:

(i)    three responses within a 30–day period; or

(ii)    eight responses within a 12–month period.

(2)    A civil citation issued under this section shall assess a penalty of $30 for each negligent or accidental activation or false alarm.